Live rocket launch

[JamesF]

Well caught.

It got me thinking about how they actually recover the fairings.  I'd not considered it before.  Apparently they have some attitude jets help guide them, and then a parachute.  As the fairing gets close to the surface of the sea, a boat with a huge net on top tries to get underneath to catch it.  There's a brief video here:

Apparently Elon Musk claims it saves them $6m per launch if they use recovered fairings.

James

[johnfosteruk]

5 minutes ago, JamesF said:

Apparently Elon Musk claims it saves them $6m per launch if they use recovered fairings.

 

Worth the effort then. Although I must admit to being disappointed. How amazing would it be if the fairings had descent boosters, gridfins and landing legs like the first stage?  That would no doubt blow the £6m saving tho..

Edited January 26, 2021 by johnfosteruk

[JamesF]

Looks like SN9 is not going today, but may do tomorrow or Thursday.

James

[johnfosteruk]

Not today either. Hopefully tomorrow

[Jonk]

SN9 is currently sat on the launchpad but on hold as the tfr (temporary flight restriction) in the area has been lifted meaning no rocket launch for now.

They’re saying the spacex team have not yet removed local road closures etc so not actually sure whether any testing going ahead today.

Still, lots of time left in the launch window. The last one sn8 went in the final half an hour if I remember.

[Jonk]

Latest as of 17:40 GMT is that today’s launch has been scrubbed.

They may still perform other tests though so maybe good to keep watching.

[Jonk]

Launch definitely scrubbed, they will try again tomorrow pending FAA approval (Friday).

Tune in!

[Jonk]

Current SpaceX SN9 test flight is currently sat waiting for the FAA to approve a TFR (Temporary Flight Restriction) to other aircraft in the area to allow the rocket launch.

[Jonk]

TFR apparently granted and local village evacuation started (normal procedures for launches).

[Davey-T]

Apparently the FAA has jurisdiction over all US companies no matter where they launch from in the World and even in space so presumably they'll need FAA permission to launch from the Moon and Mars 😄

Dave

Edited January 29, 2021 by Davey-T

[JamesF]

Who knows what is going to happen?  Sounds like no-one is telling.

James

[Jonk]

Certainly been scrubbed for today - everything ok except full FAA approval.

[Davey-T]

3 minutes ago, Jonk said:

Certainly been scrubbed for today - everything ok except full FAA approval.

Wonder if they need FAA approval to land, if they're planning point to point travel to Australia they can't circle round waiting to land 😄

Dave

[Jonk]

That has been discussed - super delivery service - US to Aus in what, 10 minutes?

[Davey-T]

8 minutes ago, Jonk said:

That has been discussed - super delivery service - US to Aus in what, 10 minutes?

Plus three days waiting for FAA take off permission 😂

Dave

[Mick J]

T shirts look apt, - eat, sleep, scrub & repeat.  

[Jonk]

They are lucky, that they just watch what they love, chat about it all day, sell tshirts and just enjoy it. And presumably earn a decent living from it.

And get to play with some amazing remote cameras!

[johnfosteruk]

2 hours ago, Davey-T said:

Plus three days waiting for FAA take off permission 😂

Dave

And 6 hours queuing for customs

[Phil Fargaze]

Awesome view at the moment. SN10 being rolled out with SN9 in the background.

[Jonk]

Sure is!

 

[Jonk]

[Jonk]

[Jonk]

Twins!

[Jonk]

It's coming...

[Jonk]

These grabs are from a live video stream that's been going on for a couple of hours. Once complete, they're going to produce some timelapses which will look really good.