SpaceX successfully launches two humans into orbit

Post by jwilliamson » Sat, May 30, 2020, 11:29 PM UTC

jandrewrogers wrote: post #260

sandworm101 wrote: post #197

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Rockets were being made long before 50 years ago. There were plenty of rockets in WWI. And there were smaller rockets going back to before the US war of independence (ie "the rocket's red glare" ). If we are talking big metal things that fly into space being produced on an assembly line, then those operating in Germany during late WWII making the V2s (75years ago) were probably the first rocket factories. But I'm not…

Technically, military rockets were not a thing that existed at the time of the US war for independence. The phrase "the rocket's red glare" refers to Congreve rockets, which were invented in the 19th century following the introduction of rockets into modern military use in India at the end of the 18th century. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congreve_rocket

Post by vsareto » Sat, May 30, 2020, 11:30 PM UTC

rkagerer wrote: post #367

fermienrico wrote: post #185

Earlier quoted context omitted.

And it’s painted black against black backdrop when the decision to pull it happens in milliseconds level. :facepalm: This is what a Martin Baker ejection handle looks like: https://c8.alamy.com/comp/BJTDWG/martin-baker-ejection-seat-... With all due respect to all the engineers that work at SpaceX, the UI of the cockpit has regressed to the point of pure marketing. Same with the suit design, looks like an awful low b…

I agree fairly strongly with your sentiments. I wanted to know more about what the pilots think of it. In an article[1] a month ago, Bob said "I don’t think I’m going too far out on a limb to say that the right answer for all flying is not to switch to a touchscreen, necessarily. But for the task that we have and to keep ourselves safe flying close to the ISS, the touchscreen is gonna provide us that capability just…

Post by nabla9 » Sat, May 30, 2020, 11:31 PM UTC

Isinlor wrote: post #403

fermienrico wrote: post #185

Earlier quoted context omitted.

And it’s painted black against black backdrop when the decision to pull it happens in milliseconds level. :facepalm: This is what a Martin Baker ejection handle looks like: https://c8.alamy.com/comp/BJTDWG/martin-baker-ejection-seat-... With all due respect to all the engineers that work at SpaceX, the UI of the cockpit has regressed to the point of pure marketing. Same with the suit design, looks like an awful low b…

You should listen to the astronauts. SpaceX is developing all of it with them and for them. They seem quite happy with UI because it allows rapid iteration on procedures. If they screw up something SpaceX can adjust interface within days. With space shuttle they would need to wait months and months.

Post by whatch » Sat, May 30, 2020, 11:34 PM UTC

reddog wrote: post #321

My unsolicited advice to the folks on this thread that were moved by todays launch: make time to travel to Florida and see one of these launches in person. If you have kids take them with you. Years ago I took some time out of a very busy schedule to see STS-130, the last shuttle night launch. I've always been a space nerd but I wasn't prepared for how seeing, hearing and feeling a launch in person was so different t…

Post by jdamon96 » Sat, May 30, 2020, 11:35 PM UTC

nutjob2 wrote: post #393

lazyjones wrote: post #328

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> I hope we can move away from the "elon sucks" v.s. "elon is a genius" dichotomy and into a culture of acknowledging accomplishment while insisting claims in other areas be fully justified. Until then, I'll happily consider Elon's or even John Carmack's opinion over those of Elon's numerous, noisy but otherwise uninteresting critics on the Internet and elsewhere.

How much weight should I give the opinion of someone who calls someone who disagrees with him "the pedo guy"? It's a serious question. Elon may run some successful companies, but beyond that his credibility has taken a beating on any number of fronts. How much credit should Elon get for heading companies full of other people who do the actual work? Could another leader do a better job, given Elons unsteady behaviour?