Category Archives: Rockets

Rockets, Space transport roundup

Space transport roundup – Aug.28.2020

A sampling of recent articles, videos, and images dealing with space transport (find previous roundups here):

** ULA, SpaceX, and Rocket Lab are all planning launches over the next few days. In fact, SpaceX is targeting two Falcon 9 launches [and one Starship prototype hop]. A Vega rocket is set to launch next week from French Guiana as well.

** ULA set to launch Delta IV Heavy from Cape Canveral with classified military payload. Liftoff is currently set for Saturday morning following a scrub on Thursday morning due to a ground equipment problem.

** ULA aims for first Vulcan rocket launch in  2021: ULA updates Vulcan status, readiness for certification missions – NASASpaceFlight.com

Development and flight qualification for United Launch Alliance’s new rocket, Vulcan, remains on track and on schedule (with margin) to make its debut flights next year, as do all ground support facilities and flight software elements for the heavy-lift vehicle.

Vulcan’s first two flights, certification missions to clear the rocket to fly category A/B national security payloads for the U.S. Space Force, will loft Astrobotic’s Peregrine Lander outward to the Moon and then Sierra Nevada’s Dream Chaser spacecraft on its demonstration mission for NASA to become the third U.S. cargo vehicle for Station operations.

The major elements of the ULA Vulcan Centaur rocket. Credits: ULA

Blue Origin is dealing with turbine pump issues that arose with the BE-4 engines that will be used for the Vulcan first stages: ULA CEO Tory Bruno: Here’s how we beat SpaceX for Space Force’s big contract – Denver Business Journal

By [early 2021], 90% of the Vulcan rocket’s systems and its upgraded Centaur upper stage will have already been flown.

The biggest elements not previously flown will be the booster structure itself and the BE-4 engines.

Blue Origin is still troubleshooting the 75,000-horsepower pumps that bring fuel to the BE-4’s main combustion chamber, Bruno said, adding that’s he confident the issues will soon be solved.

“There’s very little technical risk,” he said. “It isn’t easy, but we know we can do it.”

** China launched a Gaofen-9 optical remote imaging satellite on a Long March 2D rocket on Saturday from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. Additional payload riders included theTiantuo-5 smallsat to test Internet of Things (IoT) communications and the Duo Gongneng Shiyan Weixing, which is also a technology test satellite.

** Rocket Lab to launch Capella radar satellite on the first mission since a launch failure on July 4th. By the end of July the company had traced the failure to an electrical connection problem and taken corrective actions for a return to flight status by the end of August.

— Rocket Lab (@RocketLab) August 25, 2020

Capella is developing a constellation of radar satellites for commercial remote sensing:

Sequoia is a 100 kg class microsatellite and will be positioned in a 45-degree inclination. This mid-inclination allows us to give our customers immediate access to rapid coverage of important regions, including the Middle East, Korea, Japan, Europe, South East Asia, Africa, and the U.S. Like all of our Capella satellites, Sequoia will be able to see through clouds and in the dark and detect sub-0.5 meter changes on Earth’s surface. When fully deployed, our satellite constellation will offer hourly coverage of every point on Earth.

We were fortunate to work with Rocket Lab to name this mission “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Optical,” a reference to our innovative SAR satellite technology, which overcomes the limits of the optical imagery used in other commercial satellites. Unlike optical, SAR can see through clouds, in all weather conditions and even at night. Our team voted on the mission name in June, ultimately choosing it as a nod to our unique satellite technology and the infamous advertisement campaign for “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter.” We take our work seriously, but we don’t take ourselves that seriously.

** Astra Space has a new window for their next attempt to launch from the Alaska spaceport:

** PLD Space in Spain report on engine qualification:

** Briefs:

==================

Check out the
The Lurio Report
for news and analysis of key developments in NewSpace

The latest issue:
Changes Here, Starliner Analysis, OneWeb-A UK View
Vol. 15, No. 5, July 24, 2020

Space Frontier Foundation Award for NewSpace Journalism

==================

** SpaceX:

** Two Falcon 9 launches from Cape Canaveral planned during the next few days. Weather and the delays in the launch of the ULA Delta IV Heavy launch mentioned above have affected the schedule so the exact launch times are uncertain at the moment.

  • Starlink 11 – Falcon 9 will take 60 more satellites to low earth orbit for SpaceX’s Starlink broadband Internet constellation
  • SAOCOM 1B – Earth observation satellite for CONAE, Argentina’s space agency.

