[Merged] SpaceX’s Starship Rocket Explodes After Launch/Starship hop - Page 3

smartcooky · 26th December 2020, 05:06 PM

Originally Posted by Garrison

Short video covering the fates of SN01-SN08:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7Ik089A5nc

From cryo tank test to 12.5km flight test took 10 months.

Meanwhile, over at SLS......

smartcooky · 26th December 2020, 05:09 PM

Originally Posted by Mader Levap

SSTO is already possible. It is just so uneconomical with current tech that no one bothers with it.

Agree, but as I said, no significant payload. Therefpre, as you say, uneconomical

However, there has been been a successful SSTO vehicle that took two astronauts into orbit!

Mader Levap · 26th December 2020, 05:30 PM

Originally Posted by smartcooky

However, there has been been a successful SSTO vehicle that took two astronauts into orbit!

I am unaware about any existing SSTO that can orbit anything, let alone two astronauts.

One hint: being on certain height (for a moment) is not same thing as orbiting on same height.

In first case, gravity will inevitably drag them down.

In second case, gravity will try that too, but these guys will miss Earth, quite literally. To pull it off, quite a lot of sideways speed is required.

Trebuchet · 26th December 2020, 05:36 PM

Originally Posted by smartcooky

Agree, but as I said, no significant payload. Therefpre, as you say, uneconomical

However, there has been been a successful SSTO vehicle that took two astronauts into orbit!

smartcooky · 26th December 2020, 05:46 PM

Originally Posted by Mader Levap

I am unaware about any existing SSTO that can orbit anything, let alone two astronauts.

One hint: being on certain height (for a moment) is not same thing as orbiting on same height.

In first case, gravity will inevitably drag them down.

In second case, gravity will try that too, but these guys will miss Earth, quite literally. To pull it off, quite a lot of sideways speed is required.

Originally Posted by Trebuchet

OK, let me drop a clue or two

There were six of these SSTO vehicles that each successfully took two astronauts to orbit along with some additional payload, over a period of just over 3 years.... its never been done again.

ETA: C'mon guys, think outside the square

Trebuchet · 26th December 2020, 09:42 PM

Originally Posted by smartcooky

OK, let me drop a clue or two

There were six of these SSTO vehicles that each successfully took two astronauts to orbit along with some additional payload, over a period of just over 3 years.... its never been done again.

ETA: C'mon guys, think outside the square

Lunar orbit doesn't count.

smartcooky · 27th December 2020, 12:28 AM

Originally Posted by Trebuchet

Lunar orbit doesn't count.

Yes, it does

Wikipedia: A single-stage-to-orbit (or SSTO) vehicle reaches orbit from the surface of a body using only propellants and fluids and without expending tanks, engines, or other major hardware
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Single-stage-to-orbit

The Free Dictionary: A single-stage-to-orbit (or SSTO) vehicle reaches orbit from the surface of a body without jettisoning hardware, expending only propellants and fluids.
https://encyclopedia.thefreedictiona...Stage-to-Orbit

Aviation Dictionary: A single stage to orbit (or SSTO) vehicle reaches orbit from the surface of a body without jettisoning hardware, expending only propellants and fluids
http://aviation_dictionary.enacademi...pheric_vehicle

Explosive Rail Launch by Royce Jones on Academia.edu
Single-stage to orbit — A single-stage-to-orbit (or SSTO) vehicle reaches orbit from the surface of a body without jettisoning hardware
https://www.academia.edu/26747819/Explosive_Rail_Launch

The Moon is "a body" so that makes the ascent stage of the LM an SSTO. Even the Russian "Luna" and the Chinese "Chang-e5 sample return missions used SSTO vehicles.

