Space and Science BS Thread

https://x.com/nasa_landsat/status/1701611449771270495?s=46

 

I recently saw this video, it caught my attention since it's somewhat local to me. It's a pretty cool concept for getting stuff into space.
Sorry if it's been posted already.

 

Yes, it’s been posted but it’s still a cool idea even if the payloads suffer 10,000 g’s and are going fastest when the air is thickest. Apparently they are in the process of locating/acquiring a suitable coastal site for the full size launcher. My admittedly preconceived notions would prefer to see it at high altitude or better yet in the moon.

 

Question: does every Raptor used for flight undergo full duration static fire testing? As in start up to meco for booster engines or in the case of starship vacuum Raptors startup to orbital insertion. I would think this a no brainer but given the failure rate it’s either not the case or some differences in testing vs actual conditions is the issue. Initially I thought that debris strikes from flying concrete might be the problem but “the list” has me wondering if it’s support hdwr not actually part of each engine but still necessary for function either on the rockets or OLM. Even the most recent test wasn’t completely successful since all 33 didn’t stay lit for even the few seconds of the test. That signals to me that there’s still problems somewhere. Looking forward to S26 testing which I assume will precede the next launch or why else bring it to pad B?

 

From the different NSF videos talking about these things, I have gathered a slight understanding.

1. Raptors do undergo testing, but it differs in duration and NSF isn't sure why. https://youtu.be/hlrYG5oFW_o?si=fnkIQupnSkXiZuR8 https://youtu.be/I6GJVvwUEGk?si=pZxENvDLdn45olR7
2. The Raptors used on B7 and on B9 are lower serial numbers and are some of the first R2s that SpaceX made. Once we get several flights and start moving up past the 100th Raptor, I expect to see the shut downs during static fires drop. SpaceX won't say why Raptors shut down during static fires and it could be anything form support hardware, to sensor malfunctions to a bad line of code in the flight computer.
3. The concrete did not hit the Raptors on IFT1, but it was fuel leaks in the Booster engine bay that caused fires that melted computer harness(es) and hydraulic lines that caused further failures. The mitigation of the fuel leaks and increased insulation of the wiring and the use of electric TVC should take that to zero.

 

I can understand shorter tests on Rvacs since at sea level the nozzle is over expanded. It would beyond excellent if stemming the engine bay fires solved the issues experienced during OFT-1 but that’s probably too much to hope for. Really nice would be success to orbit with enhanced data on the systems including those that come online after stage separation.
Basically enough of a success that they can proceed without undue delay to OFT-3.

 

It's be nice to have a lot of things, that takes time and practice. Repetition is the biggest factor. Simulations and math are great, but the real world always seems to go a little differently than the simulations. Luckily, SpaceX is one of those companies that fails, learns from those failures, and then tries again and they tend to do it rapidly.

The first rocket was already outdated hardware by the time it launched. It was using v1 raptor engines when they already had v2 ready and tested, and it's a MUCH simpler and more reliable design. It used hydraulics, where the next one is now electric. And despite being majorly outdated hardware wise, the flight data was still worth the cost of sending it. And things are only going to start moving faster. They built ship 30 in under a month, and thats with half their production site being demolished to be replaced with an actual building. Once that building is up and running I bet they can half that time.

 

I'm pretty sure Booster 4 had R1s, but Booster 7 had R2.0. Booster 9 has the Booster 2.5 and I'm sure subsequent boosters will have the R3s.

 

I'm camped in central Utah. Odd light low in the sky caught my attention...



Guessing either a polar launch from Vandenberg, or a Trident test. Didn't see the first stage.

 

Probably a UFO dropping in on friends & family at the Area 51 KOG(kampgrounds of the galaxy) and just now leaving via the scenic rte.

 

Which direction were you facing?

 

Truck says "SW" so camera was probably more or less west.

I got soooo lost out there last night, but no UFOs other than I guess this one.




Edit: I checked, it was a government flight out of Vandenberg

 

Email from earlier today. The FAA asserting their authoritay!
Dear Interested Party:


SpaceX conducted a test flight of the Starship/Super Heavy at Boca Chica, TX on April 20, 2023. As a result of that launch, SpaceX completed a mishap investigation with FAA oversight; this investigation analyzed the launch, mishap events, and corrective actions. Before it is authorized to conduct a second Starship/Super Heavy launch, SpaceX must obtain a modified license from the FAA that addresses all safety, environmental, and other regulatory requirements. As part of that license application determination process, the FAA will review new environmental information, including changes related to the launch pad, as well as other proposed vehicle and flight modifications. The FAA will complete a Written Reevaluation (WR) to the 2022 Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) evaluating the new environmental information, including Endangered Species Act consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. If the FAA determines through the WR process that the contents of the PEA do not remain valid in light of the changes proposed for Flight 2, additional environmental review will be required. Accordingly, the FAA has not authorized SpaceX’s proposed Flight 2.



The FAA will provide updates with notification of any license determination or results of additional environmental review.



Thank you,

The FAA SpaceX Boca Chica Project Team


Federal Aviation Administration, Office of Commercial Space TransportationSpaceX Boca Chicac/o 9300 Lee HighwayFairfax, VA

Sent by spacexbocachica@icf.com

 

Gotta love the gov getting in the way...

 

It’s a necessary evil imho.

 

And in elon's opinion too. He's said he's not against these agencies, he just doesn't like their inefficiencies and bureaucratic red tape.

 

To some degree… gotta keep it under control though.

 

Kinda goes both ways. That’s how it works. If it’s not going both ways it’s probably not working.

 

Outstanding picture.

 

It’s kinda remarkable we still havethis program going on the the Russians….
Another NASA astronaut earns their wings. I read elsewhere it was 6 hours from launch to docking..
https://x.com/nasa/status/1702785757276934328?s=46