Currently, the launch schedule shows both launches set for August 30 (Sunday) with Starlink 11 at 1408 GMT (10:08 a.m. EDT) from Pad 39A at KSC and SAOCOM 1B at  2319 GMT (7:19 p.m. EDT) from SLC-40.  However, it’s unlikely they will actually launch the same day.

** SpaceX wins another lunar mission launch contract:

Masten Space Systems announced today that it has selected SpaceX to launch Masten Mission One (MM1). As part of MM1, Masten’s lunar lander will deliver nine NASA-sponsored science and technology demonstration experiments and several commercial payloads to the lunar south pole.

“Having SpaceX’s proven launch success behind us is not only great for us, but it’s great for our customers,” said Masten chief executive officer, Sean Mahoney. “We share a common vision with SpaceX and that makes this more than a partnership. It’s more like a dream team.”

Masten’s first mission to the Moon, MM1 is a collaboration with NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) Project Office. The Masten XL-1 lunar lander is scheduled to touch down on the lunar south pole in 2022, carrying a suite of NASA-sponsored scientific instruments and various payloads from commercial space customers.

SpaceX also has contracts for launching payloads to the Moon from iSpace of Japan and Intuitive Machines. In 2019, SpaceX launched Israel’s Beresheet commercial lunar mission, which went successfully into orbit around the Moon but unfortunately fail at its landing attempt.

** Here are some notes on Falcon 9 reusability here from a presentation by a SpaceX manager earlier this year. At the time, the inspection/refurbishment took about 30 days.  Not clear if the $30M mentioned is the cost to SpaceX to prepare a F9 or if it is the price to customers.

**** Starship

SpaceX continues to manage a frenetic pace of activity at Boca Chica. The Raptor engine on the Starship SN6 prototype was test fired last weekend and a low altitude test hop is expected in next few days. Starship SN6 fires up Raptor SN29 – NASASpaceFlight.com.

The SN5 prototype was moved back to the assembly site and appears to have been refurbished from the hop it took on August 4th.

It’s been a year since the Hopper took its jump up to 150 meters and back down for a soft landing: Boca work continues as SpaceX marks anniversary of Starhopper’s final flight – NASASpaceFlight.com.

Good progress has been made in assembling two prototypes – SN8 and SN9 – that will be fully fitted out with body flaps and nosecones.

Here are renderings of SN8 and SN9 as imagined by Neopork (@Neopork85) / Twitter:

A partial propellant tank module titled SN7.1 is also under construction. It will be used to pressure test improved welding techniques and iron alloy.

** Super Heavy booster launch plans. Some of the videos below show construction underway for a structure at Boca Chica for launching Super Heavy Boosters. This will be for occasional test flights. For operational launches, SpaceX plans on using offshore platform:

The first Super Heavy prototype test  hop could happen as early as October according to Elon.

***** Aug.23: SN6 Static Fire with Thermal Time lapse – LabPadre – YouTube

SpaceX Boca Chica has completed a static fire with SN6. No issues seemed to have occurred but it did take three tries. Thermal time lapse shows thermal exchanges on the vehicle. Thermal imagery provided by CrowBit.

***** Aug. 24: SpaceX Boca Chica – Starship SN6 Static Fire – NASASpaceflight – YouTube

Starship SN6 fires up its single Raptor engine (Raptor SN29) for the first time on the third attempt of the day, in magnificent golden hour lighting. Close up, wide angle, full speed and slo mo – all with glorious ambient audio. Video and Pictures from Mary (@BocaChicaGal). Edited by Jack Beyer (@TheJackBeyer)

****** Aug. 26: SpaceX Boca Chica – From SN5 re-hop preps to SN9 sleeving – A busy Spaceport – NASASpaceflight – YouTube

From Starship SN5 being prepared for a re-hop, SN6’s preps for a maiden hop, through to SN9 taking shape, it’s all go at SpaceX Boca Chica! All while the orbital launch mount build continues and the High Bay grows. (Lengthy) Video and Photos from Mary (@BocaChicaGal). Edited by Nicholas Gautschi (@NGautschi)

****** Aug. 26: Starship Views – StarshipBocaChica/Maria Pointer – YouTube

Join me for a visit to the Starship Production Complex showing tanks and newly groomed areas. They developed roadside access and drainage, stowed much of the yard stockpiles and made the area much safer for the worrisome flying debris during hurricane season. These images were taken before the static fire on Sunday, but you will find something to study. Fin Park is included, showing continued landscaping progress. I call the gathering area Fin park for 2 reasons, the upcycled MK1 Fins, and to honor an executive that works close with Elon that has Fin in his name. So I’ve been lobbying hard for Fin Park as the official name. I think it is smackdown time with other’s promoting names as we wait to see Elon’s reveal. Can’t wait to see your comments. Many names are popping up making the parks naming entertaining. (Fin Park is perfect name right?)

