SpaceX Crew Dragon Launch Try #2

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  • Thread starter Thread starter Greg Bernhardt
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the SpaceX Crew Dragon launch, specifically the anticipation and excitement surrounding the event, the subsequent docking with the International Space Station (ISS), and reflections on the technology and design of SpaceX's spacecraft. It includes personal experiences and historical comparisons, as well as commentary on the implications of reusable rocket technology.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Participants express excitement about the launch and share personal experiences of watching it live.
  • Some participants compare the launch to historical events, such as Alan Shepard's Freedom 7 flight.
  • There is admiration for the design of the Crew Dragon spacecraft, with some likening it to elements of science fiction like Star Trek.
  • Discussion includes the successful docking of the Crew Dragon with the ISS and the significance of the U.S. regaining independent access to Earth orbit.
  • Some participants note the methodical nature of the docking process and the differences compared to other forms of travel.
  • Reflections on the advancements in reusable rocket technology are shared, with some participants reminiscing about past space-themed media and the evolution of space travel.
  • There are mentions of Tesla's success and its connection to SpaceX, with discussions on the implications of Musk's ventures in both aerospace and automotive industries.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally express excitement and admiration for the launch and the technology involved, but there are varying opinions on the docking process and the implications of reusable rockets. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the future of space travel technologies and their potential impact.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference personal anecdotes and historical comparisons that may not align with technical discussions, indicating a blend of emotional and analytical perspectives. The discussion includes speculative comments about future technologies like Hyperloop without definitive conclusions.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in space exploration, aerospace technology, and the impact of private companies in the space industry may find this discussion engaging.

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TL;DR
Watch history unfold on Saturday, May 30, as NASA and SpaceX launch astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley to the International Space Station.
Here we go again! Set for 3:22PM EST. Lots of analysis in this live video already!

 
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Physics news on Phys.org
 
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Very exciting! We watched the successful launch live as a family. Everyone was into it, even my four-year-old
 
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It was almost as exciting as watching the lift-off of Alan Shepard on Freedom 7. (Uh Oh, I just dated myself.)
 
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Greg Bernhardt said:
Summary:: Watch history unfold on Saturday, May 30, as NASA and SpaceX launch astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley to the International Space Station.

Here we go again! Set for 3:22PM EST. Lots of analysis in this live video already!


Brought tears to my eyes. Loved every second.
 
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The whole design is so unbelievably cool. If this doesn't scream Star Trek then I don't know what does...:

1590876170736.png


Also, SpaceX have made a neat little Dragon to ISS docking simulator where you can try using the actual controls Bob and Doug will be using to dock tomorrow! I'd recommend reading the instructions first though, since it's pretty fiddly!
 
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We are planning on watching the docking too. Probably won’t be as exciting as the launch, but the whole family is interested
 
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Docking was successful, they just opened the hatch to the ISS.

After 9 years the US has independent access to Earth orbit and the ISS again.

The first private company to fly cargo to the ISS also became the first private company to launch people to the ISS (and people to orbit in general).
 
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Well, apparently you don't just dock, pop the hatch and jump out, do you?
 
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  • #10
Yes, it definitely is slower than getting off a plane.

My kids color commentary was pretty amusing though. The purple sparkly dinosaur was a favorite
 
  • #11
These guys sure are methodical.
Congratulations to SpaceX and NASA.
 
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gleem said:
Well, apparently you don't just dock, pop the hatch and jump out, do you?
The tests of Dragon didn't end with docking. Future missions should be faster.
 
  • #14
I still find the reusable boosters of SpaceX and Blue Origins to be totally cool. As a kid watching Tom Corbett and the Space Cadets (I’m dating myself too) space ships landed on their tails. That’s the way it was supposed to be. And then we started dumping them in the ocean. It took some new(old) thinking to say, “Maybe we could land the thing instead of scrapping it?” It took some tech leaps with main engines that could throttle and restart, telemetry and radar that could guide to a pinpoint, landing legs that worked, etc., but they did it saving billions$$$. As to the design, I would expect nothing less from Musk. My daughter has a Tesla 3. It looks the same inside as the Dragon. Speaking of Tesla, nobody thought that would pan out either. Guess they were wrong. So where are we re: Hyperloop?
 
  • #16
And they’re everywhere in Louisville too. My daughter’s car is going on two years old and has yet to incur a single repair or preventative maintenance action. At some point old Tesla’s will need some service I suppose.
 

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