Posts: 46214 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 11-21-2018 09:53 AM
Please use this topic to discuss SpaceX's Crew Dragon Demonstration Mission-1 (Demo-1) uncrewed flight test to the International Space Station.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 46214 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 11-21-2018 09:58 AM
From a NASA press release:
The launch of SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon spacecraft is targeted for Jan. 7, 2019, from historic Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
This will be the first uncrewed test flight of the Commercial Crew Program and will provide data on the performance of the Falcon 9 rocket, Crew Dragon spacecraft, and ground systems, as well as on-orbit, docking and landing operations. The flight test also will provide valuable data toward NASA certifying SpaceX's crew transportation system for carrying astronauts to and from the space station.
Above: Illustration of SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft launching atop the company's Falcon 9 rocket from historic Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. (SpaceX)
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 46214 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 11-21-2018 01:16 PM
From Stephen Clark/Spaceflight Now on Twitter:
Assuming this date [Jan. 7, 2019] holds (a strong uncertainty for any launch, and especially for a crew capsule test flight), launch would occur around 11:57pm EST, roughly the moment Earth's rotation brings launch pad 39A under the space station's orbital plane.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 46214 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 12-18-2018 03:55 PM
New photos of Crew Dragon for Demo-1, which is targeted for launch on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2019. (Credit: SpaceX)
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 46214 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 01-03-2019 08:32 AM
SpaceX on Thursday (Jan. 3) rolled out a Falcon 9 rocket topped with its first Crew Dragon to Pad 39A for a series of fit checks prior to the Demo-1 test flight.
The rocket is expected to go vertical later in the day.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 46214 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 01-05-2019 05:48 AM
From Elon Musk on Twitter (on Jan. 5):
About a month away from the first orbital test flight of crew Dragon.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 46214 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 01-06-2019 02:42 PM
From Elon Musk on Twitter:
Falcon 9 on launch pad with Crew Dragon and new astronaut walkway.
Asked if there will be cameras in the walkway for launch, Musk replied:
Yes, will be extremely intense. Early flights are especially dangerous, as there's a lot of new hardware.
Aeropix Member
Posts: 55 From: Houston Registered: Apr 2010
posted 01-07-2019 07:01 AM
That height limit sign is pure Elon! Well done for that!
Headshot Member
Posts: 991 From: Vancouver, WA, USA Registered: Feb 2012
posted 01-09-2019 07:55 AM
Will the continuing government shutdown affect SpaceX's timetable? I am assuming that some government personnel will be required to launch this demo.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 46214 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 01-09-2019 09:17 AM
Yes, as noted above, the launch has already slipped from NET Jan. 17 into early February, in part because of the shutdown.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 46214 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 02-05-2019 03:17 PM
A SpaceX filing with the FCC "for Dragon2 capsule telemetry, tracking, and command, for the upcoming SpaceX Commercial Crew vehicle demonstration mission" appears to indicate a slip of the launch to no earlier than March 2.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 46214 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 02-06-2019 11:27 AM
NASA today confirmed the new date:
The agency now is targeting March 2 for launch of SpaceX's Crew Dragon on its uncrewed Demo-1 test flight.
Headshot Member
Posts: 991 From: Vancouver, WA, USA Registered: Feb 2012
posted 02-06-2019 05:50 PM
What is the likelihood of this date being pushed even further back if there is another government shutdown?
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 46214 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 02-06-2019 06:23 PM
I would say there is a pretty good likelihood of the date slipping further, regardless if there is another government shutdown or not.
Headshot Member
Posts: 991 From: Vancouver, WA, USA Registered: Feb 2012
posted 02-07-2019 08:01 AM
"Worst" case scenario, the launch dates for the SpaceX Crew Dragon Demo Flight 1 and the Boeing Starliner OFT start to converge. Can they both be launched the same day or is there a minimum interval between launches imposed by the Eastern Test Range, NASA, and other agencies? Also, would both vehicles use the same docking port on the ISS?
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 46214 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 02-07-2019 08:04 AM
There are two docking ports available for U.S. commercial crew vehicles to use and there may be a time in the future when both types of vehicles are at the station at the same time, but for these initial demo flights, it is unlikely NASA will support dual docked operations. If they are both ready to fly at the same time, it is likely one will have to stand down until the other has left the station.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 46214 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 02-15-2019 12:00 PM
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex release
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Offers Special Viewing Opportunities for the Commercial Crew SpaceX Demonstration Mission 1 (Demo-1) Launch
Packages include launch parties, commemorative gifts, live commentary and more.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is kicking off a new era of space exploration, offering exclusive viewing packages for the upcoming Commercial Crew SpaceX Demonstration Mission 1 (Demo-1) launch. This mission is significant as it will be the first, uncrewed test flight of NASA's Commercial Crew Program, which will carry men and women into space from American soil for the first time since 2011. At Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, guests will have the opportunity to experience the awe and excitement of these historic launches just a few miles from the launch pad – the closest public viewing.