Even NASA does not limit the term SSTO to earth orbit
"PROPOSAL NUMBER: 09-2 S3.08-8305
PHASE 1 CONTRACT NUMBER: NNX10CC61P
SUBTOPIC TITLE: Planetary Ascent Vehicles
PROPOSAL TITLE: NOFBX Single-Stage-to-Orbit Mars Ascent Vehicle Engine

https://sbir.nasa.gov/SBIR/abstracts...3.08-8305.html

MAVs to be used to bring astronauts back from Mars will be SSTO's because Mars' gravity is low enough to allow it, and because it is by far the simplest, most cost effective engineering solution

Mader Levap · 27th December 2020, 10:33 AM

Originally Posted by smartcooky

OK, let me drop a clue or two

There were six of these SSTO vehicles that each successfully took two astronauts to orbit along with some additional payload, over a period of just over 3 years.... its never been done again.

You knew very well that everyone would assume launching from Earth.

smartcooky · 27th December 2020, 11:08 AM

Originally Posted by Mader Levap

You knew very well that everyone would assume launching from Earth.

Yep, and what happens when you assume?

JayUtah · 27th December 2020, 12:01 PM

Originally Posted by smartcooky

Lack of fuel causes the engines to run "Oxidizer Rich". AIUI (no doubt Jay will correct me if I'm wrong) when that happens, the oxygen will be chemically reacting with the best available candidate.

You're not wrong. *cough* NK-33 *cough*.

jadebox · 27th December 2020, 12:58 PM

Originally Posted by smartcooky

Yes, it does.

Only if you conveniently forget that it took a huge multi-stage rocket to get the LM module onto the moon in the first place.

Reformed Offlian · 27th December 2020, 01:19 PM

Originally Posted by smartcooky

And FYI, here is Scott Manley on today's test, which includes an awesome view from the landing pad camera looking straight up at the rocket bellyflopping and flipping just before it crashes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egHxiX40eJY

He apparently didn't stow the Dressing Gown of Doom quite safely enough.

smartcooky · 27th December 2020, 03:00 PM

Originally Posted by jadebox

Only if you conveniently forget that it took a huge multi-stage rocket to get the LM module onto the moon in the first place.

Sorry, but why is that relevant?

a_unique_person · 28th December 2020, 02:14 AM

Originally Posted by smartcooky

Yep, and what happens when you assume?

Benny Hill knows the answer to that question.

3point14 · 29th December 2020, 09:37 AM

Originally Posted by smartcooky

Agree, but as I said, no significant payload. Therefpre, as you say, uneconomical

However, there has been been a successful SSTO vehicle that took two astronauts into orbit!

Well, technically yes...

Edit: Must read whole of thread....

cow_cat · 6th January 2021, 03:33 PM

About 30 minutes ago (22:09 GMT), SN-9 was test-fired on the pad at SpaceX Boca Chica Launch Facility. Live feed:

YouTube Video This video is not hosted by the ISF. The ISF can not be held responsible for the suitability or legality of this material. By clicking the link below you agree to view content from an external website.

I AGREE

The dinged fin has been panel-beaten back into shape and the seams welded up nicely.

There is a NOTAM (NOTice to AirMen, basically an air space restriction) in place for the 8th through to the 11th, suggesting an attempt to launch SN-9 as early as this Friday. I don't think anything is set in stone yet, or if it is I haven't been able to find it. But the conventional wisdom is that this will be pretty-much a repeat of the SN-8 flight with aspirations to stick the landing this time.

SN-10 and SN-11 are both in the assembly bay at the moment so again, there will likely be a quick turnaround regardless of the outcome of the SN-9 flight.

smartcooky · 6th January 2021, 03:58 PM

Originally Posted by cow_cat

About 30 minutes ago (22:09 GMT), SN-9 was test-fired on the pad at SpaceX Boca Chica Launch Facility. Live feed:

YouTube Video This video is not hosted by the ISF. The ISF can not be held responsible for the suitability or legality of this material. By clicking the link below you agree to view content from an external website.

I AGREE

The dinged fin has been panel-beaten back into shape and the seams welded up nicely.

