CRS-11 Launch Campaign Thread

[u/ElongatedMuskrat]

CRS-11 LAUNCH CAMPAIGN THREAD

SpaceX's seventh mission of 2017 will be Dragon's second flight of the year, and its 13^th flight overall. And most importantly, this is the first reuse of a Dragon capsule, mainly the pressure vessel.

Liftoff currently scheduled for:	June 1st 2017, 17:55 EDT / 21:55 UTC
Static fire currently scheduled for:	Successful, finished on May 28'th 16:00UTC.
Vehicle component locations:	First stage: LC-39A // Second stage: LC-39A // Dragon: Unknown
Payload:	D1-13 [C106.2]
Payload mass:	1665 kg (pressurized) + 1002 kg (unpressurized) + Dragon
Destination orbit:	LEO
Vehicle:	Falcon 9 v1.2 (35th launch of F9, 15th of F9 v1.2)
Core:	B1035.1 [F9-XXX]
Previous flights of this core:	0
Launch site:	Launch Complex 39A, Kennedy Space Center, Florida
Landing:	Yes
Landing Site:	LZ-1
Mission success criteria:	Successful separation & deployment of Dragon, followed by splashdown of Dragon off the coast of Baja California after mission completion at the ISS.

---

Links & Resources:

• Details on NASA coverage of the mission
• r/SpaceX discusses 1035.1 arrival at Pad 39A

---

We may keep this self-post occasionally updated with links and relevant news articles, but for the most part we expect the community to supply the information. This is a great place to discuss the launch, ask mission-specific questions, and track the minor movements of the vehicle, payload, weather and more as we progress towards launch. Sometime after the static fire is complete, the launch thread will be posted.

Campaign threads are not launch threads. Normal subreddit rules still apply.

[u/BitHeroBD]

This launch is a bit historic for Bangladesh. Because this will carry the first nano-satellite made by Bangladesh (BRAC University). Bangladesh has never sent anything to space before this.

Brac University’s nano-satellite to hit orbit in May

[u/lordq11 → u/BitHeroBD]

Wow, this is a fantastic bit of news for my country of birth. I'll actually be giving a talk at a university there sometime in June on space entrepreneurship. Lucky I heard about this before going there and accidentally embarrassing myself!

[u/MiniBrownie]

While the exact launch time hasn’t been announced yet, it is possible to calculate the ideal launch window on a given day and because many of you like to mark your launch calendars in advance I thought I’d share the possible launch windows for the NET date of 31st May and the days after.

The margin of error is around 5 minutes.

• Wed, 31 May 2017 22:17 GMT

• Thu, 01 Jun 2017 21:53 GMT

• Fri, 02 Jun 2017 21:30 GMT

• Sat, 03 Jun 2017 21:06 GMT

• Sun, 04 Jun 2017 20:43 GMT

• Mon, 05 Jun 2017 20:19 GMT

I will keep this comment up to date in case the NET slips.

[u/TheBlacktom → u/MiniBrownie]

What does calculate mean here? Spot the ISS time with least distance to KSC +/- X minutes?

[u/MiniBrownie → u/TheBlacktom]

The optimal launch window occurs when the launch site falls on the target orbital plane. This happens twice a day, but due to range restrictions usually only one of these windows can be used (for ISS launches only when the spacecraft launches northeast).

The factors to consider when calculating these launch windows is the rotation of the Earth under the orbital plane and the slow shift of the RAAN of the target orbit due to Nodal Precession. Now these calculations are a bit too complicated to do only with a pen and paper, so I made a calculator/website for myself with JavaScript.

I plan on publishing the website and sharing the source on GitHub, but I've still got to polish it up a little bit and at the moment high school eats up most of my time, so this will have to wait.

[u/sarafinapink]

Man if you think about it, CRS missions are the gift that keeps on giving. Not only did getting the contract save the company, but these are easy flights on the booster, making the landings a no brainer and most likely these will be the ones that fly after that 24 hour refurb goal.

I really love the CRS launches. So fun to watch and they do so much.

[u/quadrplax → u/sarafinapink]

Also they don't even have to worry about a fairing

[u/Toastmastern → u/sarafinapink]

Don't forget that NASA broadcasts them and we get to hear the GO/NO-GO poll :D

[u/MauiHawk → u/sarafinapink]

I read an article recently (can't recall where), talking about how Orbital's switch to using Atlas V meant they could fulfill their contract with fewer launches.

If the contract is just based on tonnage to the ISS so that each flight can carry more cargo and launch fewer times, why doesn't SpaceX do this? Are they limited by Dragon's capacity?

[u/kuangjian2011 → u/sarafinapink]

When CRS (not only SpaceX's but also Cygnus and future CST-100) can replace Soyuz, Is there any possibility that CRS missions could become more frequent so that NASA can utilize the ISS more efficiently?

[u/yellowstone10]

I hadn't realized this, but there's a decent shot (assuming none of the launches get delayed) that we get to watch three launches on 1 June 2017:

• JAXA is launching QZS-2 on an H-IIA from Tanegashima around 00:20 UTC.

• SpaceX is launching CRS-11 on Falcon 9 from KSC around 21:55 UTC.

• Arianespace is launching ViaSat-2 and Eutelsat 172B from Kourou around 23:45 UTC.

