SpaceX Falcon 9 Flight 1 Launch, June 4, 2010

[job1207]

Re: Upcoming SpaceX Falcon9 Flight 1 Launch

"SpaceX’s next scheduled launch is the maiden flight of the larger Falcon 9, which is currently scheduled to be conducted in November. The Falcon 9 will be launched from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral, a pad which was originally built for the Titan rockets.

The flight is officially scheduled to be a demonstration mission, with no payload, however there has been some speculation that a US Government payload may be launched instead. If the maiden flight is successful, another launch is planned for January, with the first COTS demonstration flight of the Dragon spacecraft."

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/07/ ... sias-atsb/

 

[Maitri982]

Re: Upcoming SpaceX Falcon 9 Flight 1 Launch

IT would be very cool if they launched payload on their maiden flight. I have a lot more confidence in Falcon 9 first launch than I did for Falcon 1. the engines kinks should be worked out, so its a question of things like separation events etc.

good luck to em...november is the absolute earliest, so my bet is december.

 

[MeteorWayne]

Re: Upcoming SpaceX Falcon 9 Flight 1 Launch

While I wish them success, it must be realized that launching a multi engined vehicle is the most difficult part of massive launchers. The Saturn V managed it, and the STS handles it's own version (2 SRB's and 3 SMEs). But it contributed to the demise of the N-1 vehicle that was supposed to get cosmonauts to the moon ahead of the US. It had 5 stages, with 30 engines in the first stage, (which is what exploded) When engines shut down, your control must be extremely robust to deal with it, and the engines can't be allowed to fail in a mode that splatter little bits all over the place. I wouldn't put my sat on the first Falcon 9 launch myself, but I sincerely hope SpaceX has learned their lessons well and will get that sucker up into orbit.

I can't wait!

 

[gunsandrockets]

Re: Upcoming SpaceX Falcon 9 Flight 1 Launch

"While I wish them success, it must be realized that launching a multi engined vehicle is the most difficult part of massive launchers. The Saturn V managed it, and the STS handles it's own version (2 SRB's and 3 SMEs). But it contributed to the demise of the N-1 vehicle..."

I wouldn't be too concerned about Falcon 9 in that respect. Recall the 100% flight success of the Saturn I rocket which had 8 engines in the 1st stage and 6 engines in the 2nd stage. Then there is the Soyuz rocket which has 20 thrust chambers going during liftoff and which has an enormously successful launch history.

The failure of the N-1 probably had more to do with the difficulties of land transportation than anything else. Unlike the Saturn V which could be floated to the launch site by barge, the N-1 had to get to it's launch site by train! I think the Soviets actually had to assemble the massive beast on site. So no wonder the N-1 shook itself apart during launch. (Though in those days the Soviets even had a string of failures with the smaller Proton rocket.)

 

[MeteorWayne]

Re: Upcoming SpaceX Falcon 9 Flight 1 Launch

Good points all g&r.
Wayne

 

[nuaetius]

Re: Upcoming SpaceX Falcon 9 Flight 1 Launch

Ares 1-X has been delayed to October 31st at the earliest. We will likely see Shuttle, Ares, and Falcon 9 all vertical at once (I want that wallpaper). If Ares 1 keeps this up Falcon 9 might launch before Ares 1, who would have though that could happen.

 

[mr_mark]

Re: Upcoming SpaceX Falcon 9 Flight 1 Launch

I can't wait, I was thinking the same thing. Would it not be fantastic to see two new launchers in the same week both Ares I -X and Falcon 9 flight 1?!

 

[bc]

Re: Upcoming SpaceX Falcon 9 Flight 1 Launch

With any luck all the launches will be successful... I am just having a hard time waiting... I know that they need the time to prepare falcon 9 for everything and it is important to not rush anything... but I am very impatient and want to see results! anyway, spacex is doing well with 2 good launches in a row.. if they can make it three, there will be real confidence in their product... plus the more success falcon 9 has the more data they will have to eventually put people on top of it...