I thought I read somewhere that they pinched the fin off SN10.

a_unique_person · 8th January 2021, 12:21 AM

The genius of using stainless steel. Got a problem with that panel? Hey, get the panel beaters out here and bash it back into shape.

arthwollipot · 11th January 2021, 06:02 PM

The first time you'll see someone banging a rocket with a hammer, but probably not the last.

Trebuchet · 11th January 2021, 08:20 PM

No static fire today due to an overturned concrete truck in one direction and a beached fishing vessel in the other!

Garrison · 25th January 2021, 12:12 PM

So SN-09 should be carrying out its hop in the next couple of days, could be today if the wind drops:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtGutb1R5cQ

cow_cat · 25th January 2021, 12:40 PM

There have been a few static fires and it seems some problems with fuel pressures but it seems they are ready to try again. Today for the next 5 hours, or the next 2 days if things don't go well today.

Edit - scrubbed for today because of high winds.

Ziggurat · 25th January 2021, 01:23 PM

Originally Posted by a_unique_person

The genius of using stainless steel. Got a problem with that panel? Hey, get the panel beaters out here and bash it back into shape.

It also makes heat shielding simpler. Stainless steel can withstand much higher temperatures than aluminum or carbon fiber without losing structural strength, so you can make up a lot of the weight lost to steel being heavier by not needing thermal tiles.

wobs · 26th January 2021, 06:37 AM

So how long before they can recreate the Bird1 scene in You Only Live Twice?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qixtjMoMUA

cow_cat · 26th January 2021, 02:46 PM

Elon has tweeted that they are hoping for FAA approval for a flight tomorrow. Soviet capsule capture yet to be determined.

crescent · 30th January 2021, 12:02 PM

I guess there will be no launch for today, still some issues with federal permits.

But while waiting to get permits to launch SN9 they put SN10 on the pad today. Two of them side by side, looks pretty cool.

SpaceX Nerdlecam (Youtube link but I can't get the normal YT embed thing to work, maybe because it is a live cam)

a_unique_person · 2nd February 2021, 02:25 AM

Rumour that the FAA is not happy with the SN8 flight. Elon didn't let on about all the risks involved or something.

smartcooky · 2nd February 2021, 03:04 AM

Originally Posted by a_unique_person

Rumour that the FAA is not happy with the SN8 flight. Elon didn't let on about all the risks involved or something.

There was an engine change. FAA didn't like it because engine changes have to have special safety checks and protocols (or something, don't ask me the details). Seems a bit strange to me - an engine is an engine. Airline change engines on aircraft all the time, and it doesn't seem to attract a lot of attention.

I think the FAA are poorly equipped to deal with all this. Between SpaceX, ULA, Virgin and Orbital ATK (now Northrop-Grumman) and with Blue Origin soon to join, and Rocketlab opening their new launch facility at Wallops, there could be upwards of 50 launches per year. The FAA's space division are just not set up deal with the launch cadence of modern rocketry.

cow_cat · 2nd February 2021, 11:15 AM

There has been a few days of will-they-won't-they, but it looks like Elon and the FAA have sorted out their differences and there might even be an attempt at a flight today! Since last Thursday there has been no TFR (Temporary Flight Restriction) granted, but today there is. Most importantly, SN9's flaps have finally been extended!

I prefer the LabPadre feed of the launch pad because there is little-to-no talking going on, but the pictures and text are all that is needed to be known. At the moment, there is a lovely view of SN9 and SN10 next to each other as SN9 is prepared for launch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ky5l9ZxsG9M

3point14 · 2nd February 2021, 01:12 PM

About three minutes out from flight time, if all goes to plan...

cow_cat · 2nd February 2021, 01:29 PM

Spoiler alert - all did not go to plan

I only saw 1 engine relight on the way down, with a touchdown slightly less controlled than SN8, and a similar result. Once again, great explosion and good telemetry.

Hope SN10 wasn't damaged and they can light that one soon.

Trebuchet · 2nd February 2021, 01:40 PM

Didn't actually get as close to landing as 8, I'd say. But otherwise looked very good. After the RUD there was a shot of a bit of light debris fluttering down the side of Ten. Probably wouldn't be damaging.

smartcooky · 2nd February 2021, 06:03 PM

LITHOBRAKING!!!!