"This is the first of many enhanced viewing opportunities to come," said Therrin Protze, chief operating officer, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. "With crewed launches on the horizon, the interest in space continues to grow and we are poised to offer many more bucket-list experiences to our guests."
The Demo-1 launch is the first uncrewed test flight of SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft, which is set to lift off from Kennedy Space Center's famed launchpad 39A, the same launchpad from which Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong set course for the moon on Apollo 11 in 1969 nearly 50 years ago. The packages are designed to enhance the overall launch viewing experience.
The SpaceX Demo-1 launch experience packages are:
Package: "Feel the Heat" Location: Apollo/Saturn V Center Cost: $195 per person
Package includes*:
Two-day admission to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, plus transportation to Apollo/Saturn V Center viewing location – the closest launch viewing location available to the public. Second day admission must be used within a 90-day period post-launch.
Up-close encounters with the Mars Rover Vehicle Navigator®, a futuristic concept vehicle, and a lunar rover just like the ones used by Apollo astronauts
Premium catered meal
(2) Drink tickets
Lanyard and commemorative Demo-1 badge
Commemorative Demo-1 lithograph
SpaceX luggage tag
Reusable water bottle
Digital photo on the day of the launch with special background
Jumbotron access and live, expert commentary of launch
Full access to the shows and exhibits at the Apollo/Saturn V Center
Package: "Feel the Fun" Location: Space Shuttle Atlantis® North Lawn viewing Cost: $115 per person
Package includes*:
Two-day admission to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Second day admission must be used within a 90-day period post-launch.
Launch viewing from the Space Shuttle Atlantis North Lawn viewing location
Catered meal
SpaceX luggage tag
Commemorative Demo-1 lithograph
Jumbotron access and live, expert commentary of launch
Digital photo on the day of the launch with special background
Launch party featuring a live DJ
Junior astronaut activity
Ticket packages are sold for the specific mission (SpaceX Demo-1) and not for a specific date. Packages can be booked via the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex website here. The limited-availability packages will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
This is the first of many launches to come. Packages for future launches will be customized to enhance the unique components of each mission.
*Guests are encouraged to check the website for updates as packages may be expanded.
denali414 Member
Posts: 763 From: Raleigh, NC Registered: Aug 2017
posted 02-15-2019 02:37 PM
With all the scheduled launches over next few years, this will be a nice pop to the pocketbook.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 46214 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 02-26-2019 11:58 PM
The official weather forecast issued by the Air Force on Tuesday (Feb. 26) called for a 80 percent chance of acceptable conditions at launch time (2:49 a.m. EST on Saturday, March 2). The primary concerns are cumulus and thick clouds.
Should the launch be delayed, the next earliest attempt will be Tuesday, March 5, when the forecast calls for a 60 percent chance of acceptable conditions, adding precipitation as a concern.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 46214 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 03-01-2019 02:11 AM
The anthropomorphic test device (ATD) flying aboard DM-1 is named "Ripley" after Sigourney Weaver's character in "Alien."
Neil DC Member
Posts: 172 From: Middletown, NJ, USA Registered: May 2010
posted 03-01-2019 11:24 AM
Maybe I missed in somewhere in the discussion. I am assuming that the actual manned version will have a launch escape rocket. Why is it not on this demo?
328KF Member
Posts: 1312 From: Registered: Apr 2008
posted 03-01-2019 01:19 PM
The escape system consists of the Super Draco rockets around the base of the spacecraft (right down where the fueling explosion of 2016 originated). It’s a pusher system as opposed to a tractor rocket like Apollo. They were also intended to allow a powered landing, but that idea has been abandoned.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 46214 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 03-01-2019 01:48 PM
SpaceX conducted a pad abort test using a boilerplate Crew Dragon in 2015. An inflight abort test is planned for later this year using the DM-1 Crew Dragon and the Falcon 9 first stage that made its third flight with SpaceIL's Beresheet lunar lander.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 46214 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 03-01-2019 10:43 PM
From Elon Musk on Twitter:
Super high tech zero-g indicator added just before launch!
posted 03-02-2019 02:36 AM
Cool launch! I liked how SpaceX and NASA did the webcast together. Hopefully they do this format again in the future.
GACspaceguy Member
Posts: 2701 From: Guyton, GA Registered: Jan 2006
posted 03-02-2019 05:35 AM
It was a very long day, up at 5:30, drive to Titusville, to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex by 10 p.m. at the Apollo/Saturn V Center at 11 p.m. or so, nearly 4 hours standing by the fence trying to stay awake, but it was all worth it for an on time launch. First steps back to sending astronauts back to the ISS from USA soil!!
