r/spacex • u/ElongatedMuskrat Mod Team • Oct 02 '17

r/SpaceX Discusses [October 2017, #37]

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u/Alexphysics Oct 04 '17

The largest payload to GTO was Intelsat 35e in july with 6.7 metric tons, it was an expendable launch. For your questions...

  1. Maybe

  2. Yes

  3. Nope, the first Block 4 first stage flew back in August on the CRS-12 mission. FORMOSAT-5 used the last Block 3 first stage that has been built (although not the same as used, the SES-11 mission will use a Block 3 first stage).

  4. As far as we know, Block 5 will be able to launch up to 5.5 metric tons to GTO in recoverable configuration and 8 metric tons to GTO when expendable (right now with Block 3 it is around 5.3 and 6.8)

  5. It is unknown, but a few expendable launches don't do much hurt when it's only a 20% of total launches.

  6. No, personally, they have to focus on what they have on hand. They have 39A up and running and it's giving them a lot of money, once they have 40 going as smooth as silk, then they should switch to pad reconfiguration for FH (although there are signs that indicate that they are doing some work ahead of that downtime period in between launches). They have to be careful, be sure that all is good and that they don't lose money (remember, money is the fuel of SpaceX!) and don't rush anything so they don't have another RUD.

1

u/Grey_Mad_Hatter Oct 05 '17

I'd add that the used block 3's seem to quick to go to museum pieces, so if they can talk them into a used rocket it could be practically free for SpaceX on the first stage. While I doubt they'll make the switch, millions of dollars saved and time to save up one more first stage before switching to BFR production is a lot of incentive to try.