Ziggurat · 2nd February 2021, 06:08 PM

Originally Posted by smartcooky

Yep, and what happens when you assume?

https://xkcd.com/169/

arthwollipot · 2nd February 2021, 06:34 PM

Was this another "seven out of eight criteria for success were met" situation?

I'll catch up with Scott Manley tonight, undoubtedly.

3point14 · 2nd February 2021, 07:22 PM

Originally Posted by smartcooky

Yep, and what happens when you assume?

By all the gods in christendom, I hate that aphorism. Not only is it trite as ****, it also doesn't actually work.

a_unique_person · 2nd February 2021, 08:06 PM

According to Benny Hill, you make an ass out of you and me.

cow_cat · 3rd March 2021, 02:56 PM

SN 10 has had one aborted attempt but is trying again within the hour. Bets on the outcome? More RUD, or great success?

crescent · 3rd March 2021, 04:19 PM

Well, it (SN10) went up, came down and landed.

It did~~n't~~* blow up.

Seems like the landing legs didn't deploy, it is leaning and looks to be a little bit on fire.

Sometimes those revolutionary things come in incremental steps. This counts.

ETA: I posted too soon. It just blew up, a few minutes after landing. Had to edit the post with a bit of selective strikethrough.

Trebuchet · 3rd March 2021, 04:36 PM

How many tries was it before an F9 landed successfully and safely? More than three, IIRC.

26th December 2020, 05:06 PM	#81
smartcooky Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Nelson, New Zealand Posts: 24,829	Originally Posted by Garrison Short video covering the fates of SN01-SN08: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7Ik089A5nc From cryo tank test to 12.5km flight test took 10 months. Meanwhile, over at SLS......
	__________________ Those who claim that something can't be done need to stop getting in the way of those who are actually doing it! - Anonymous Its TRE45ON season... convict the F45CIST!!

26th December 2020, 05:09 PM	#82
smartcooky Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Nelson, New Zealand Posts: 24,829	Originally Posted by Mader Levap SSTO is already possible. It is just so uneconomical with current tech that no one bothers with it. Agree, but as I said, no significant payload. Therefpre, as you say, uneconomical However, there has been been a successful SSTO vehicle that took two astronauts into orbit!
	__________________ Those who claim that something can't be done need to stop getting in the way of those who are actually doing it! - Anonymous Its TRE45ON season... convict the F45CIST!!

26th December 2020, 05:30 PM	#83
Mader Levap Graduate Poster Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 1,576	Originally Posted by smartcooky However, there has been been a successful SSTO vehicle that took two astronauts into orbit! I am unaware about any existing SSTO that can orbit anything, let alone two astronauts. One hint: being on certain height (for a moment) is not same thing as orbiting on same height. In first case, gravity will inevitably drag them down. In second case, gravity will try that too, but these guys will miss Earth, quite literally. To pull it off, quite a lot of sideways speed is required.
	__________________ Sanity is overrated. / Voting for Republicans is morally equivalent to voting for Nazis in early 30's.

26th December 2020, 05:36 PM	#84
Trebuchet Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Port Townsend, Washington Posts: 38,281	Originally Posted by smartcooky Agree, but as I said, no significant payload. Therefpre, as you say, uneconomical However, there has been been a successful SSTO vehicle that took two astronauts into orbit! <Citation Needed>
	__________________ Cum catapultae proscribeantur tum soli proscripti catapultas habeant.

