Jump to content

ULA launch and discussion thread


tater

Recommended Posts

Here is my small contribution to the "live" community. The pictures were took from a parking spot of Playalinda Beach, about 10 km/6 miles from the LC-41.

aqVVFiH.png


 

Spoiler

 

CMWoqdb.png

 

9NVbmJv.png

 

VMLc71p.png

 

AyOErv7.png

 

A14SCKz.png

 

iJ9gsHn.png

 

bNN5Did.png

 

ztoDm6r.png

 

WH8Io1h.png

 

UG9B5lb.png

 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

@XB-70A those are amazing pics!! I'm feeling pretty jealous or your launch-side seats about now! :)

 

*reaches for tin-foil hat*  but did we just watch the launch of a bunch of experimental hunter-killer satellites?

While viewing the launch broadcast we get to hear about some of the experimental payloads that will be tested:

  • armour 
  • local area sensing for on-orbit anomaly detection
  • mycroft sub-satellite which is highly manoeuvrable + lots of dV 
  • advanced guidance navigation & control for use in geosynchronous orbit

It seems that these tests will lead to craft that can dodge incoming kinetic attacks, and perhaps become kinetic weapons themselves?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I, on the other hand, wonder if any of payloads experiments you mentioned been previously in space... on one of the secret X - 37b missions, perhaps? :wink:

Edited by Scotius
Link to comment
Share on other sites

12 hours ago, Blasty McBlastblast said:

@XB-70A those are amazing pics!! I'm feeling pretty jealous or your launch-side seats about now! :)

Thank you Blasty! Yesterday was a bit particular, I had to work on my business, and end a studies report, or go to Atlas V... hum... priority to Atlas V! I don't know how long I will stay in this sector, so it is better to enjoy it before having to move away from this beautiful chance.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If Vulcan went active like... two years ago, or even last year it would be a significant event. But now? Times are a-changing :)  Reusability is the name of the game, and cost reduction plays bigger and bigger role as new launch providers enter the market with their own medium-to-heavy launchers. I'm very curious in which direction things will go in the next decade :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yeah, the biggest issue is that Vulcan will be a reset on reliability for ULA. Right now they're the "when it absolutely, positively needs to get to space" provider. If all goes well, SpaceX will pass them in the next few years assuming their launch cadence only improves a little. Vulcan will have no history at all, which seems like it eliminates a huge selling point of ULA right now.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hey everyone,

I have a question about Atlas V's 5.4 meters fairings but haven't found any answer to it.

During the launch of GOES-S during last March it was possible to distinguish a "tube" on the fairing. 

Here are two pictures of the launch, with the perpendicular "tube" (at the right of the fairing):

rQczdu1.png

P8hz52O.png

 

Would anyone know what it is (could it be a separation device)?

 

Thanks

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 4/21/2018 at 11:22 AM, Scotius said:

If Vulcan went active like... two years ago, or even last year it would be a significant event. But now? Times are a-changing :)  Reusability is the name of the game, and cost reduction plays bigger and bigger role as new launch providers enter the market with their own medium-to-heavy launchers. I'm very curious in which direction things will go in the next decade :)

ULA needs to get off their [censored] launch pad... and execute the plan they've been talking about for 10 years now.

Also, this is possibly my favorite graphic from a formal paper:

recovery.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

43 minutes ago, Canopus said:

Nothing new though.

Yup, spy satellites used a simulair method.

Are the BE-4 engines heavier than spy satellite capsules? And if so, could it pose as a problem?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 minute ago, sevenperforce said:

Probably maybe definitely heavier. Probably not a problem.

Well, i hope so at least.

Lets just hope they don't drop the thing in acid seawater too much. Otherwise it would just be an expensive trick.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...