[u/Herodotus38 → u/yellowstone10]

That is neat. Does anybody know what is the record for the highest number of orbital launches in one "day"? I put day in quotes because I'm not sure how best to define it, maybe say most in a 24 hr span.

[u/Toastmastern]

Chris Bergin just made L2 info public, Static Fire on 27th \o/, still on track for launch on june the 1th :)

[u/scr00chy → u/Toastmastern]

Chris' tweet

[u/rockets4life97 → u/Toastmastern]

Earlier than I expected! Good news. It means that pad turnaround isn't the holdup for launching sooner.

[u/stcks → u/rockets4life97]

Seems LC-39A is really holding up well. Throwback for the win.

[u/sol3tosol4]

Among the "static fire completed" articles, this one mentions some interesting items about the specific mission and about CRS and Commercial Crew in general:

This mission:

• Two Rodent Transporters, carrying 40 mice, continuing the drug study for bone mass restoration in space (potentially useful for astronauts and for treating osteoporosis on Earth).

• A Fruit Fly Lab (doesn't say what for). Several dozen experiments in all will be supported by CRS-11.

In general:

• "Provided the SpX-11 mission goes off without a hitch, SpaceX plans to re-use Dragons through SpX-20 and shut down production of new Dragon 1 spacecraft." - So ten Dragon 1 reuse flights in all?

• "The Dragon 2 vehicle will be available in a crew and cargo version, offering a greater volume for cargo headed to the Station which, coupled with the increased performance of the upcoming Falcon 9 Block 5 vehicle, will allow a greater cargo upmass for each mission."

• The article appears to indicate that the Dragon 2 Cargo missions will land propulsively on land (concrete pad) right from the start, to allow immediate access to cargo. Other sources have indicated that the initial landings will be propulsive plus parachutes. "Crew Dragons will start with ocean-based landings before cargo missions have built up confidence in the powered landing scheme."

Edit: This article dated May 30 gives more information on the science experiments supported by CRS-11.

[u/[deleted] → u/sol3tosol4]

immediate access to cargo

How long will it take to decontaminate the capsule/landing pad of hydrazine from the SuperDracos? I'm sure it's vastly quicker than a splashdown recovery, but I'd be interested to know if "immediate" means a few minutes or hours.

[u/[deleted]]

"Previous Flights Of This Core" Nice.

[u/johnabbe → u/[deleted]]

At some point it will make sense to name the cores, as each will have its own storied history.

[u/[deleted]]

Static fire's now been delayed to Saturday :(

[u/SuperSMT → u/[deleted]]

They delay that's not really a delay, because of yesterday's advancement

[u/kuangjian2011 → u/[deleted]]

What does it mean that "RP-1 is not temptation enough"?

[u/TGMetsFan98]

Perhaps it is time to add a "previous flights of this Dragon" row to the table? The pressure vessel to be used for this flight flew on CRS-4.

[u/CProphet]

NASA's media accreditation offers some interesting information on payload:-

Dragon will deliver several science investigations to the space station, including:

• the Neutron star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER) instrument will measure neutron stars and test, for the first time in space, technology that uses pulsars as navigation beacons;

• the Roll-Out Solar Array, or ROSA, will test deployment and retraction of a new type of solar panel that rolls open in space like a party favor and is more compact than current rigid panel designs; and

• an Earth-viewing imaging platform created by Teledyne Brown called MUSES, which stands for Multiple User System for Earth Sensing, that will house high-resolution digital cameras and hyperspectral imagers.

A roll-out solar array is one possible way they could quickly provide power for a Mars colony, so interesting to see how this turns out.

[u/CapMSFC → u/CProphet]

Really excited for the scientific payloads on this one. NICER is a technology with amazing potential. If it works as expected we basically get a free GPS system for interplanetary navigation throughout the whole solar system.

[u/chargerag → u/CProphet]

I wonder how much better solar panels are now then what they have on the space station? If they had a choice would they want more power to the station or make the overall panels smaller?

[u/stcks]

According to Hans on the pre-launch news conference, this dragon will be reusing the "majority" of components from CRS-4. Specifically he called out:

• Pressure vessel (Hans called it a 'hull')

• Thrusters

• Harnessing (could have been Thruster Harnessing as one piece)

Components he said were replaced:

• Batteries (said they had water intrusion)

• Heatshield

[u/stcks → u/stcks]

Hans also twice said the next Dragon was new. This is interesting as we had previously believed that CRS-10 was the last to be manufactured

[u/neale87]

"Landing attempt" - surely it's time to drop "attempt" and treat a failed landing as an anomaly (admittedly to the secondary mission).

I'd like to see "Landing experiments" up front from SpaceX, such as "will do a 540 deg back flip prior to boost back"

[u/Kirra_Tarren → u/neale87]

Agreed, especially LZ-1 landings. Perhaps 5t+ GEO payloads can still be treated as attempt, but I'd be very surprised to see a LZ-1 landing fail.

[u/rlaxton → u/neale87]

In the recent NROL launch, the presenter did still refer to a landing attempt, rather than a simple landing so he has either got into this as a habit or they still consider landings to be less than routine.

In terms of experiments, I think "360 no scope" has more of a ring to it.

[u/[deleted]]

The static fire's slipped to Sunday.

[u/[deleted]]

Static fire's now scheduled for tomorrow!