***** Aug. 27: SpaceX Boca Chica – SN6 Mass Simulator Installed – Other Starships Prepare – NASASpaceflight – YouTube

Starship SN6 has had its Mass Simulator installed at the launch site while SN8 waits to become a completed stack under the watchful eye of SN5. Video and Photos from Mary (@BocaChicaGal). Edited by Nicholas Gautschi (@NGautschi).

***** Aug 28: SpaceX Boca Chica – SN8 Stacked, Orbital Pad Progress, and High Bay Construction Continues – NASASpaceflight – YouTube

Starship SN8 was stacked in the Mid Bay and progress on the construction of the Orbital Launch Pad continues with another rebar cage getting its steel cladding. A lift of a section of the High Bay was briefly aborted due to wind before being successfully completed, and activity at the launch site, including SN6 hop preparations, continued. Video and Pictures from Mary (@BocaChicaGal). Edited by Nicholas Gautschi (@NGautschi).

**** Other Starship and space transport reports:

*****Aug 22: SpaceX Starship SN6 to fly in less than a week!?, Starlink Speed Results, Saocom 1B, Ariane 5/MEV-2 – Marcus House

So much news today with a possibility of SpaceX Starship SN6 to fly in less than a week. We get some Starlink Speed Results along with an update on the record-breaking booster landing, Saocom 1B is coming up, Ariane 5/MEV-2 mission successful and Blue Origin Human Landing System update. Starship Serial number 6 having had its pressure test and raptor installation will have a static fire test coming potentially over the next few days. And the breaking news is that we could be seeing Starship SN6 fly within a week (see road closures notices). Another beautiful launch Starlink launch during the week with some newly broken records for SpaceX on that mission. Arianespace recently completed another successful launch of the Ariane 5 Heavy Lift vehicle. Really cool detail about that MEV-2 payload that we’ll talk about as well. Updates by Blue Origin on the Human Landing System being constructed by the National Team. And on top of all that, we have another Falcon 9 launch potentially next week with the Saocom 1B mission.

***** Aug. 25: How To Construct A SpaceX Starship Launch Mount? – What about it!?

Today I’ll explain to you, what points towards SpaceX building a Starship Launchpad in Boca Chica and why!

***** Aug. 21: How Will SpaceX’s Starship SN8 Fly & Land? – What about it!?

Today I’ll explain to you, how long we’ll have to wait for the next Starship hop and what the rest of the world is doing to keep up with SpaceX.

=====

=== Space Art from C. Sergent Lindsey ===

Sweatshirt imprinted with “SpaceX Delivers the Goods” by C Sergent Lindsey. Available at Fine Art America.

 

Rockets, Space transport roundup

Space transport roundup – Aug.21.2020

A sampling of recent articles, videos, and images dealing with space transport (find previous roundups here):

** SpaceX launches Falcon 9 with 58 Starlink broadband sats and 3 earth imaging sats for Planet. The first stage booster flying on its 6th flight made a successful landing on an ocean platform. One nosecone fairing was caught in  a net (see below) and the other was recovered after setting down on the water.

A fairing from the Starlink 10 launch makes a leisurely return onto a calm summer sea:

SpaceX’s fairing recovery vessel Ms. Tree catches a Falcon 9 fairing half after launch of SpaceX’s eleventh Starlink mission on August 18, 2020. The fairing used on this mission previously flew in support of SpaceX’s fourth Starlink mission.

The landing is so gentle it’s easy to see why even the fairings that miss the net are often reusable as well.

See also:

More SpaceX activities listed below.

** Blue Origin-led National Team delivers engineering model of human lunar landing system to NASA: Blue Origin-Led National Team Delivers Lunar Lander Engineering Mockup to NASA – Blue Origin

Today, the Blue Origin-led Human Landing System (HLS) National Team – comprised of Blue Origin, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Draper – delivered an engineering mockup of a crew lander vehicle that could take American astronauts to the Moon. The lander is set up in the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility (SVMF), NASA Johnson Space Center’s (JSC) iconic Building 9.