-bc

 

[shuttle_guy]

Re: Upcoming SpaceX Falcon 9 Flight 1 Launch

SpaceX News Release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Emily Shanklin | Director, Marketing and Communications
media@SpaceX.com
310.363.6733

SPACEX COMPLETES QUALIFICATION OF FALCON 9 FIRST STAGE TANK AND INTERSTAGE



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

McGregor, TX (July 29, 2009) – Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) announces the successful completion of qualification testing for the Falcon 9 launch vehicle first stage tank and interstage. Testing took place at SpaceX's Texas Test Site, a 300 acre structural and propulsion testing facility, located just outside of Waco, Texas.

The first stage tank and interstage hardware were subjected to a proof test of 1.1 times the maximum expected operating pressure (MEOP), and a burst pressure proof test of 1.4 MEOP; qualifying both articles with a 1.4 factor of safety. The 1.4 factor of safety designation means that the first stage tank and the interstage can withstand 140 percent the maximum internal pressure expected during flight, and qualifies both pieces of hardware to meet human rating safety requirements, as defined by NASA. The first stage also passed this human rating milestone when subjected to structural bending tests.

The testing regimen included over 150 pressurization cycles, exceeding the number of required life cycles by more than 100. In addition, the first stage and interstage were subjected to stiffness tests, maximum dynamic pressure loading and main engine cutoff conditions; all at expected values, as well as ultimate loads.

"Falcon 9 continues to pass qualification testing in preparation for its first flight, scheduled for 2009," said Elon Musk, CEO and CTO of SpaceX. "All hardware was designed to be man-rated, and these tests confirm that SpaceX is one step closer to flying humans on the Falcon 9/Dragon system."

Falcon 9's first stage and interstage also passed ground wind qualification tests, critical for when the vehicle is vertical on the launch pad at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Both components were designed, built and tested by SpaceX.

For more information about the Falcon family of vehicles, and to watch a video tour of SpaceX's Texas Test Site, please visit www.spacex.com.

 

[shuttle_guy]

Re: Upcoming SpaceX Falcon 9 Flight 1 Launch

Steady progress toward launch.

http://spaceflightnow.com/news/n0908/24falcon9/

 

[MeteorWayne]

Re: Upcoming SpaceX Falcon 9 Flight 1 Launch

Excerpt"

"Officials hope to ship the flight-ready first stage to Cape Canaveral by the end of September. The second stage could join it by late October after completing its own round of tests, according to Buzza, who will serve as launch director for the inaugural mission.

When the first launch will occur is still unknown, but Buzza stressed SpaceX is still counting on flying by the end of this year."

 

[MeteorWayne]

Re: Upcoming SpaceX Falcon 9 Flight 1 Launch

MODERATOR METEOR WAYNE SPEAKING****

This thread has now been split.

This thread here is Missions and Launches is strictly to discuss the Upcoming Falcon 9 flight 1.

The discussion of the politics and industry effects is now in Space Business and Technology.

It is here: viewtopic.php?f=15&t=19713

Please ensure you post in the proper discussion; any that are in the wrong one will be moved.

Thanx for your cooperation

Wayne

 

[mr_mark]

Re: Upcoming SpaceX Falcon 9 Flight 1 Launch

First stage is due to be delivered to Spacex's assembly building at Kennedy Space Center launch pad 40 at the end of this month. Things are moving along and I can't wait to see some assembly pics.

 

[shuttle_guy]

Re: Upcoming SpaceX Falcon 9 Flight 1 Launch

Last year when they stacked the vehicle (with some non flight hardware) they trucked everything in and out. (Most launch vehicle arrive here by aircraft.) I happened to pass the first stage on US 1 in Titusville as it was headed back out west. I will watch out for it coming back.

 

[docm]

Re: Upcoming SpaceX Falcon 9 Flight 1 Launch

Jeff Foust, the publisher of The Space Review, just twittered that -

"SpaceX considering flying qualification model of Dragon capsule on Falcon 9 test flight late this year."

I'm presuming that means the maiden flight. An acceleration of their Dragon schedule?

 

[j05h]

Re: Upcoming SpaceX Falcon 9 Flight 1 Launch

Jeff Foust, the publisher of The Space Review, just twittered that -

"SpaceX considering flying qualification model of Dragon capsule on Falcon 9 test flight late this year."