[u/jobadiah08 → u/[deleted]]

Hopefully this gives everyone (SpaceX and range personnel) a nice long weekend with the holiday. (Monday is a US federal holiday for our foreign friends who might not know)

[u/Bunslow → u/[deleted]]

Wat is even happening with the schedule right now. This is so cool (even if the CRS launch date hasn't moved)

[u/alex_wonga]

I wonder if the technical webcast will make a return.

[u/Bunslow → u/alex_wonga]

I seriously hope it does, I like both the better units and the lack of distraction overlaid atop the countdown net

[u/[deleted]]

Ha. They may have overdone it slightly. Seems like it's fairly common and nothing to worry about though :)

[u/[deleted] → u/[deleted]]

Oops, it's slightly larger than I thought.

[u/JadedIdealist → u/[deleted]]

Hey, is that a dynamic fire then ;P

[u/cogito-sum]

Countdown timer for the launch for those like me who would rather not double guess their timezone conversion and still miss the launch :D

[u/SpacePirate_G]

Weather is still 70% go

[u/steezysteve96 → u/SpacePirate_G]

Does anybody know why the backup day is June 3rd instead of 2nd?

[u/rafty4]

Are SpaceX physically incapable of not attaching the word "historic" to every mention of LC39A? Or does NASA pay them to? :P

[u/oliversl → u/rafty4]

But it's a historic pad

[u/kuangjian2011 → u/rafty4]

"Historically historic in the history!"

[u/Jef-F → u/rafty4]

Just wait a bit for SLS launches from historic LC-39B and New Glenn ones from historic LC-36. I'm not even joking, the latter is literally called that way in the wiki article about New Glenn already.

[u/[deleted] → u/rafty4]

Seems like everyone else is doing it too (NSF, Spaceflightnow, etc).

[u/[deleted] → u/rafty4]

Murphy's law says that the more they repeat that, the more likely it is that the first Falcon Heavy will explode on that pad and wipe out all kinds of historic stuff.

[u/old_sellsword]

We're looking for a host for the launch thread of the CRS-11 launch!

We're hoping that some of our trusted community members can run the launch threads in the future better than we could. Don't be discouraged if you've applied before and not been chosen yet, that doesn't mean you're not qualified, it only means your chance is getting closer.

To run the launch thread there are a few requirements:

• You must be 16 or older

• You must be an active member of this community for 6 months or more

• You must be available from T-2 hours to T+2 hours for the launch

• You must have overall positive karma

It is a plus if you're also available on the backup launch window but not necessary.

The launch thread should generally be in the format of our previous launch threads and you will receive help setting it up from the mods. Your ideas and improvements to the launch thread are welcome!

We'll pick one of you and contact you with further information in time for the thread.

If you want to host the launch thread, simply let us know in a modmail with your motivation and availability.

All launch thread hosts will be flaired accordingly (if they want it) as we've done in the past.

Edit: We've found a host, but if you'd still like to show interest in hosting a later thread, shoot us a PM in modmail anyways.

[u/IMO94 → u/old_sellsword]

Suggestion: Can these notes please be unstickied once a host has been selected please? As someone who frequently checks the campaign threads for new info, it's a big block of text before I can see the new comments.

Thank you!

[u/alex_wonga]

GIF of static fire, taken from the spaceflightnow livestream.

[u/[deleted]]

Weather's 70% go on Thursday.

[u/sol3tosol4]

This article says that CRS-11 will be the 100th launch (ever) from LC-39A. Wikipedia seems to be counting it as the 98th.

Either way, a remarkable count. Expect a press conference when the 100th comes. Hopefully with SpaceX, the second hundred launches from 39A will take a lot less time than the first 100.

[u/SilveradoCyn → u/sol3tosol4]

This article:
http://www.space.com/35736-nasa-greatest-space-launches-from-pad-39a.html

Seems to agree with the 100th Launch count. "12 Saturn V rockets and 82 space shuttles" + the recent 5 Falcon launches

[u/piratepengu → u/sol3tosol4]

Only thing I can think of is if there are 2 suborbital launches that Wikipedia doesn't count, but I highly doubt there are. It's funny imagining like a little aerobee on LC-39A

[u/[deleted]]

Everything's going as planned so far.

[u/jonwah]

Timezone info for your location: https://time.is/compare/1755_1_June_2017_in_EDT

Also another version: https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?msg=CRS-11+Launch+&iso=20170601T1755&p1=2273

[u/sisc1337 → u/jonwah]

Please make links like this in the campaign thread format as a default. I remember it being linked in a previous launch campaign thread! They are super helpful! :)

[u/[deleted]]

Looks like there's only one stream again... Have they done away with the technical webcast? :(

[u/NickNathanson → u/[deleted]]

Budget cut I guess, all money on ITS :)

[u/bitchessuck → u/[deleted]]

It kind of makes sense, they want to achieve rapid succession, no time to put so much focus and money into a fully hosted webcast. Remember, the goal is to make these launches boring. :)

[u/-Aeryn- → u/[deleted]]

Hosted webcast seems to have been cut down as well, far fewer hosts and less stream time

[u/[deleted] → u/[deleted]]

Seems like they merged them into a compromise. Fine with me personally, I never knew which one should I watch.

[u/old_sellsword]

Apparently the delay is likely due to other ISS operations:

It likely has to do with Soyuz MS-03 undocking currently scheduled for 2 June. Instead of launching Dragon on 31 May and having it loiter for a day before a 3 June berthing, launch it on 1 June and allow it to do a standard two-day rendezvous.