The full-scale engineering mockup showcases two elements of the National Team’s multi-element architecture – the Ascent Element (AE) and Descent Element (DE). Standing at more than 40 feet, it is the Blue Origin National Team’s update to Apollo’s Lunar Module (LM) and will be used to validate the National Team’s approaches for getting crew, equipment, supplies, and samples off and on the vehicle. The team will collaborate with NASA organizations including JSC’s Astronaut Office to perform engineering and crew operations tests with astronauts aiming to fly the final system within several years.

“Testing this engineering mockup for crew interaction is a step toward making this historic mission real,” said Brent Sherwood, vice president of Advanced Development Programs, Blue Origin. “The learning we get from full-scale mockups can’t be done any other way. Benefitting from NASA’s expertise and feedback at this early stage allows us to develop a safe commercial system that meets the agency’s needs.”

The National Team HLS design leverages significant prior work, flight heritage, and a modular solution. Modular solutions help to enable faster progress due to the independent development and testing of each element, which permits ongoing improvements and evolution without impacting the full system. This also provides flexibility in the use of different launch vehicles and different concepts of operations.

The Descent Element is based on Blue Origin’s Blue Moon cargo lander and BE-7 LOX/hydrogen engine, both in development for more than three years. The Ascent Element incorporates avionics, software, life support hardware, crew interfaces, and mission operations from Lockheed Martin’s human-rated, deep-space Orion vehicle that will fly on the Artemis I and II missions. A consistent cockpit experience and training from Orion to the AE makes the end-to-end mission safer for Artemis. The Transfer Element, a propulsive stage that starts the lander on its descent trajectory from lunar orbit, is based on Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus vehicle that provides logistics resupply to the International Space Station; and Draper provides descent guidance and avionics to the National Team.

The Human Landing System (HLS) includes the Transfer Stage (left), Descent Stage (middle), and the Ascent Stage. Credits: Blue Origin/National Team

See also: Blue Origin team delivers lunar lander mockup to NASA – SpaceNews

** Ariane V rocket launches two comm-sats and Northrop Grumman’s Mission Extension Vehicle (MEV-2):

On Saturday, August 15 at 22:04 UTC, Ariane 5 Flight VA253 was successfully performed from the Guiana Space Center, orbiting two satellites produced by Northrop Grumman: Galaxy 30 for Intelsat, and MEV-2 for SpaceLogistics LLC, a 100% subsidiary of Northrop Grumman; along with BSAT-4b, built by Maxar Technologies for the Japanese operator B-SAT.

** LinkSpace of China flies RLV-T5 vertical takeoff and landing rocket:

See also: Chinese startup successfully launches a reusable rocket to new height – CGTN

The rocket, named RLV-T5 (NewLine Baby), blasted off at 10:35 am Beijing time at Linkspace’s launch base in Lenghu Town, Mangya City, northwest China’s Qinghai Province.

With a total length of 8.1 meters and a diameter of 65 centimeters, RLV-T5 has a takeoff weight of about 1.5 kilograms.

It reached a new height of 300 meters before landing steadily and accurately at the designated area with little deviation. The whole process lasted for 50 seconds.

Today marked the third successful trial conducted by the company. Before this, RLV-T5 made two quick jumps experiments at a relatively low height in China’s Shandong Province this year.

According to the company, as China’s largest recyclable rocket, RLV-T5 is designed to serve as an initial sample, providing experience for further suborbital reusable rocket and on-orbit reusable rocket development.

Here’s a proposed vehicle for suborbital commercial services:

** Skyrora of Scotland launches sounding rocket from Iceland:

Skyrora has successfully launched its two-stage, four-metre tall sub-orbital rocket, Skylark Micro from the company’s mobile launch complex set up within a few days at Langanes Peninsula, Iceland. The rocket climbed to 26.86km in altitude before both stages were parachuted back down to sea.

The launch is part of Skyrora’s de-risking program leading up to the building and launching of its orbital vehicle, Skyrora XL, scheduled for 2023. The launch of Skylark Micro was to test onboard electronics and communications that will also be used in the larger Skylark-L and Skyrora XL launch vehicles. Before launch, the team undertook a number of weather procedures to learn more about the mid and upper-level wind speeds and altitudes. In addition, the mobile launch complex allowed the team to collect a large amount of data of telemetry, GPS tracking, and weather conditions during the flight to which they are currently analysing. The test also allowed the Skyrora crew to practice launch procedures and marine recovery operations.

