Live data from Hacker News

SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy launch is reportedly set for February 6th

twitter.com

21–26 of 26 posts

Re: SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy launch is reportedly set for February 6th

#21
post #20

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It's been up and down several times over the past few weeks. It only takes a couple hours to move it in or out. The fact that Falcon 9/Heavy only support horizontal integration is a bot of an issue for some payloads (particularly those with people, or big optics). SpaceX will be adding vertical integration (the ability to mount the payload after the rocket is vertical) to its pad at LC-39A.

Are they? I was under the impression that crew can be loaded via the Crew Access Arm with the rocket vertical, but Dragon would still be integrated horizontally.

Dragon likely will be integrated horizontally but some national security payloads need vertical integration.

Re: SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy launch is reportedly set for February 6th

#22
post #21
post #20

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Are they? I was under the impression that crew can be loaded via the Crew Access Arm with the rocket vertical, but Dragon would still be integrated horizontally.

Dragon likely will be integrated horizontally but some national security payloads need vertical integration.

Why do some national security payloads need vertical integration?

Re: SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy launch is reportedly set for February 6th

#23
post #22
post #21

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Dragon likely will be integrated horizontally but some national security payloads need vertical integration.

Why do some national security payloads need vertical integration?

They won't say, because they're secret. But it's probably optics or just some legacy designs that they don't want to qualify for horizontal.

Re: SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy launch is reportedly set for February 6th

#25
Oh MAN this is exciting! And I realize it's the first Falcon launch in some time where no one is confident it won't blow up. The Falcon 9's record of flights and landings in 2017 were so consistent it almost started to feel "normal". But not anymore!

I sure wish I could see this one in person. Maybe one of the later Falcon Heavy flights once the hype has made the tickets more accessible and affordable. Heck, last year I was able to get to see a Falcon 9 launch for no additional cost beyond admission, so maybe it won't even be that long.

Post reply on HN