26th December 2020, 05:46 PM	#85
smartcooky Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Nelson, New Zealand Posts: 24,829	Originally Posted by Mader Levap I am unaware about any existing SSTO that can orbit anything, let alone two astronauts. One hint: being on certain height (for a moment) is not same thing as orbiting on same height. In first case, gravity will inevitably drag them down. In second case, gravity will try that too, but these guys will miss Earth, quite literally. To pull it off, quite a lot of sideways speed is required. Originally Posted by Trebuchet <Citation Needed> OK, let me drop a clue or two There were six of these SSTO vehicles that each successfully took two astronauts to orbit along with some additional payload, over a period of just over 3 years.... its never been done again. ETA: C'mon guys, think outside the square
	__________________ Those who claim that something can't be done need to stop getting in the way of those who are actually doing it! - Anonymous Its TRE45ON season... convict the F45CIST!! Last edited by smartcooky; 26th December 2020 at 05:49 PM.

26th December 2020, 09:42 PM	#86
Trebuchet Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Port Townsend, Washington Posts: 38,281	Originally Posted by smartcooky OK, let me drop a clue or two There were six of these SSTO vehicles that each successfully took two astronauts to orbit along with some additional payload, over a period of just over 3 years.... its never been done again. ETA: C'mon guys, think outside the square Lunar orbit doesn't count.
	__________________ Cum catapultae proscribeantur tum soli proscripti catapultas habeant.

27th December 2020, 12:28 AM	#87
smartcooky Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Nelson, New Zealand Posts: 24,829	Originally Posted by Trebuchet Lunar orbit doesn't count. Yes, it does Wikipedia: A single-stage-to-orbit (or SSTO) vehicle reaches orbit from the surface of a body using only propellants and fluids and without expending tanks, engines, or other major hardware https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Single-stage-to-orbit The Free Dictionary: A single-stage-to-orbit (or SSTO) vehicle reaches orbit from the surface of a body* without jettisoning hardware, expending only propellants and fluids.* https://encyclopedia.thefreedictiona...Stage-to-Orbit Aviation Dictionary: A single stage to orbit (or SSTO) vehicle reaches orbit from the surface of a body* without jettisoning hardware, expending only propellants and fluids* http://aviation_dictionary.enacademi...pheric_vehicle Explosive Rail Launch by Royce Jones on Academia.edu Single-stage to orbit — A single-stage-to-orbit (or SSTO) vehicle reaches orbit from the surface of a body without jettisoning hardware https://www.academia.edu/26747819/Explosive_Rail_Launch The Moon is "a body" so that makes the ascent stage of the LM an SSTO. Even the Russian "Luna" and the Chinese "Chang-e5 sample return missions used SSTO vehicles. Even NASA does not limit the term SSTO to earth orbit "PROPOSAL NUMBER: 09-2 S3.08-8305 PHASE 1 CONTRACT NUMBER: NNX10CC61P SUBTOPIC TITLE: Planetary Ascent Vehicles PROPOSAL TITLE: NOFBX Single-Stage-to-Orbit Mars Ascent Vehicle Engine https://sbir.nasa.gov/SBIR/abstracts...3.08-8305.html MAVs to be used to bring astronauts back from Mars will be SSTO's because Mars' gravity is low enough to allow it, and because it is by far the simplest, most cost effective engineering solution
	__________________ Those who claim that something can't be done need to stop getting in the way of those who are actually doing it! - Anonymous Its TRE45ON season... convict the F45CIST!!

27th December 2020, 10:33 AM	#88
Mader Levap Graduate Poster Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 1,576	Originally Posted by smartcooky OK, let me drop a clue or two There were six of these SSTO vehicles that each successfully took two astronauts to orbit along with some additional payload, over a period of just over 3 years.... its never been done again. You knew very well that everyone would assume launching from Earth.
	__________________ Sanity is overrated. / Voting for Republicans is morally equivalent to voting for Nazis in early 30's.

27th December 2020, 11:08 AM	#89
smartcooky Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Nelson, New Zealand Posts: 24,829	Originally Posted by Mader Levap You knew very well that everyone would assume launching from Earth. Yep, and what happens when you assume?
	__________________ Those who claim that something can't be done need to stop getting in the way of those who are actually doing it! - Anonymous Its TRE45ON season... convict the F45CIST!!

