Topic: [Discuss] SpaceX Falcon Heavy maiden launch
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 44782 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 12-28-2017 09:51 AM
SpaceX rolled out and raised its first Falcon Heavy rocket on Pad 39A on Thursday (Dec. 28) for a fit check. From Jeff Foust of SpaceNews on Twitter:
Fit check today, static fire test in early January, launch maybe later in the month.
From Spaceflight Now on Twitter (time lapse video of the rocket being raised here):
The Falcon Heavy is now in place at launch pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center to begin testing before its maiden flight next month.
It is real! Look at that SpaceX Falcon Heavy. View from Playalinda National Seashore vista.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 44782 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 12-28-2017 11:08 AM
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex photo:
Paul78zephyr Member
Posts: 692 From: Hudson, MA Registered: Jul 2005
posted 12-29-2017 06:40 PM
This is really fascinating stuff here. And hopefully very historic.
The FH wiki states that the rocket was re-lowered to the horizontal position on Dec. 29. Was this planned or was it due to an unforeseen issue?
Also, is SpaceX planning on recovering any/all of the first stages on this first launch attempt?
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 44782 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 12-29-2017 06:50 PM
From what I understand, this rollout was only intended as a pad fit check, but whether it was lowered and returned to the HIF early or as scheduled is something only SpaceX knows.
SpaceX intends to recover both side-mounted boosters and the core, the earlier at Landing Zone 1 (where there are now two pads, LZ-1 and LZ-2) and the latter at sea on a droneship.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 44782 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 01-02-2018 08:42 PM
SpaceX photos
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 44782 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 01-02-2018 08:57 PM
From SpaceX on Instagram:
With more than 5 million pounds of thrust at liftoff — equal to approximately eighteen 747 aircraft at full power — Falcon Heavy will be the most powerful operational rocket in the world by a factor of two.
oly Member
Posts: 1104 From: Perth, Western Australia Registered: Apr 2015
posted 01-02-2018 11:12 PM
Are there any details available on the structure that connects the three Falcon 9 rockets together or any structural changes to the rockets so they can stay strapped together until separation?
There does not seem to be any significant structure visible to that could keep 1.7 million lb thrust each side attached. Of course I do believe SpaceX have designed something capable I am interested in more detail but cant find anything online covering this.
damnyankee36 Member
Posts: 42 From: Alamogordo, NM USA Registered: Aug 2017
posted 01-04-2018 01:59 PM
quote:Originally posted by SpaceAholic: Except that thermodynamic conditions also get a vote.
RE: Tire Pressures in a vacuum: Simply remove the valve stem cores!
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 44782 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 01-04-2018 06:54 PM
From Elon Musk on Instagram:
Hold-down test fire next week. Launch end of the month.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 44782 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 01-11-2018 09:33 AM
SpaceX is preparing to conduct its first Falcon Heavy static fire test today (Jan. 11). Per Spaceflight Now:
SpaceX does not reveal details of its testing program, but today's window for the hot fire is believed to run 1-7 p.m. EST (1800-0000 GMT).
cspg Member
Posts: 6229 From: Geneva, Switzerland Registered: May 2006
posted 01-11-2018 10:01 AM
Why is SpaceX so secretive about its rocket testing?
Jim Behling Member
Posts: 1543 From: Cape Canaveral, FL Registered: Mar 2010
posted 01-11-2018 10:17 AM
Why does it need to be more open? They aren't under any rules or law to be more open. It takes time and resources to provide daily statuses.
cspg Member
Posts: 6229 From: Geneva, Switzerland Registered: May 2006
posted 01-11-2018 11:07 AM
quote:Originally posted by Jim Behling: It takes time and resources to provide daily statuses.
Even a little tweet?
Elon Musk communicates about his big rocket eventually blowing up on its first flight and when testing time comes, a deafening silence? Really? Well, I hope these people will never be in charge of the space program, manned or unmanned, unless the communication obligations are the same as NASA's.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 44782 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 01-11-2018 11:29 AM
From Spaceflight Now on Twitter:
Fueling of the Falcon Heavy rocket in Florida has started as vapors appear near SpaceX's new rocket. The Falcon Heavy's first hold-down test-firing could occur shortly.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 44782 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 01-11-2018 11:54 AM
SpaceX has scrubbed today's hot fire attempt.
