Rocket Launch notification thread

[MartG]

Rather than just keep adding to the Atlas V thread, here's a general one for upcoming launches, starting with a Proton tomorrow lunchtime...

http://spaceflightnow.com/2015/01/30/inmarsat-sate...

[Eric Mc]

Good idea.

I don't suppose this one will be shown live?

[MartG]

It may do - the Russians seem to show them if it is an international payload. I'll post a link if it is

[Eric Mc]

Good show. Protons can be a bit wayward at times

[Eric Mc]

Looks like it is being shown live. Lift off scheduled for 12.30 pm.

[themanwithnoname]

Just about here, right? http://spaceflightnow.com/2015/01/31/inmarsat-5-f2...

[MartG]

Beat me to it

[Eric Mc]

Nice clean launch - although the corporate adverts are a tad annoying.

[stuartmmcfc]

Just by luck I saw this thread and managed to watch the launch live,
Thanks

[MartG]

Max Q


Stage 1 separation


Stage 2 Ignition

[Eric Mc]

I always like to see rocket contrails. You can never see them when the rocket uses solid boosters as all the smoke hides the vapour trail.

[jbudgie]

Would be nice to keep this as a 'sticky'.

[dtiom]

jbudgie said:

Would be nice to keep this as a 'sticky'.

That would be an excellent idea.

[MartG]

Manifest of planned SpaceX launches this year http://spacexstats.com/upcoming.php

[Efbe]

cool. good find.

[Eric Mc]

Interesting sub-orbital test of a new style re-entry vehicle by ESA coming up on February 11 -

http://spaceflightnow.com/2015/02/03/photos-esa-re...



It's essentially a lifting body - similar to some of the shapes tested by NASA for future Space Shuttle designs,. NASA did not proceed with the lifting body concept but went for winged re-entry vehicle in the end.

I have never known a more active period for testing new shape and new concept spacecraft. It seems even busier than at the height of the Space Race.

[annodomini2]

Eric Mc said:

It's essentially a lifting body - similar to some of the shapes tested by NASA for future Space Shuttle designs,. NASA did not proceed with the lifting body concept but went for winged re-entry vehicle in the end.

Because the Airforce made them, the wings were for cross-range.

[Eric Mc]

annodomini2 said:

Eric Mc said:

It's essentially a lifting body - similar to some of the shapes tested by NASA for future Space Shuttle designs,. NASA did not proceed with the lifting body concept but went for winged re-entry vehicle in the end.

Because the Airforce made them, the wings were for cross-range.

Not so much "made" them as specified them.

[annodomini2]

Eric Mc said:

annodomini2 said:

Eric Mc said:

It's essentially a lifting body - similar to some of the shapes tested by NASA for future Space Shuttle designs,. NASA did not proceed with the lifting body concept but went for winged re-entry vehicle in the end.

Because the Airforce made them, the wings were for cross-range.

Not so much "made" them as specified them.

Well as they paid for it, made.

[Eric Mc]

No - the customer says what they want. The manufacturer builds it. The customer may not really know exactly what the resultant vehicle will look like and they rely on the expertise of the manufacturer to design a vehicle to meet the spec.

NASA makes virtually nothing. They issue a requirement which is bid for by a number of manufacturers. NASA chooses the bid that best satisfies the requirement from both a performance and budget stand point.