It was a spectacular launch with sky a blaze so much that the fish where jumping in the Banana River.
For those who have not been to a Falcon 9 launch you should know that it is a loud thunderous launch from those nine Merlin engines.
denali414 Member
Posts: 763 From: Raleigh, NC Registered: Aug 2017
posted 03-02-2019 07:41 AM
Just watched the taped launch, wish I was there for it. Going to try and make the next one. So great to see rockets going back to ISS and Moon from US soil.
issman1 Member
Posts: 1082 From: UK Registered: Apr 2005
posted 03-02-2019 03:20 PM
How far from Pad 39A was the lightning seen in the final moments before lift off?
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 46214 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 03-02-2019 05:41 PM
The cell was well to the east of the pad and out over the ocean. Depending on where spectators were, it set up an optical illusion the lightning was in the proximity of the launch complex.
Hart Sastrowardoyo Member
Posts: 3452 From: Toms River, NJ Registered: Aug 2000
posted 03-03-2019 09:24 PM
How much of a life-support system has been installed - some, or did they go all-up as though they'd be flying a crew even though they weren't? In other words, in case of emergency, could the ISS crew abort and leave the station using the Crew Dragon if they had to?
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 46214 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 03-03-2019 10:26 PM
The Demo-1 Crew Dragon is only outfitted with a partial life support system. According to SpaceX, the system is enough to meet the objectives of the DM-1 mission, but is not the complete system that will fly on DM-2.
The Crew Dragon is also without the complete software to run its crew control systems, and its reentry profile has yet to tested (beyond computer models) and so the spacecraft is not in a configuration to return to Earth with astronauts aboard.
JohnPaul56 Member
Posts: 219 From: Montclair, NJ, USA Registered: Apr 2010
posted 03-04-2019 12:13 PM
Will there be any other unmanned tests to completely evaluate the environmental systems and software for reentry? Or does SpaceX feel confident enough to fly with men on board for the next launch?
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 46214 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 03-04-2019 12:39 PM
SpaceX and NASA said the data collected from DM-1 will be sufficient to know whether Crew Dragon's systems are ready to proceed with flying astronauts.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 46214 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 03-04-2019 01:18 PM
From Expedition 58 flight engineer Anne McClain on the International Space Station (via Twitter):
he dawn of a new era in human spaceflight.
From Expedition 58 commander Oleg Kononenko on the International Space Station (via Roscosmos):
SkyMan1958 Member
Posts: 1042 From: CA. Registered: Jan 2011
posted 03-04-2019 03:44 PM
The "pop-top" of the Dragon 2 seems an obvious area of potential failure. Does anyone know if Dragon 2 can successfully re-enter the Earth's atmosphere if the top does not swing back into place after undocking?
Aeropix Member
Posts: 55 From: Houston Registered: Apr 2010
posted 03-06-2019 04:35 AM
As to the "flip top," I think of this system like the space shuttle cargo bay doors or landing gear. These two systems were so important to the mission success that multiple redundant actuators were installed to ensure that these critical parts worked as planned.
Fast forward from shuttle era to today, and there are systems that are so reliable and redundant that failure has been essentially ruled out for those niche systems. An example, the new Boeing 777-8/9 variant coming out this year relies on computer control of the flight controls to reduce loads on the wing, which can therefore be built lighter. When I asked a Boeing engineer about the implications of flying through moderate turbulence if the load relief system failed, he explained that the failure modes were so well understood that the failure possibility could essentially be ruled out.
That isolated system robustness can be essentially guaranteed on a particular system with modern tech seems to be a trend in Aerospace these days. For the shuttle, no shuttle door or landing gear had ever failed, giving credence to this design philosophy. As to the example of the 777 and other modern airliners, there are millions of hours of flight proven data that also seems to support this new philosophy of "designing out" failure modes in isolated systems.
Whether you agree with this or not (I am still ambivalent about it), that is the "new way" in aerospace. I'm guessing that this philosophy has been applied to the flip-top on the Crew Dragon.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 46214 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 03-07-2019 09:54 AM
Additional photos from Crew Dragon's approach and docking via NASA:
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 46214 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 03-07-2019 11:42 AM
The hatch leading into the DM-1 Crew Dragon was closed at 12:39 a.m. EST on Thursday (March 7).
Undocking is scheduled for 2:31 a.m. EST on Friday (March 8), following by a deorbit burn at 7:50 a.m. EST and a splashdown at 8:45 a.m. EST.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 46214 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 03-08-2019 01:22 AM
quote:Originally posted by SkyMan1958: Does anyone know if Dragon 2 can successfully re-enter the Earth's atmosphere if the top does not swing back into place after undocking?
The nose cone can be jettisoned if it cannot be closed.
posted 11-21-2018 09:53 AM
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