Posted on 01/17/2020 5:06:30 PM PST by BenLurkin
One of the last major steps before SpaceX flies its Crew Dragon craft with real NASA astronauts onboard is an "in-flight abort test." Scheduled to take place during a four-hour window on Saturday, Sunday or Monday morning, it will test the vehicle's ability to safely get back to Earth if there's a problem during ascent.
Come back here just before 8 AM ET on January 18th, and if the weather holds then you should see the Crew Dragon separate from its Falcon 9, then eventually land in the Atlantic Ocean. Even if you wake up a little late, keep an eye out -- according to SpaceX, weather data suggests their best opportunity may be toward the end of the four-hour launch window.
(Excerpt) Read more at engadget.com ...
gnip
Something out of the routine. Should make for fun watching.
What’s not to like? Launch and blowing up a rocket.
We are tied to a mooring ball in Titusvile, about 5 miles from the launch/test site. Plan on getting up and watching it.
There is also a launch scheduled for the 20th that I hope the weather allows us to see.
Right now, we are riding in 20+kt sea in 7ft of water. It’s choppy and not all that comfortable. Suppose to be better tomorrow.
To heck with PETA, and just my .02, but I recommend sending chimps for the first outing or two. Just like in the old days.
Holy cow... As a wee lad, our siblings had a GNIP-GNOP game. Just realized, after all these decades, that it was really just PING-PONG spelled backwards...
There will be two mannequins and a lot of sensors on board. We don’t need chimps anymore.
I reckon so. I hope it all goes well.
Thanks, it's been quite a while since I streamed a SpaceX event.
btw, my favorite for SpaceX coverage is spaceXcentric (formerly “CloudLicker”) — he’s concise and articulate, and attempts to be amusing. He tells ya what he’s gonna tell ya, tells ya, then finishes the video, no monkeying around. I think he and Scott Manley have cooperated on a video, which is a bonus, because Scott Manley’s my favorite general space YT guy.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh4B5ZDaLCrjaWBXPRaRT6g
Well, I watched it. Came off without a hitch. Perfect launch, then about 84 seconds into the flight, the Crew Dragon shot away from the Falcon 9 just like it should have. About 5 seconds later, the suddenly non-aerodynamic Falcon was torn apart and exploded (”It blowed up REAL good!”).
The Crew Dragon went on to achieve a perfect splashdown in the Atlantic a few minutes later.
The next time Crew Dragon flies, it’ll have 2 American astronaut on board.
The next time Crew Dragon flies, it’ll have 2 American astronaut on board.
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NASA said yesterday it may happen in March.
Second stage survived and made a big explosion when it hit the water.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EOp_7EGWoAIexGD?format=jpg&name=4096x4096
Crossing fingers....
As for the 2nd stage...WHOA! they didn't show THAT. Two "booms" for the price of one!
Looked flawless. They are supposed to hold a press conference shortly. SpaceX webcast showing replay right now.
bttt
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