Paul78zephyr Member
Posts: 692 From: Hudson, MA Registered: Jul 2005
posted 01-12-2018 06:58 PM
Have they rescheduled the test fire? How long will the engines will run for when the test is actually run?
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 44782 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 01-12-2018 07:10 PM
The vehicle was erected on the pad today, but at last report, the static fire was expected no earlier than Saturday evening (Jan. 13) Monday afternoon (Jan. 15).
The static fire is expected to be about 15 seconds long.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 44782 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 01-14-2018 08:43 PM
From Spaceflight Now on Twitter:
The engine test firing for the SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket has slipped until Tuesday [Jan. 16], with the opening of the window set for 4 p.m. (2100 GMT).
oly Member
Posts: 1104 From: Perth, Western Australia Registered: Apr 2015
posted 01-15-2018 05:51 AM
For someone more familiar with operations at the cape, what considerations and requirements need to be set for the engine test fire time window?
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 44782 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
The static fire test of SpaceX's Falcon Heavy rocket is not expected today, and we have not received a new target date for the hold-down firing at pad 39A.
...launch preps at nearby pad 41 are underway for an Atlas 5 mission scheduled for liftoff Thursday evening, with rollout of the rocket to the launch pad scheduled for tomorrow. A Falcon Heavy static fire at pad 39A is not expected to occur during the Atlas 5 countdown, a ULA official said today, due to shared safety, security and ground infrastructure between the two adjacent pads.
Based on that, the Falcon Heavy static fire is expected no earlier than Friday, but the target date for the hold-down engine firing remains uncertain, and we'll share information as we confirm it.
Jim Behling Member
Posts: 1543 From: Cape Canaveral, FL Registered: Mar 2010
posted 01-19-2018 06:38 AM
quote:Originally posted by oly: ...what considerations and requirements need to be set for the engine test fire time window?
All up to SpaceX to determine it. Crew rest or alertness may be a priority. But there are no real driving factors for a specific time.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 44782 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 01-21-2018 04:32 PM
SpaceX's Falcon Heavy static fire (and launch) will wait until after the federal government shutdown ends. Per the 45th Space Wing, via Florida Today:
Due to the shutdown removing key members of the civilian workforce, the 45th Space Wing will not be able to support commercial static fires taking place on KSC.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 44782 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 01-23-2018 11:20 PM
Per Spaceflight Now:
SpaceX has rescheduled a hot fire of its Falcon Heavy rocket at launch pad 39A for a window that opens at 12 p.m. EST (1700 GMT) on Wednesday.
oly Member
Posts: 1104 From: Perth, Western Australia Registered: Apr 2015
posted 01-24-2018 04:24 AM
quote:Originally posted by Jim Behling: All up to SpaceX to determine it.
Thanks Jim for your reply.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 44782 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 01-24-2018 11:37 AM
SpaceX conducted the first-ever static fire of its Falcon Heavy rocket at Kennedy Space Center's Pad 39A on Wednesday (Jan. 24).
Awaiting details from SpaceX...
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 44782 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 01-24-2018 12:42 PM
From Elon Musk on Twitter:
Falcon Heavy hold-down firing this morning was good. Generated quite a thunderhead of steam. Launching in a week or so.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 44782 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 01-24-2018 12:54 PM
From SpaceX on Twitter:
First static fire test of Falcon Heavy complete — one step closer to first test flight!
Tom Member
Posts: 1623 From: New York Registered: Nov 2000
posted 01-24-2018 04:58 PM
Thirty three years ago today, I had the privilege of being at the press site for the shuttle program's first (fully classified) DOD mission, STS-51C/Discovery. Today's test brought back many memories.