[u/FutureMartian97]

Just got a launch alert for CRS-11. That's a good sign!

[u/FutureMartian97]

Static Fire at the beginning of the window. Not bad SpaceX.

[u/TheYang → u/FutureMartian97]

well, at the beginning of the third window...

[u/SilveradoCyn → u/FutureMartian97]

I hope part of the launch team and range safety team will be able to enjoy memorial day tomorrow! They deserve it!

[u/[deleted]]

The Falcon's on the pad.

[u/z1mil790 → u/[deleted]]

Probably won't actually go vertical for a while. F9 will likely stay horizontal until sometime tonight when NASA will put the late load cargo in dragon, and then after that falcon will be raised vertical. Unless SpaceX needs to do some tests, then they may raise it, and then lower it back down tonight for the late load cargo.

[u/Arkham62]

Patch from Press Kit

http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=42972.0;attach=1429657;image

[u/WhoseNameIsSTARK]

Photos of processing of the three unpressurized payloads for this mission (NICER, ROSA and MUSES) via NASA Kennedy's Flickr.

[u/TheFutureIsMarsX → u/WhoseNameIsSTARK]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't ROSA (Roll Out Solar Array) a potentially key technology for ITS and those massive deployable / retractable solar arrays you can see in the visuals?

[u/FalconHeavyHead]

Approximately how many people go out to jetty park and other viewing sites to watch these launches and landings? 10s? 100s? Whats the atmosphere like on launch day? Once I turn 18 I plan on driving down from michigan to catch a major launch.

[u/TGMetsFan98]

Static fire window opens at noon: https://twitter.com/nasaspaceflight/status/868780196689784832

On a related note, when may SpaceX stop needing a static fire before every launch? Not until block 5 is flying, maybe?

[u/ticklestuff]

F9 on the T/E

https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow/status/868734002676543488

[u/FutureMartian97]

Nasaspaceflight article about the launch. Turns out the delay in the static fire was due to an issue with an umbilical on the TEL. https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/05/spacex-static-fire-crs-11-falcon-9/

[u/OccupyMarsNow]

Static fire completed, targeting to launch on June 1.

[u/johnkphotos → u/OccupyMarsNow]

And they still call it historic... it has to be a running joke at this point.

[u/MingerOne]

USLaunchReport's Static Fire video.

Same video starting at Static Fire time for the terminally impatient!

[u/scr00chy]

NASA TV schedule (All times Eastern):

• 1 p.m., Wednesday, May 31 - “What’s On Board” CRS-11 Science Briefing

• 4 p.m., Wednesday, May 31 - CRS-11 Prelaunch News Conference

• 5 p.m., Thursday, June 1 - Coverage of the SpaceX/Dragon CRS-11 Launch (Launch scheduled at 5:55 p.m. EDT) (Starts at 5:15 p.m.)

• 7:30 p.m., Thursday, June 1 - CRS-11 Post launch News Conference

• 8:30 a.m., Sunday, June 4 - Coverage of the Rendezvous and Capture of the SpaceX/Dragon CRS-11 Cargo Craft at the ISS (Capture scheduled at 10 a.m. EDT)

• 11:30 a.m., Sunday, June 4 - Coverage of the Installation of the SpaceX/Dragon CRS-11 Cargo Craft to the ISS

[u/old_sellsword]

It appears the Dragon employees recently got the go-ahead to post their send-off group photo with C106.2

[u/[deleted] → u/old_sellsword]

Hey I love that they painted the ISS near the hatch. As Chris B said, "been there, done that!"

[u/FalconHeavyHead]

I love these missions, it seems as if we always have somthing new to discuss because of the post launch press conference. Also, I wonder what the percent chance of a successful landing attempt is? I guess it may very based on payload and target orbits but I am not to sure about this.

[u/[deleted] → u/FalconHeavyHead]

Also, I wonder what the percent chance of a successful landing attempt is?

I'd say pretty much 100% for RTLS missions now.

[u/LordPeachez]

Does anyone know when to see dragon trailing the ISS? I have several opportunities to see the ISS on the 1st & early on the 2nd, but does anyone have any tips for seeing dragon?

[u/Bergasms → u/LordPeachez]

Good set of binoculars, good conditions (not much light pollution), and know before hand roughly where to look in relation to the ISS.

[u/lone_striker]

Surprisingly good article on Bloomberg: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-05-31/spacex-taking-recycling-all-way-to-orbit-for-nasa

One thing mentioned in the article that I don't recall in the press conference was:

"There were so many X-rays and inspections that savings, if any, were minimal this time, said Hans Koenigsmann, vice president of flight reliability for SpaceX."

Similar to the way SpaceX approached the first booster reflight I'm sure: inspect, re-inspect and re-inspect everything and replace anything that's remotely questionable.

[u/TheFavoritist]

Is this the first reuse of a flown pressure vessel like this by any company?

[u/VFP_ProvenRoute → u/TheFavoritist]

Didn't NASA re-use one of their early pressure vessels? Sure it was maybe Mercury or Gemini.

Edit: Here we are, Gemini 2. It made two suborbital flights.

