Space and Science BS Thread

I was 9. I remember the announcement…
https://x.com/nasahistory/status/1798021902784487553?s=46

 

so Elon mentioned in a tweet that he is going to do something with TD next week, and one of the things they'll talk about is the heatshield. He has also said their is a chance at them attempting a catch with ift5 if ift4 is successful. I think their biggest hurdle there is approval. All the segments for the second tower are build, most are already in Texas, and have many visible improvements that will speed their assembly compared to the first tower. It could theoretically be build in under a month, but likely will be around 2-3. iirc the first was 5-6.

As for Hubble. If they're talking about increasing altitude with a dragon, then they have some ideas on how to attach to it. Would love to see it, especially with the camera views Spacex gives us, and I think that's Hubble's only hope. I don't think Starship will save it unless they have a customer for Starship that requires a large payload door. Elon has already talked a little about the possibility of a Telescope variant. That means a 30 foot diameter mirror vs 8, not to mention much more up to date hardware. Theoretically they could even land it for servicing and repairs. That means the only real reason for Starship to do it is nostalgia, which has a fair chance considering this is Elon. That said I would love to see Spacex launch 5-10 space telescopes and rent them out to governments, universities, etc.

 

Launch them yes, build them? Elon has said there’s much to do that others will have to get done so without a direct tie to something they need it would likely fall into that “others” category. That said they could probably get them into position for a fraction of the cost even completely expending a ship in the process. Ie jettison the nose cone and rule out reentry. I think it also would need a longer duration fuel than methalox for orbital adjustments.

 

https://x.com/spcplcyonline/status/1798082605201699267?s=46
https://x.com/spcplcyonline/status/1798095062846296111?s=46
https://x.com/spcplcyonline/status/1798095298222326032?s=46
https://x.com/nasahubble/status/1798097916395180108?s=46

 

Link for tomorrow. Don’t be that guy watching bogus Bitcoin content on YT…
https://x.com/spacex/status/1798099582473429352?s=46

Related:
https://x.com/sciguyspace/status/1798089390708687106?s=46
https://x.com/sciguyspace/status/1798103823182921984?s=46

 

Obviously SpaceX will attempt a controlled re-entry but if they tell the FAA in advance that it'll be uncontrolled then attempt controlled it won't auto trigger an investigation?

Am I interpreting it correctly that had this Launceston license were for the last launch, starship's re-entry would not have been investigated?

(Apologies for the rambling, likely not very coherent comments/Qs--still having coffee and popping fuses between the ears.)

 

I don’t know about the last launch but Eric is reporting if SpX informs the FAA BEFORE launch that that landing will be uncontrolled, then no investigation will happen.

 

I think they had to clear the hurdle of no risk to life or property ground side and maintaining flight profile before the change in licensing. Can’t have it wandering off trajectory and coming down where it’s not supposed to. That might have had a bit to do with loss of attitude control triggering no in flight relight. Having demonstrated that they’re free now to play with how it comes down as long as they say what they intend in advance and continue to paint inside the lives. Pretty sure losing control to the extent either stage comes down outside of the targeted area placing life or property at risk would still trigger an investigation so it’s not a totally free pass. “You’re improving, keep it up and your good to go, backslide and we start all over”.

 

Looks like just 2 guys at the press site with the countdown clock….

 

Starliner is up!

 

https://x.com/boeingspace/status/1798378082098933922?s=46

 

Was a bit of a nailbiter watching that, glad they launched safely

 

The NASASpaceflight or Everyday Astronaut streams will be better. Both will be in 4k.

 

Huh, I’ve always thought SpX provided the best, most unique perspectives

And sometimes, the NSF folks just yammer to much

If I were gonna be home, I’d have multiple streams going. As is, I’ll be in the office watching on my phone and getting all the replays when I get home.

 

The have a ton of F9 data to jump start things but SHB’s are a whole new kettle. Managing to reach the ground intact allows them to collect more control data but doesn’t ensure they actually have control. It’s going to take some flight experiences to get that and refine the software. A soft water landing would be a huge step and one that comes after getting the engines to all relight. I’d count even just a full relight as a success, anything more is a huge bonus. If they can manage 3 more flights before the tower is completed (w/wout an OLM) they might have that control. After it cools they could set it directly on a transport stand.

 

Yeah, they do tend to talk a bunch, but that's what the mute button is for. Members also get a commentary-free multi cam view.

SpaceX did do a good job, but the video formats on X just aren't like what they were able to do on YouTube.

 

I get it. I don’t watch the X feed, I go straight to their website.

Here’s to hoping John makes an appearance

 

Yeah, but the views and quality SpaceX gives us... So much better than any other rocket launches

 

@Hunterdc1 , I thought I remember you saying Apollo 7 launched in the vicinity?? Maybe not a base yet??
https://x.com/sldelta45/status/1798472619940814855?s=46