Paul78zephyr Member
Posts: 692 From: Hudson, MA Registered: Jul 2005
posted 01-24-2018 10:21 PM
quote:Originally posted by Robert Pearlman: The static fire is expected to be about 15 seconds long.
The test fire seemed to last only for about 8 seconds. Was the test cut short?
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 44782 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 01-24-2018 10:29 PM
SpaceX did not release how long the static fire was planned to last, but as the test has been declared a success, it apparently met the parameters set by the company.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 44782 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 01-25-2018 08:26 AM
Though a launch date has yet to be set, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex has begun ticket sales for Falcon Heavy launch viewing.
Feel the Heat of the Falcon Heavy rocket at the Apollo/Saturn V Center! This package includes an unparalleled view of the rocket on the launch pad from the Apollo/Saturn V Center (ASVC) - the closest you can get to the launch pad: $195
See the launch from the north lawn of Space Shuttle Atlantis®. The festive atmosphere includes a reserved area for launch viewing, buffet dining, and live launch information from our communicators and SpaceX’s live feed. View special displays of Tesla products and enjoy all attractions at the main visitor complex: $115
Spectators hear live launch commentary in the Rocket Garden, with SpaceX’s live feed displayed throughout the visitor complex. View special displays of Tesla products and explore all the attractions at the main visitor complex: $75
See the rocket launch, overlooking the river, from the ATX Center on Vectorspace Blvd. Close launch viewing package includes live launch information on our Jumbotron and communicator-led commentary: $35
Cost is in addition to daily or multiday admission ticket or annual pass.
GACspaceguy Member
Posts: 2604 From: Guyton, GA Registered: Jan 2006
posted 01-25-2018 03:54 PM
I just bought two tickets for the rocket garden. That way if we cannot make the date I am out a reasonable (sort of) sum.
It says it comes with a two day admission ticket, one for the launch and the other is good for 90 days either before or after the launch.
ejectr Member
Posts: 1793 From: Killingly, CT Registered: Mar 2002
posted 01-25-2018 04:02 PM
I'd just as soon go to Playalinda Beach where it's free and the closest. Not announced if it will be open for this yet.
dom Member
Posts: 892 From: Registered: Aug 2001
posted 01-25-2018 04:59 PM
A worthy successor to Saturn V and the Space Shuttle.
I can't wait to see it lift-off — on TV!
Paul78zephyr Member
Posts: 692 From: Hudson, MA Registered: Jul 2005
posted 01-25-2018 08:34 PM
...an unparalleled view of the rocket on the launch pad from the Apollo/Saturn V Center (ASVC) - the closest you can get to the launch pad
Is this basically the same as the "Banana Creek Viewing" which is shown adjacent (just SE) on Google Maps?
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 44782 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 01-27-2018 04:56 PM
Yes, the Banana Creek VIP site (as labeled during the space shuttle program) is the same as the Apollo/Saturn V Center.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 44782 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 01-27-2018 04:57 PM
From Elon Musk on Twitter:
Aiming for first flight of Falcon Heavy on Feb 6 from Apollo launchpad 39A at Cape Kennedy. Easy viewing from the public causeway.
ff27tls Member
Posts: 23 From: Brecksville Registered: Feb 2005
posted 01-28-2018 04:54 PM
I'm going down for the Feb. 6 launch date. The backup date is the 7th. If for some reason it doesn't launch on these two dates due to a non-mechanical problem such as weather, does anyone know how soon a third date would occur?
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 44782 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 02-02-2018 09:28 AM
The 45th Weather Squadron's L-4 forecast predicts an 80 percent chance of acceptable conditions on Tuesday (Feb. 6), with the main concerns being liftoff winds and thick clouds.
If the launch slips to Wednesday, the chances decrease slightly to 70 percent acceptable conditions due to another fast moving fontal system moving into northern Florida.
mode1charlie Member
Posts: 1220 From: Honolulu, HI Registered: Sep 2010
posted 02-02-2018 02:16 PM
What's the launch window? I haven't seen that mentioned anywhere.
posted 12-28-2017 09:51 AM
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