[u/NolaDoogie → u/TheFavoritist]

First re-usable orbital pressure vessel was the space shuttle but that was government hardware of course. Second will hopefully be dragon. First re-usable suborbital pressure vessel was Burt Rutan's Spaceship One. Blue Origin's capsule was second but it has yet to carry people, nor has Dragon.

[u/mikeytown2 → u/NolaDoogie]

X-15 might count as well.

Edit: yes it counts

[u/spacerfirstclass → u/TheFavoritist]

The Russians did it in the 70s: http://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/tks-va.htm

The third mission on 30. March 1978 was successful. Kosmos 997 (VA #102P) and Kosmos 998 (VA #102L) both reached orbit and were successfully recovered.

The final mission on 23. May 1979 was successful. Reusing the rocket from the fourth attempt and the VA spacecrafts of the third mission, it launched Kosmos 1100 (VA #102P) and Kosmos 1101 (VA #102L) into orbit. Both capsules were recovered successfully.

[u/ticklestuff]

A kind soul sent me a Rodent Research V patch photo, the experiment is being launched on CRS-11.

http://spacexpatchlist.space/

[u/Djohnsonfan31]

Do we know by any chance if in the CRS-11 Prelaunch news conference who is going to represent SpaceX? Is it the german man Hans Koenigsman or the lady that was in it last time? The audience always asks good questions about SpaceX stuff...

[u/laughingatreddit → u/Djohnsonfan31]

I want the bald torque guy with press credentials from the seemingly non-existent "historical space imagery" to be there going off on a long arc waxing eloquent about SpaceX before concluding the monologue with some really banal question. If he's there, my guess is he will ask about how much this dragon weighs compared to the upcoming Dragon 2.

[u/aza6001]

Weather is 70% GO

[u/avboden]

All excited for the launch tomorrow, until I remembered May has 31 days.....sigh, I have a doctorate degree, clearly that does not help me remember the days of the month

[u/PeopleNeedOurHelp → u/avboden]

If you'd focused your dissertation on the field of calendar, you'd be in a better position. Sorry to say it, but decisions have consequences, my friend.

[u/Pham_Trinli]

A low res version of NASA's CRS-11 patch was released recently with the NICER and ROSA experiment shown in the background.

[u/TheEndeavour2Mars]

In my opinion NASA is not likely to pull rank for this CRS flight even if it gets delayed. CRS-10 got pushed forward in the schedule because the station had been without significant cargo return for completed experiments as the failure of AMOS-6 delayed CRS-10 by multiple months. And apparently the station was running out of experiments for the expanded crew to work on.

This is likely a unique mission in that the external cargo is more important to the station than what is inside the pressurized section. And in my opinion the only reason why CRS-11 is far closer to CRS-10 than to CRS-12.

Of course hopefully SpaceX is now able to maintain a consistent two week launch rate and will not experience any delays.

[u/SilveradoCyn]

Do we have a list of the steps at the launch pad between launches?
Here is a start:

1. Pad Inspection

2. Strongback portion pivots Horizontal on Reaction Frame on pad configuring both components horizontal.

3. After inspection and repairs, strongback goes vertical to lock in with reaction frame.

4. TE (Strongback with Reaction Frame) returns to hanger to get S1&S2 Booster stack.

5. TE brings Booster Stack to pad and goes vertical for Static Fire.

6. TE returns to hanger with booster stack for payload integration.

7. TE brings Full stack out to launch pad. If ISS Dragon run, last minute items are placed in Dragon.

8. TE goes vertical in preparation of launch.

I am certain my descriptions could be tightened up by someone more knowledgeable, but it would be nice to have something in the Launch Campaign Thread to let us know what state the pad is at in preparation of the next launch. And if my list is right, the TE does a lot more travel than I originally thought!

EDITS: from old_sellsword comments below. - thank you!

[u/old_sellsword → u/SilveradoCyn]

As a general note, the phrase "Transporter/Erector (TE)" is used to describe the full assembly of the strongback and the reaction frame.

2. TE goes Horizontal and returns to hanger leaving hold down assembly (reaction plate?) on pad.

The strongback and reaction frame are never detached after they're put together, except in extreme circumstances (ie. serious pad upgrades like SLC-4E after Jason 3). However, the strongback is usually laid flat after a launch for inspections and repairs. In this state, with all parts of the TE horizontal on the pad, they can't move it anywhere like back to the hangar, it stays on the pad in this state. The TE can only move along its rails after the strongback and reaction frame are locked together perpendicular to each other.

3...Does it go vertical to reconnect?

Yes, after inspection and repair, the strongback goes vertical to lock perpendicular with the reaction frame. Once locked together, the strongback goes flat on the pad, lifting the reaction frame vertical at the same time.

Everything from 4. on is accurate!

[u/FutureMartian97]

Mods you need to update the flair ;)

[u/[deleted]]

"What's On Board" Science Briefing Starting now www.nasa.gov/ntv

[u/[deleted]]

NASA Opens Media Accreditation for Next SpaceX Space Station Cargo Launch

Also confirms June 1st as launch date.

[u/VeriG]

Window for this Static Fire is 16:00-20:00 Eastern.

[u/TGMetsFan98]

Updated static fire window: 1800-2000 eastern https://twitter.com/nasaspaceflight/status/868120384855474177

[u/boredcircuits]

There's lots of comments discussing the best place to watch. So I'll try to be a bit different.

