SpaceX launch today

SpaceX launch today

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MartG

Original Poster:

20,702 posts

205 months

Tuesday 9th December 2014
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SapceX are going to try and land on the floating platform next week

http://www.space.com/27955-spacex-rocket-ocean-lan...

MartG

Original Poster:

20,702 posts

205 months

Tuesday 9th December 2014
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Simpo Two said:
Wouldn't they be better off landing on normal ground and saving cleverness for something more essential?

Why land your plane on a carrier when you can find a nice runway?
There's a shortage of runways in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean wink

MartG

Original Poster:

20,702 posts

205 months

Thursday 11th December 2014
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MartG

Original Poster:

20,702 posts

205 months

Sunday 14th December 2014
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http://justatinker.com/Future/

Illustrated guide to SpaceX recovery plans

MartG

Original Poster:

20,702 posts

205 months

Wednesday 17th December 2014
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Apparently yesterday's static fire ran into problems. While not officially announced, it will likely slip the launch to Saturday.

MartG

Original Poster:

20,702 posts

205 months

Thursday 18th December 2014
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Now official - won't launch until January

SpaceX Falcon 9 CRS-5 launch has been officially delayed until January. Here is the statement from SpaceX:

"While the recent static fire test accomplished nearly all of our goals, the test did not run the full duration. The data suggests we could push forward without a second attempt, but out of an abundance of caution, we are opting to execute a second static fire test prior to launch. Given the extra time needed for data review and testing, coupled with the limited launch date availability due to the holidays and other restrictions, our earliest launch opportunity is now Jan. 6 with Jan. 7 as a backup.

The ISS orbits through a high beta angle period a few times a year. This is where the angle between the ISS orbital plane and the sun is high, resulting in the ISS being in almost constant sunlight for a 10 day period. During this time, there are thermal and operational constraints that prohibit Dragon from being allowed to berth with the ISS. This high beta period runs from 12/28/14-1/7/15. Note that for a launch on 1/6, Dragon berths on 1/8.

Both Falcon 9 and Dragon remain in good health, and our teams are looking forward to launch just after the New Year."

MartG

Original Poster:

20,702 posts

205 months

Saturday 20th December 2014
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