27th December 2020, 12:01 PM	#90
JayUtah Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: The great American West Posts: 23,982	Originally Posted by smartcooky Lack of fuel causes the engines to run "Oxidizer Rich". AIUI (no doubt Jay will correct me if I'm wrong) when that happens, the oxygen will be chemically reacting with the best available candidate. You're not wrong. cough NK-33 cough.

27th December 2020, 12:58 PM	#91
jadebox Master Poster Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: USA Posts: 2,783	Originally Posted by smartcooky Yes, it does. Only if you conveniently forget that it took a huge multi-stage rocket to get the LM module onto the moon in the first place.

27th December 2020, 01:19 PM	#92
Reformed Offlian Graduate Poster Join Date: Apr 2020 Location: USA Posts: 1,279	Originally Posted by smartcooky And FYI, here is Scott Manley on today's test, which includes an awesome view from the landing pad camera looking straight up at the rocket bellyflopping and flipping just before it crashes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egHxiX40eJY He apparently didn't stow the Dressing Gown of Doom quite safely enough.

27th December 2020, 03:00 PM	#93
smartcooky Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Nelson, New Zealand Posts: 24,829	Originally Posted by jadebox Only if you conveniently forget that it took a huge multi-stage rocket to get the LM module onto the moon in the first place. Sorry, but why is that relevant?
	__________________ Those who claim that something can't be done need to stop getting in the way of those who are actually doing it! - Anonymous Its TRE45ON season... convict the F45CIST!!

28th December 2020, 02:14 AM	#94
a_unique_person Director of Hatcheries and Conditioning Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Waiting for the pod bay door to open. Posts: 46,005	Originally Posted by smartcooky Yep, and what happens when you assume? Benny Hill knows the answer to that question.
	__________________ *Continually pushing the boundaries of mediocrity.* Everything is possible, but not everything is probable. “Perception is real, but the truth is not.” - Imelda Marcos

29th December 2020, 09:37 AM	#95
3point14 Pi Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 21,734	Originally Posted by smartcooky Agree, but as I said, no significant payload. Therefpre, as you say, uneconomical However, there has been been a successful SSTO vehicle that took two astronauts into orbit! Well, technically yes... Edit: Must read whole of thread....
3point14 Pi Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 21,734	__________________ Up the River! Anyone that wraps themselves in the Union Flag and also lives in tax exile is a [redacted] Last edited by 3point14; 29th December 2020 at 09:38 AM.

8th January 2021, 12:21 AM	#98
a_unique_person Director of Hatcheries and Conditioning Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Waiting for the pod bay door to open. Posts: 46,005	The genius of using stainless steel. Got a problem with that panel? Hey, get the panel beaters out here and bash it back into shape.
	__________________ *Continually pushing the boundaries of mediocrity.* Everything is possible, but not everything is probable. “Perception is real, but the truth is not.” - Imelda Marcos Last edited by a_unique_person; 8th January 2021 at 01:18 AM.

11th January 2021, 06:02 PM	#99
arthwollipot Observer of Phenomena Pronouns: he/him Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Ngunnawal Country Posts: 85,474	The first time you'll see someone banging a rocket with a hammer, but probably not the last.
	__________________ A million people can call the mountains a fiction Yet it need not trouble you as you stand atop them https://xkcd.com/154/

11th January 2021, 08:20 PM	#100
Trebuchet Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Port Townsend, Washington Posts: 38,281	No static fire today due to an overturned concrete truck in one direction and a beached fishing vessel in the other!
	__________________ Cum catapultae proscribeantur tum soli proscripti catapultas habeant.