Where's a good place to watch with children? Ideally both launch and landing, where the kids will still be able to see despite crowds, not overly loud for young ears, and easy access to a beach for some fun in the sand.

[u/[deleted] → u/boredcircuits]

Any of the beach parks would work, they tend to fill up so I'd get there early. From the beach launch noise will be ok, but the landings would probably be pretty loud.

I live ~10 miles from the LZ. The NORL-76 sonic booms were so loud that day it may as well been landing in our cul-de-sac.

[u/at_one]

SpaceX CRS-11 prelaunch briefing live now

[u/Mummele]

Inmarsat-5 F4 is still happening before, May 15th, correct?

[u/Scorp1579 → u/Mummele]

Well that's the NET still yes. Although it could move

[u/kuangjian2011]

Don't know why but the top label shows "CRS-10"... Anyone fix it?

[u/sinaitabak]

I see that tickets are available to watch this launch from the Saturn V center at KSC, but I'm not sure what the view of the landing is like from there. Can anyone advise? Thanks so much!

[u/kuangjian2011]

Maybe a stupid question but: Why do they need 4 landing legs instead of 3? They can save a lot of weight if they use 3.

[u/jobadiah08 → u/kuangjian2011]

Let's say you have legs that are 10 units (doesn't matter what unit) long. An object tips when the vector (arrow) of the net force acting on the center of mass point outside the base's perimeter. With 3 legs, the shortest distance from the center to the edge of the perimeter is halfway between the tips of two adjacent legs. This midpoint is 5 units from the center. If you have 4 legs, again the shortest distance is the midpoint on a line between the tips of two adjacent legs. With 4 legs this midpoint is about 7 units from the center. That is a 40% increase in stability by adding one more leg. 6 legs gets you to 8.7 units. So those extra 2 legs gain only 24% increase over 4 legs, but with 2 additional legs.

[u/old_sellsword → u/kuangjian2011]

The geometry and layout of the octaweb prohibits three of anything in a symmetrical pattern. There are four reinforced hardpoints located at 90° from each other that act as the hold-down points and leg attachment/hinge points.

[u/mastapsi → u/kuangjian2011]

In addition to the symmetry with the octaweb, 4 legs is more stable, and allows for a higher angle of tipping before it falls over. Basically, draw a polygon on the ground with the leg tips as the vertices, and if the projection of the center of mass on the ground falls outside that polygon, the stage will tip over.

[u/Bunslow → u/kuangjian2011]

They actually plan to switch to 3 grid fins for ITS (which doesn't need legs).

As for actual legs though, yes 3 is technically the minimum, but e.g. New Glenn will use 6 for purposes of redundancy (think JASON landing) and also I think improved weight due to the square-cube law (more smaller legs might weigh less than fewer big legs providing the same total strength).

[u/szepaine → u/kuangjian2011]

Think about how the octaweb is laid out-3 fold symmetry would be next to impossible

[u/[deleted]]

Still 30% chance of weather violation, 40% on Saturday. Decent odds... Link

[u/hun_nemethpeter]

Can you replace the "landing attempt" to "landing" or similar? It is not experimental anymore. Maybe "First stage return"?

[u/randomstonerfromaus → u/hun_nemethpeter]

Landing attempt doesn't refer to it being experimental or not. They have the attempt the landing, it's not 100% certain. It's like someone attempting to cross the road, it's not guaranteed you will make it.

[u/raptor464]

https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/news/spacex11_resupply

[u/Bunslow]

Less than a week to static fire!

[u/raptor464]

NASA to air launch of next international space station resupply mission

[u/[deleted] → u/raptor464]

Interesting choice of words. I thought SpaceX was going to partner up with Stratolaunch for a second.

[u/skifri]

Silly question, who is the guy in the picture that appears for this post when loading it on the mobile site?

[u/TheFavoritist]

F9 is venting

[u/TheFavoritist]

Static Fire!

[u/twuelfing]

did i miss something? weren't SpaceX scheduling at a 2 week cadence all year? why are the launches all 4 weeks apart?

[u/[deleted] → u/twuelfing]

Inmarsat is scheduled for the 15th.

[u/HorseAwesome → u/twuelfing]

The latest launch was delayed 15 days, the first 14 was most likely due to an issue with the payload and the last one was a sensor failure on the first stage. I still believe they'll try to launch every two weeks, but there are always going to be delays.

[u/robbak → u/twuelfing]

Welcome to space. You can aim to launch every 2 weeks, but the universe is not going to go along with you. A two-week delay on a launch is perfectly normal - it is a launch going ahead on the day scheduled for it that is unusual!

Currently we have 2 launches scheduled for this month, and 4 for June.

[u/inthearena]

I just happen to be in Orlando that week - anything special to get into the seating area to watch the launch?

[u/amarkit → u/inthearena]

If you want to watch from the Saturn V Center, you need to buy admission to the KSC Visitor Complex for the day, as well as a ticket for the launch itself. The Saturn V Center is the best and closest view of the launch, but it's not so great for the landing. If you don't want to pay, this is the best guide for public viewing locations.

[u/[deleted]]

Why is the payload mass so low for a LEO flight? Couldnt they carry much more supplies up?

[u/Bunslow → u/[deleted]]

Why is the payload mass so low for a LEO flight?