I'm presuming that means the maiden flight. An acceleration of their Dragon schedule?

This is huge news. SpaceX makes a running leap. Flying on the first Falcon 9 says "this isn't just for commsats." from the start. Orbital is talking about crewed Cygnus, too. Good times.

 

[mr_mark]

Re: Upcoming SpaceX Falcon 9 Flight 1 Launch

Wow, this is fantastic news! This really ramps things up. Now I'm really excited. I've been checking their website every few days for info. Can't wait to see if this is actually happening.

 

[Boris_Badenov]

Re: Upcoming SpaceX Falcon 9 Flight 1 Launch

We all saw the pic of a Dragon on a truck headed east out of LA. Now we have an idea of where it might have been headed. :ugeek: This has been something I've wondered about from the very beginning, if they'd loft a Dragon on the maiden flight? It certainly makes good sense to me. I mean, if the entire purpose of the F9/Dragon combo is to get crew access to LEO, why not start getting some experience right with the first flight?

 

[docm]

Re: Upcoming SpaceX Falcon 9 Flight 1 Launch

Actually the primary mission of F9/Dragon was ISS cargo with the designed in advantage of being able to hop into ISS crew minimal lead time.

Yes, that eastbound & truckin' Dragon looks interesting in hindsight, but for such a trip I'd expect it to be covered. More likely is that it was headed out for testing, completion and a bit of publicity then it goes to the Cape for integration.

 

[mr_mark]

Re: Upcoming SpaceX Falcon 9 Flight 1 Launch

Here are some new assembly pictures from Texas. In the first picture the 2nd stage assembly is well under way and the first stage is nearing completion. First stage devilery to the cape in about a month. These pics made my day! http://digitalvideo.8m.net/spacex/f9integration/big.zip

 

[docm]

Re: Upcoming SpaceX Falcon 9 Flight 1 Launch

http://www.hobbyspace.com/nucleus/index.php

This AvWeek article says that SpaceX now intends its first Falcon 9 flight, currently scheduled for late December, to fly a Dragon capsule rather than a dummy payload in the 5-meter fairing: Orbital Throws Hat into Human Spaceflight Ring for COTS - Aviation Week - Sept.21.09 issue (subscription required)

Following the initial demonstration flight, and three planned demonstration missions for NASA’s Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) program, the large fairing will be used to cover a commercial payload planned for the next flight. The first of 12 contracted SpaceX COTS flights will follow in 2011.

The Dragon for the first “C1” demonstration flight, a short-duration mission involving 4.5 orbits, is now in assembly. Follow-on vehicles will be built for C2, a more complex mission requiring a flyby of the International Space Station, and C3, which will involve a berthing (see p. 16) and transfer of “real or fake” cargo, said Shotwell at the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Space 2009 conference here. Shotwell adds that SpaceX is through the bulk of Phase 2 of the space station safety review process with NASA, and is due to undergo Phase 3 in early 2010. The company has also completed two joint mission simulations and end-to-end ground tests with NASA.

Despite the title, the article only briefly discusses Orbital Science's investigation into a crew capable Cygnus capsule.

 

[nimbus]

Re: Upcoming SpaceX Falcon 9 Flight 1 Launch

As a mere layman, I keep giving both Griffin and the opposition (though they don't all have only common interests) benefit of the doubt on what they argue for and against one another, but if SpaceX manages to fly successfully from here on out, then Griffin will lose a lot of credibility - Didn't he say, a few years back when asked about commercial crew transport to & from ISS, that SpaceX "couldn't be counted on" to do the job? If they make their manned Dragon flights work, they'll have beaten NASA to the punch. NASA with its workforce advantage, and cost and schedule overruns.

 

[docm]

Re: Upcoming SpaceX Falcon 9 Flight 1 Launch

AvWeek has put up a link to that article....

Link....

Any bets that if this flight meets the COTS 1 goals they'll use it to accelerate the schedule? If not no big deal - they have nothing to lose since it was a test flight anyhow and they can call the qualification vehicle a mass simulator. The requirements for COTS 1 are pretty basic:

Launch and separate from Falcon 9, orbit Earth, transmit telemetry, receive commands, demonstrate orbital maneuvering and thermal control, re-enter atmosphere, and recover Dragon capsule.