25th January 2021, 12:12 PM	#101
Garrison Philosopher Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: UK Posts: 6,101	So SN-09 should be carrying out its hop in the next couple of days, could be today if the wind drops: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtGutb1R5cQ
	__________________ So I've started a blog about my writing. Check it out at: http://fourth-planet-problem.blogspot.com/ And my first book is on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077W322FX

25th January 2021, 12:40 PM	#102
cow_cat Mr. Parodied Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Between the Sun and the Stars Posts: 2,572	There have been a few static fires and it seems some problems with fuel pressures but it seems they are ready to try again. Today for the next 5 hours, or the next 2 days if things don't go well today. Edit - scrubbed for today because of high winds.
	__________________ Now that is Scientific Fact. There's no real evidence for it, but it is Scientific Fact. -'Dr' Neil Fox, speaking on brasseye Used to have another username, but I hated it. Last edited by cow_cat; 25th January 2021 at 01:13 PM.

25th January 2021, 01:23 PM	#103
Ziggurat Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 55,297	Originally Posted by a_unique_person The genius of using stainless steel. Got a problem with that panel? Hey, get the panel beaters out here and bash it back into shape. It also makes heat shielding simpler. Stainless steel can withstand much higher temperatures than aluminum or carbon fiber without losing structural strength, so you can make up a lot of the weight lost to steel being heavier by not needing thermal tiles.
	__________________ "As long as it is admitted that the law may be diverted from its true purpose -- that it may violate property instead of protecting it -- then everyone will want to participate in making the law, either to protect himself against plunder or to use it for plunder. Political questions will always be prejudicial, dominant, and all-absorbing. There will be fighting at the door of the Legislative Palace, and the struggle within will be no less furious." - Bastiat, The Law

26th January 2021, 06:37 AM	#104
wobs Illuminator Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Hull Posts: 3,164	So how long before they can recreate the Bird1 scene in You Only Live Twice? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qixtjMoMUA
	__________________ "To vowels. They stop consonants sticking together like boiled sweets in a paper bag."

26th January 2021, 02:46 PM	#105
cow_cat Mr. Parodied Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Between the Sun and the Stars Posts: 2,572	Elon has tweeted that they are hoping for FAA approval for a flight tomorrow. Soviet capsule capture yet to be determined.
	__________________ Now that is Scientific Fact. There's no real evidence for it, but it is Scientific Fact. -'Dr' Neil Fox, speaking on brasseye Used to have another username, but I hated it.

30th January 2021, 12:02 PM	#106
crescent Philosopher Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Colorado Posts: 5,591	I guess there will be no launch for today, still some issues with federal permits. But while waiting to get permits to launch SN9 they put SN10 on the pad today. Two of them side by side, looks pretty cool. SpaceX Nerdlecam (Youtube link but I can't get the normal YT embed thing to work, maybe because it is a live cam)

2nd February 2021, 02:25 AM	#107
a_unique_person Director of Hatcheries and Conditioning Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Waiting for the pod bay door to open. Posts: 46,005	Rumour that the FAA is not happy with the SN8 flight. Elon didn't let on about all the risks involved or something.
	__________________ *Continually pushing the boundaries of mediocrity.* Everything is possible, but not everything is probable. “Perception is real, but the truth is not.” - Imelda Marcos

2nd February 2021, 03:04 AM	#108
smartcooky Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Nelson, New Zealand Posts: 24,829	Originally Posted by a_unique_person Rumour that the FAA is not happy with the SN8 flight. Elon didn't let on about all the risks involved or something. There was an engine change. FAA didn't like it because engine changes have to have special safety checks and protocols (or something, don't ask me the details). Seems a bit strange to me - an engine is an engine. Airline change engines on aircraft all the time, and it doesn't seem to attract a lot of attention. I think the FAA are poorly equipped to deal with all this. Between SpaceX, ULA, Virgin and Orbital ATK (now Northrop-Grumman) and with Blue Origin soon to join, and Rocketlab opening their new launch facility at Wallops, there could be upwards of 50 launches per year. The FAA's space division are just not set up deal with the launch cadence of modern rocketry.
	__________________ Those who claim that something can't be done need to stop getting in the way of those who are actually doing it! - Anonymous Its TRE45ON season... convict the F45CIST!! Last edited by smartcooky; 2nd February 2021 at 03:05 AM.