Despite the ongoing heroic efforts of the Langanes Search and Rescue and Skyrora Recovery teams, Skyrora has unfortunately been unsuccessful in their efforts of locating the Skylark Micro booster and sustainer stages. However, they are still continuing search operations for the next few days as well as learning how to improve future recovery operations. Creating another test of our suborbital mobile launch complex in a different location demonstrates the immense speed and flexibility of Skyrora for launching its test rockets.

** HyImpulse of Germany using hybrid propulsion system to power small orbital rocket: DLR spinoff HyImpulse plans small launcher debut in 2022 – SpaceNews

A startup formed by rocket engineers from the German space agency DLR is targeting late 2022 for the first flight of a small launch vehicle designed around hybrid engines. 

HyImpulse is developing a three-stage rocket capable of sending 500 kilograms to a 400-kilometer low Earth orbit. The 40-person company is bankrolled by Rudolf Schwarz, chairman of German technology company IABG, and has a 2.5 million-euro ($3 million) grant from the European Commission to advance its launcher technology, Christian Schmierer HyImpulse co-CEO, said in an interview. 

HyImpulse is seeking to differentiate itself by using hybrid engines that run on a paraffin-based fuel and liquid oxygen. The combination of fuels should result in a rocket with simpler hardware than a liquid-fueled system and greater safety than solid fuels, Schmierer said. 

** Firefly testing booster of Alpha rocket that is to launch this autumn:

** Briefs:

==================

Check out the
The Lurio Report
for news and analysis of key developments in NewSpace

The latest issue:
Changes Here, Starliner Analysis, OneWeb-A UK View
Vol. 15, No. 5, July 24, 2020

Space Frontier Foundation Award for NewSpace Journalism

==================

** SpaceX:

** Reusing the Falcon 9 booster fairings pays off in just 2 to 3 flights according to Elon Musk:

This refutes the long held claims of ULA managers and many others in the space industry that numerous re-flights are required to make reusable launch vehicles pay off financially.  The RLV skeptics believe, in turn, that they cannot justify investment in RLVs without first seeing a demand from customers for high numbers of launches.

However, without a drop in launch prices by a factor of 10 to 100 (i.e. to low $100s per kg rather than several $1000s), which  is only feasible with reusability, high-launch rate markets such as orbital space tourism cannot emerge. This chicken and egg dilemma has been a persistent impediment to progress in space development.

SpaceX took advantage of expendable flights for paying customers to enable the testing of returning a stage from high altitudes and hypersonic speeds and executing a powered landing. This cost-saving approach plus a willingness to learn from multiple failures and persist with the effort, let SpaceX break through this impediment.

Elon also refutes the belief inspired by the Space Shuttles that recovery/refurbishment must necessarily be tremendously costly. The Shuttle program employed a standing army of about 10,000 people who toiled for at least two months to return an orbiter to the launch pad. Although the shortest time between re-flights of an F9 booster so far is 51 days, the 10% cost number from Elon implies that there is a fairly limited number of people involved with the turnaround activities. The current turnaround times may have as much to do with scheduling and logistics issues as they do with the degree of refurbishment work required.

Elon has long claimed that a turnaround of a day or two could eventually be achieved with the F9 boosters. However, with the emphasis now on the fully reusable, fast turnaround Starship/Heavy Booster system, we are unlikely ever to see a super-short turnaround of a F9 booster.

*** Merlin engine refurbishment is the most difficult challenge to flying F9 stages multiple times:

See also: SpaceX’s Elon Musk talks next goals for Falcon rocket reusability – Teslarati.

*** An important military launch coming in September: SpaceX targets September launch of military GPS satellite for US Space Force – Teslarati

On July 14, just two weeks after the successful SpaceX Falcon 9 launch of the Lockheed Martin-built GPS III Space Vehicle 03 (SV03) satellite for the United States Space Force, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station took delivery of the GPS III Space Vehicle 04 (SV04) GPS satellite from The U.S. Space Force Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC). The GPS III SV04 satellite, like its predecessor GPS III SV03, is scheduled to launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 no earlier than September.

In a statement provided by the U.S. Air Force, SMC’s Medium Earth Orbit Space Systems Division chief, Col. Edward Byrne, said that “the delivery of SV04 marks the start of our third GPS III launch campaign on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and brings us another step closer in advancing the GPS constellation with more capable satellites.” The SpaceX Falcon 9 previously lifted the GPS III SV01 and SV03 satellites to orbit in December 2018 and June 2020 respectively.