Signaling growing ambitions in commercial human spaceflight, Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) will test its Dragon spacecraft earlier than expected on the first flight of its Falcon 9 launcher, while fellow NASA commercial partner Orbital Sciences begins studies of a human-rated version of its Cygnus cargo delivery spacecraft.

“The first four Falcon 9 launches will likely have Dragon on top,” says SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell. “The original plan was to fly only with the 5-meter fairing, but now we’re exploring flying the qualification vehicle on the first demonstration flight.” Following the initial demonstration flight, and three planned demonstration missions for NASA’s Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) program, the large fairing will be used to cover a commercial payload planned for the next flight. The first of 12 contracted SpaceX COTS flights will follow in 2011.
>
Preparations for launch of the first Falcon 9 are progressing toward a late December target date.

 

[mr_mark]

Re: Upcoming SpaceX Falcon 9 Flight 1 Launch

Now for some good news........

Air Force: SpaceX's Falcon 9 first launch planned for Nov 29
posted by Robert Block on Sep 22, 2009 10:52:09 PM
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CAPE CANAVERAL - After being removed from the U.S. Air Force’s 45th Space Wing’s launch schedule for five months, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket is back on the board. The most recent 90-day Eastern Range forecast released Tuesday has the new rocket's maiden launch planned for November 29 at 11 a.m. local time.

The reappearance of the Falcon 9 on the Air Force program comes exactly one week after several members of Congress cast doubt on the viability of commercial spaceflight as they defended NASA's plans to replace the space shuttle.

Their remarks were in response to the findings of a presidential blue ribbon panel that suggested NASA rely on commercial spaceships to carry crew and cargo to the international space station.

Some members called the notion irresponsible, saying commercial rockets were little more than cartoon fantasies.

U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, who is married to a NASA astronaut, led the charge in a heated House hearing. The Arizona Democrat said the U.S. could not "gain anything by confusing hypothetical commercial capabilities that might someday exist with what we can actually count on now to meet the nation's needs."

Advocates of commercial space companies, especially SpaceX, say Falcon 9’s return to the Air Force manifest is a significant development that should show critics that the promise of new rocket companies is real.

“It’s another wave in a cascade of recognition that SpaceX is a real company and another contender in the market,” said Space Florida President Frank DiBello.

SpaceX is owned by former internet tycoon Elon Musk. The Falcon 9 is a medium lift class rocket with nine Merlin engines. It is being designed to haul both cargo and crew into space, though SpaceX’s contract with NASA so far only covers cargo flights under the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, program.

The rocket was assembled at its pad on Launch Complex 40 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and raised for several days in January. It has passed all its developmental milestones, including a full test firing of its complete first stage, but has yet to fly.

In May, the rocket was bumped from holding dates because of a combination of unfinished technical work on the rocket and incomplete documentation for the Air Force, which manages safety on the Eastern Range. The 45th Space Wing Commander, Brig. General Edward Bolton, said at the time that the Air Force could not continue to reserve launch dates for Falcon 9 until SpaceX satisfied the range safety requirements.

The Falcon 9 launch is now scheduled to launch less than six weeks after NASA's Ares I rocket prototype, the Ares I-X , is supposed to make its test flight, which the agency is hailing as a major milestone in its rocket's development.

SpaceX vice president Larry Williams said that November 29 would be the earliest date that the Falcon 9 would launch, though he said that date could slip as first launches can sometimes be a challenge. But he stressed the first flight of Falcon 9 is "months away, not years" as some critics have claimed.

He confirmed that the company was also considering flying the rocket with SpaceX's Dragon capsule that is supposed to deliver cargo to the space station. Originally the rocket was to fly only with a five-meter fairing. But the final decision to test the spacecraft for the first time with the rocket has not been finalized, he said.

“This is a big deal,” said Williams “We are now on the Air Force range manifest and are working towards a launch before the end of the year. We are certainly not a fantasy.”
we go.....

 

[MeteorWayne]

Re: Upcoming SpaceX Falcon 9 Flight 1 Launch

That's great news.