2nd February 2021, 11:15 AM	#109
cow_cat Mr. Parodied Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Between the Sun and the Stars Posts: 2,572	There has been a few days of will-they-won't-they, but it looks like Elon and the FAA have sorted out their differences and there might even be an attempt at a flight today! Since last Thursday there has been no TFR (Temporary Flight Restriction) granted, but today there is. Most importantly, SN9's flaps have finally been extended! I prefer the LabPadre feed of the launch pad because there is little-to-no talking going on, but the pictures and text are all that is needed to be known. At the moment, there is a lovely view of SN9 and SN10 next to each other as SN9 is prepared for launch. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ky5l9ZxsG9M
	__________________ Now that is Scientific Fact. There's no real evidence for it, but it is Scientific Fact. -'Dr' Neil Fox, speaking on brasseye Used to have another username, but I hated it.

2nd February 2021, 01:12 PM	#110
3point14 Pi Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 21,734	About three minutes out from flight time, if all goes to plan...
3point14 Pi Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 21,734	__________________ Up the River! Anyone that wraps themselves in the Union Flag and also lives in tax exile is a [redacted]

2nd February 2021, 01:29 PM	#111
cow_cat Mr. Parodied Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Between the Sun and the Stars Posts: 2,572	Spoiler alert - all did not go to plan I only saw 1 engine relight on the way down, with a touchdown slightly less controlled than SN8, and a similar result. Once again, great explosion and good telemetry. Hope SN10 wasn't damaged and they can light that one soon.
	__________________ Now that is Scientific Fact. There's no real evidence for it, but it is Scientific Fact. -'Dr' Neil Fox, speaking on brasseye Used to have another username, but I hated it.

2nd February 2021, 01:40 PM	#112
Trebuchet Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Port Townsend, Washington Posts: 38,281	Didn't actually get as close to landing as 8, I'd say. But otherwise looked very good. After the RUD there was a shot of a bit of light debris fluttering down the side of Ten. Probably wouldn't be damaging.
	__________________ Cum catapultae proscribeantur tum soli proscripti catapultas habeant.

2nd February 2021, 06:03 PM	#113
smartcooky Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Nelson, New Zealand Posts: 24,829	LITHOBRAKING!!!!
	__________________ Those who claim that something can't be done need to stop getting in the way of those who are actually doing it! - Anonymous Its TRE45ON season... convict the F45CIST!!

2nd February 2021, 06:08 PM	#114
Ziggurat Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 55,297	Originally Posted by smartcooky Yep, and what happens when you assume? https://xkcd.com/169/
	__________________ "As long as it is admitted that the law may be diverted from its true purpose -- that it may violate property instead of protecting it -- then everyone will want to participate in making the law, either to protect himself against plunder or to use it for plunder. Political questions will always be prejudicial, dominant, and all-absorbing. There will be fighting at the door of the Legislative Palace, and the struggle within will be no less furious." - Bastiat, The Law

2nd February 2021, 06:34 PM	#115
arthwollipot Observer of Phenomena Pronouns: he/him Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Ngunnawal Country Posts: 85,474	Was this another "seven out of eight criteria for success were met" situation? I'll catch up with Scott Manley tonight, undoubtedly.
	__________________ A million people can call the mountains a fiction Yet it need not trouble you as you stand atop them https://xkcd.com/154/

2nd February 2021, 07:22 PM	#116
3point14 Pi Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 21,734	Originally Posted by smartcooky Yep, and what happens when you assume? By all the gods in christendom, I hate that aphorism. Not only is it trite as ****, it also doesn't actually work.
3point14 Pi Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 21,734	__________________ Up the River! Anyone that wraps themselves in the Union Flag and also lives in tax exile is a [redacted]

2nd February 2021, 08:06 PM	#117
a_unique_person Director of Hatcheries and Conditioning Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Waiting for the pod bay door to open. Posts: 46,005	According to Benny Hill, you make an ass out of you and me.
	__________________ *Continually pushing the boundaries of mediocrity.* Everything is possible, but not everything is probable. “Perception is real, but the truth is not.” - Imelda Marcos