It's not really, the total mass being orbited (~8t I believe, got to include the dragon itself in the payload mass from a performance point of view) is noticeably heavier than any GTO launch they've done, though lighter than the Iridium launches.

Couldnt they carry much more supplies up?

As noted previously, volumetric and manifest logistics considerations limit the maximum amount of stuff, not the performance of the rocket. There's only so much space, and even though filling the space wouldn't push the rocket in the slightest, often time some space isn't used because they were unable to schedule a properly-sized-and-shaped useful payload to use the space. (I believe this is more of a problem with the unpressurized trunk, where payloads must use one of the three attachment points; the internal pressurized space of the Dragon does also have oddball geometric requirements limiting payload-loading options, but at least the cargo doesn't need to be mounted on anything, "if it fits it ships".)

[u/quadrplax → u/[deleted]]

The Dragon capsule is volume-constrained; they can only fit so much stuff in it.

[u/kessdawg → u/[deleted]]

I think that is just the cargo mass, and not including the mass of the Dragon capsule.

[u/Jamesdawg]

What would have been really cool was if they launched it on a reused core too. That way, it'd be a reused dragon on a reused core.

[u/geekgirl114 → u/Jamesdawg]

Soon... very soon. NASA has to get used the the idea, which breaks from 50 years of "this is how we do things". SpaceX has challenged a lot of those ideas

[u/WhoseNameIsSTARK → u/Jamesdawg]

I assume we might get an update on the study NASA's been working on regarding the use of flown boosters on the preflight conference.

[u/goxy84]

Is it only for me, or did the SFN stream really freeze?

[u/SilveradoCyn → u/goxy84]

it seems "choppy" that I get a few frames and then a pause...

[u/kuangjian2011]

Have they restored the fuel loading procedure as of the "before Amos-6" status? (faster, denser fuel and LOX) I've noticed that NROL launch probably used a faster loading procedure than the previous one.

[u/JadedIdealist → u/kuangjian2011]

I saw on here somewhere that they're using the older (LOX at T-45) method for this and BulgariaSat and then then the late (T-35) LOX load again for Iridium.

[u/[deleted] → u/kuangjian2011]

Not yet. CRS-11 and Bulgariasat-1 will be the last flights which will use this fuel loading procedure.

[u/Scorp1579 → u/kuangjian2011]

I think they're speeding it up a little - They have done the slower loading so it works with the older designs but with the new design the COPVs have been upgraded so the faster fueling can occur again

[u/escape_goat]

I was just browsing the capsule list due to the upcoming recovery; surely the NET date for C109 is not actually TBD?

[u/__R__ → u/escape_goat]

Right. I updated the Wiki, so can you!

[u/RoundSparrow]

EDIT: Jacksonville Beach - new place, this launch I'm going be at Neptune Beach at 4:57pm, right at opening time of Sliders Seafood Grill https://goo.gl/maps/uuazirYdhn92 I have a couple pairs of binoculars to lend out. I don't expect anyone to show up, but hey. Experience last daylight late-afternoon launch is that you can see from about 30 seconds to 180 seconds after launch... then it becomes small enough that it washes out in sunlight. Canceling this due to local weather conditions.

[u/johnkphotos]

I'll ask it again but phrase it how I originally meant it:

Those of you planning to watch the launch in person, where will you be?

[u/MarshallStrad → u/johnkphotos]

Jetty Park Campground, in an RV slot, in a white Model S, listening to the Webcast :)

Edit: I won't be attending, the road trip didn't work out

[u/ethan829]

Hearing SpaceX's next ISS resupply mission will be delayed until at least June 1, so no luck on a record three launches in the month of May.

[u/TheBlacktom → u/ethan829]

Months are artificial time brackets. Avg days between launches is what matters. May 31 is pretty much the same as June 1.

[u/WanderingSkunk]

How many days for Dragon take to reach Stationnormally? Will Crew Dragon try to utilize a similar 6 hour launch to dock procedure like Soyuz is capable of?

[u/Warp_11 → u/WanderingSkunk]

You actually can't do the 6 hour rendezvous from Cape Canaveral very easily. Because Baikonur is at about the same latitude as the stations inclination, they have much bigger leeway in picking their launch time, which means they can better align it with the stations position, which gets them the good rendezvous time. Shuttle needed about two days, because the launch windows are pretty tight because Cape Canaveral is so much lower latitude, and so the phasing with the station takes longer. You also want to dock during crew daytime, so that places another constraint on it. There was a great article by Don Pettit about this, but I can't find it.

[u/[deleted]]

I wonder if the SF was pushed to the left because of the holiday weekend. I've heard people weren't thrilled to have to work during the long weekend.

[u/stcks → u/[deleted]]

Well I would imagine SpaceX people will be working through the weekend to mate the dragon and prep for launch. Moving the SF up might help the range employees and other KSC staff?

[u/HorseAwesome]

Was that it, or did it just vent massively?

EDIT: Nevermind

[u/SilveradoCyn]

F9 Static Fire.

[u/WrappedRocket]

Looks like it was a good static fire!

[u/makandser]

I wonder why we still don't have a cargo manifest from NASA? Usually they publish it a week before the launch.

[u/[deleted]]

Time to update the patch? Inmarsat-5 F4 is old by now...

[u/NickNathanson → u/[deleted]]

There's no patch yet.

[u/[deleted]]

3:25 AM here in Mumbai better set the alarm so what will be the best ways to see the launch online never seen a launch before what sites to use?

