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Borg
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nsaspook said:
That is seriously awesome! Wow.
nsaspook said:
From what I understand, it is Elon Musk's old roadster, unmodified. In the post-launch press conference, he said something to the effect that it was much more inspiring than just lifting a block of concrete, which he said was the conventional test-flight payload. While he didn't mention anything about the battery or the motor, he did specifically say that the car was not "prepared" for space, and that he didn't know how the fabric of the seats would hold up in space.strangerep said:Did the roadster have its lithium batteries and electric motors? I'm guessing it's little more than a shell (lightweight plastic?)...
OmCheeto said:Apparently, we are still live:
It's on my bucket list to see a launch like that! I need a schedule! Would be great to meet up too!anorlunda said:I was privileged. I live nearby, so I saw the launch going up and the two boosters coming down. Amazing.
Borg said:Hmm, another 'live' view but it is different from yours.
OmCheeto said:
List of SpaceX launchesGreg Bernhardt said:It's on my bucket list to see a launch like that! I need a schedule! Would be great to meet up too!
I wonder when the BFR will have its first launch. I might have to take a vacation to Florida for that one.Greg Bernhardt said:It's on my bucket list to see a launch like that!
In the press conference Musk indicated that first hops could happen in 2019. That will probably mean 2020-2021. It is still unclear where - the new site in Texas and drone ships are both interesting options.Borg said:I wonder when the BFR will have its first launch. I might have to take a vacation to Florida for that one.
mfb said:Caveat: It is common that launches get delayed.
Wow I had no idea there were so many launches. Seems the whole world uses the pad!mfb said:List of all launches
I just saw a picture on the news that claims to be the "last" picture from the car.Borg said:Has anyone heard what the status of the live feed is?
For the FH launch, they offered free re-admittance if the launch gets shifted.anorlunda said:The KSC Visistor's Center sells tickets for a close-up view of a launch for $200/person. But once the bus leaves the Visitors Center, no refunds are given even if the launch is canceled or delayed. I think that is predatory.
The second link is the list of launches of the whole world.Greg Bernhardt said:Wow I had no idea there were so many launches. Seems the whole world uses the pad!
Good point, I see that now :)mfb said:The second link is the list of launches of the whole world.
Or did you expect Chinese rockets to launch from Florida? ;)
Spinnor said:"Now when alien life forms come to the solar system they'll find a red land going vehicle orbiting a lifeless planet being driven by a plastic astronaut. If that doesn't cause them to have a massive WTF moment then nothing will."
Vatsal Goyal said:On the circuit its written, "Made on Earth by 'humans'". It's so hilarious.
Still a busy year there.Greg Bernhardt said:Good point, I see that now :)
I'll be gunning for one of these!mfb said:There might be two Falcon Heavy flights this year, in both cases it is likely that both side boosters return.
mfb said:...
The car should be visible to good telescopes for quite some time, if (!) someone tracks it we get a nice orbit determination. The car should be bright enough to observe it frequently for the largest telescopes, but time for that is probably very limited.
Double the payload and a quarter the cost of Delta IV ($400M Delta IV per wiki vs $90M FH per Musk).mfb said:Its payload, up to 63,800 kg, is more than twice the payload of the most powerful rocket in operation, the Delta IV Heavy
$90M is the price for the reusable configuration, the same way the maiden flight launched. For that, the payload is expected to be somewhere between 30 and 40 tonnes. Falcon Heavy can launch 63 tonnes to LEO, but then it has to fly expendable and SpaceX will charge more.mheslep said:Double the payload and a quarter the cost of Delta IV ($400M Delta IV per wiki vs $90M FH per Musk).
TurtleMeister said:The return and safe landing of the side boosters was fascinating. This video shows how fast they're coming down before the rockets fire. Best if you use full screen with headphones.
Technically each booster produces three sonic booms, but two are so close together that you don't properly hear that. What is the issue?berkeman said:Fun video. Unfortunate that the narrator has a kindergarten education in sonic booms, but whatever. Maybe we can edit out his commentary?
In 2018, SpaceX plans to continue launching its Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets, as well as developing its next generation rocket, the BFR. They also have plans to launch their first crewed mission to the International Space Station and potentially send a cargo mission to Mars.
SpaceX will push the limits of space and physics in 2018 by launching more powerful rockets, conducting more advanced missions, and potentially making progress towards their goal of colonizing Mars. They will also continue to test and improve upon their reusable rocket technology, which has already revolutionized the space industry.
In 2018, SpaceX plans to continue testing and perfecting their reusable rocket technology, which allows for more cost-effective and sustainable space travel. They also have plans to develop the BFR, a massive rocket capable of carrying humans to Mars and potentially beyond.
Yes, SpaceX will continue to collaborate with other organizations in 2018. They have partnerships with NASA and other private companies, and also work closely with government agencies to obtain necessary permits and approvals for their missions.
SpaceX's advancements in space exploration have the potential to benefit society in numerous ways. They can lead to new technologies, scientific discoveries, and potentially even the colonization of other planets. Additionally, SpaceX's efforts to make space travel more affordable and sustainable could open up opportunities for commercial space ventures and expand our understanding of the universe.