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SpaceX launch webcast: Orbcomm-2 Mission [video]

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Re: SpaceX launch webcast: Orbcomm-2 Mission [video]

#53

Post by lolwutf »

noselfrighteous wrote: post #45
nate_martin wrote: post #37

Not sure if the "USA" chant after the first stage landed was warranted.

Yeah I pictured being a foreign national during that, I can imagine it being a little irksome. Edit: foreign national working at SpaceX. If there were not foreign national's involved in today's success, then feel free to ignore me.

As a foreign national, you're a visitor in the USA.

Re: SpaceX launch webcast: Orbcomm-2 Mission [video]

#54

Post by gregr401 »

cmsmith wrote: post #50

I must have missed it, but can anyone explain why Orbcomm wants 11 satellites in the same orbit? The stage 2 engine isn't firing in between letting the satellites go.

Yes, it absolutely was firing continuously around 17,000 MPH. Doesn't take long at that speed to get some distance between sats.

Re: SpaceX launch webcast: Orbcomm-2 Mission [video]

#57

Post by kibwen »

jacquesm wrote: post #41
kibwen wrote: post #27

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Completely amazing! I'm sure I heard a "holy shit" or two there in the audience. :) EDIT: One question for the rocket scientists here: exactly how reusable do they expect these returned first stage rockets to be? What is the process of certifying that a returned rocket is fit to fly, and what components are most likely to need repairing/replacing with each launch?

NARS but probably comparable to shuttle engines and body.

The first stage rocket doesn't go nearly as high or as fast as the shuttle though, no? AFAIK the shuttle had to have its heat shield replaced after each return trip, and it landed aerodynamically rather than via rocket power. I'd presume that the powered descent of the first stage means that it doesn't need any sort of heat shielding, at the expense of more stress on the engines, thus requiring a bespoke inspection process.

Re: SpaceX launch webcast: Orbcomm-2 Mission [video]

#59

Post by TeMPOraL »

kibwen wrote: post #27
lvs wrote: post #20

Stuck the landing! Congratulations! 10/10. Would land again.

Completely amazing! I'm sure I heard a "holy shit" or two there in the audience. :) EDIT: One question for the rocket scientists here: exactly how reusable do they expect these returned first stage rockets to be? What is the process of certifying that a returned rocket is fit to fly, and what components are most likely to need repairing/replacing with each launch?

How reusable this first stage is? They'll have to study it meticulously to find out. But what they're aiming for is to be able to just refuel it, mount new payload on top, and relight it in the span of hours.
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