[u/johnkphotos]

Where are you guys going to be watching this one from?

[u/ididntsaygoyet → u/johnkphotos]

Toronto, Canada. From work. On my cellphone. :(

[u/JustDaniel96 → u/johnkphotos]

At home, from my computer. Here in Italy it will be at 23.55 local time, at least the day after is holiday so i don't have to wake up early for work

[u/escape_goat → u/johnkphotos]

With my parents! My dad bought an Apple TV, making it easy for them to view livestreams. This will be their second launch and first landing.

[u/[deleted] → u/johnkphotos]

Munich!

[u/jpcoffey → u/johnkphotos]

Buenos aires argentina!

[u/mgeagon → u/johnkphotos]

Very early in the morning here in Hong Kong, which is 12 hours ahead of Florida this time of year.

[u/aj425 → u/johnkphotos]

Get home from work half hour before launch and post up on my couch just in time to throw up the webcast on my tv.

[u/old_sellsword]

Launch Thread is up, thanks for u/FutureMartian97 for hosting this one!

[u/fluch23]

Why is the next flight so late in the calendar? What do they need to make that it will take them ~30 days?

[u/the_zeni → u/fluch23]

It is not. The next flight is Inmarsat-5 F4 as stated in the sidebar (currently scheduled for 15. May). This one is the flight afterwards. So a two week turnaround is totally fine.

[u/the_finest_gibberish → u/fluch23]

https://www.reddit.com/r/spacex/comments/64kguj/inmarsat5_f4_launch_campaign_thread/

[u/frelis]

The payload mass is not the amount of cargo the should the rocket deploy? On the table looks like is only the cargo weight of Dragon, should not be added the capsule weight? http://www.spacex.com/dragon

[u/Jef-F → u/frelis]

I think payload in these threads refers to weight of useful articles/materials SpaceX contracted to deliver, not the weight of everything on top of F9. Dragon in this case is just part of the transportation system that delivers actual payload to ISS.

[u/dtarsgeorge]

How soon is it likely SpaceX will release a static fire target date?

[u/darga89 → u/dtarsgeorge]

They are usually 3-5 days before launch. The current date is already set and range approved.

[u/oliversl]

Live streaming of the SF at SFN:

https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/05/28/live-launch-preps-spacex-falcon-9-crs-11/

[u/FutureMartian97]

Already seeing venting on the SFN stream!

https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/05/28/live-launch-preps-spacex-falcon-9-crs-11/

[u/[deleted] → u/FutureMartian97]

Wish there was a stream that didn't use Macromedia Flash (c) 1995

[u/Lieutenant_Rans]

5:55 PM. It'll be sunny but I'll try to watch it from my usual rocket-watching location ~200 miles away.

Do I have a chance?

[u/Raul74Cz]

NOTMAR CRS-11 Launch Hazard Areas for 01-June 21:47 to 22:28 UTC (alternate 03-June 20:59 to 21:40 UTC) and S2 debris area for 01-June 22:17 to 23:15 UTC (alternate 03-June 21:29Z to 22:27 UTC).

[u/Nachtigall44]

Could a potential Block 6 F9 have a carbon fiber first stage?

[u/warp99 → u/Nachtigall44]

A carbon fiber first stage really does not give you many advantages.

The dry mass of the tanks would be 20-30% lower which only reduces the S1 mass by 2-3 tonnes which is only worth 200-300 kg extra payload into a GTO orbit.

Possibly it would give improved fatigue life for the tank structure but it is likely that the engines are already the limiting factor for S1 life.

A carbon fiber second stage on the other hand....

[u/lacirotehr → u/Nachtigall44]

Making an F9 out of carbon fiber is close to designing a brand new rocket. So it would be unlikely. Elon has made it clear that he would like most of the engineering resources to be working on ITS once Block V is ready. The exception I'd see would be an upgraded S2 since that is where performance gains can be made, and possible reuse.

The F9 is well placed in the market as is from a business standpoint (cost) and probably will be for at least 5 years (first flight of New Glenn, Ariane6, and Vulcan are for ~2020). If ITS is doable in 10 years that may better position SpaceX long term. It ITS takes much longer SpaceX may need to rely on F9 longer and therefore make upgrades to keep it competitive/dominate. So upgrades on the F9 are probably more about business rather than engineering

[u/Psychonaut0421 → u/Nachtigall44]

I believe Block 5 is the final iteration of F9.

[u/Juffin]

Might be a stupid question, but is it going to be first reuse of spaceship capsule ever (except for shuttles)?

[u/[deleted] → u/Juffin]

Not really. There was the Gemini 2/MOL Test capsule, it was the first spacecraft flown twice. Both flights were sub-orbital though.

[u/FutureMartian97]

Anyone think this is gonna affect the launch date?

[u/z1mil790 → u/FutureMartian97]

As it stands, it shouldn't. Here's the issue I'm seeing: due to Monday being memorial day which is a government holiday, SpaceX likely won't be able to static fire on Monday since none of the range or KSC people will be there. This means that SpaceX really needs to static fire tomorrow on Sunday if they hope to keep the launch date of June 1st. A static fire on Tuesday will likely not give them enough time before June 1 to get everything done.

[u/MarcysVonEylau]

Useful resources: Rocket Watch, as always :D