*** SpaceX receiving more launch contracts:

*** SpaceX raises cash to fund Starlink, Starship, etc:

The nearly $2 billion in fresh capital was oversubscribed and is the largest fundraising round yet for SpaceX, according to PitchBook.

News of the funding was first reported by Bloomberg, which said that the private company will now have a valuation of $46 billion, citing people familiar with the matter.

**** Starship

The SN6 prototype Starship passed its pressure tests last weekend and since then a Raptor engine has been installed. A test firing of the Raptor is expected early next week. If that goes well, a hop to 150 meter or so, similar to the one flown by SN5, could soon follow. The goal is to do many short flights to debug the hardware and software, and become adept at operational tasks.

For more on the upcoming prototype tests, see SN6 begins test campaign as future Starships hatch plans for SpaceX’s next leap – NASASpaceFlight.com.

The SN8 prototype is rapidly coming together. It is expected to be fully fitted out with nosecone section and body flaps. Here is a current sketch of the state of its assembly:


The SN8 could be the first prototype Starship to go on a high altitude flight like the one simulated in this animation:

***** Enhancements continue with the Raptor engines, which will power both the Starship and the Super Heavy booster:


****** Boca Chica could be where humans first leave Earth to go to Mars:

****** Aug. 14: SpaceX Boca Chica – High Bay Level 4 and Super Heavy Pad Work – NASASpaceflight – YouTube

Level 4 of the High Bay begins to go up and the work on the Orbital Launch Pad picks up speed. SpaceX is laying the foundations for its future in Boca Chica and that future is all about Super Heavy. Deliveries of huge pipes to the launch site foreshadow the scale of the coming construction, while SN6 is prepared for cryo proofing. Video and Pictures from Mary (@BocaChicaGal). Edited by Theo Ripper (@TheoRipper).

***** Aug.15: SpaceX Boca Chica – Introducing Starship SN9, while SN8 is flipped – NASASpaceflight – YouTube

Two new SpaceX Starships are being assembled in Boca Chica with SN8’s Aft Section flipped while SN9 made its first public appearance in the form of its Common Dome. Video and Pictures from Mary (@BocaChicaGal). Edited by Jack Beyer (@TheJackBeyer).

***** Aug. 16: SN6 Pressure Testing & Launch Pad Time Lapse – LabPadre – YouTube

08.16.2020 SN6 was tested with what looks like ambient and cryo pressure. Another spectacular sunrise along with what seemed to be clean pressure testing. Sunrise at 6:50 AM. Pressure testing at 1:00 PM.

Aug.16: SpaceX Launch Site Super Heavy and SN6 Flyover Update – RGV Aerial Photography

***** Aug. 18: SpaceX Boca Chica Site Aerial Update! – RGV Aerial Photography

***** Aug. 18: SpaceX Boca Chica – Starship SN6 receives Raptor SN29 – NASASpaceflight – YouTube

As work continued at both the Production Facility and the Launch Sites, Starship SN6 has received Raptor SN29, with installation ahead of next week’s Static Fire test. Video and Pictures from Mary (@BocaChicaGal). Edited by Jack Beyer (@TheJackBeyer).

***** Aug.20: SpaceX Boca Chica – Launch Site Build Out and SN6 Static Fire Prep – NASASpaceflight – YouTube

SpaceX furiously preps the launch site ahead of SN6’s static fire test. Work on the High Bay, SN7.1, SN8 and on Nosecones continues. More unknown work at the Old Gas Well Lot. Video and Pictures from Mary (@BocaChicaGal). Edited by Jack Beyer (@TheJackBeyer)

** Aug.21: SpaceX Boca Chica – 4 Starships and a Test Tank – SN5, 6, 7.1, 8, and 9 all in work – NASASpaceflight – YouTube

Full speed ahead at SpaceX Boca Chica, with SN6 at the pad and several Starships being worked – SN9 Fwd Dome, SN8 sections being stacked next to SN5 in the midbay, and Test Tank SN7.1 undergoing preps. Video and Pictures from Mary (@BocaChicaGal). Edited by Jack Beyer (@TheJackBeyer) and Theo Ripper (@TheoRipper).

**** Other Starship and space transport reports:

***** Aug.18: What is SpaceX actually building in Boca Chica?  – What about it!?

Welcome to Episode 113 of What about it!? Today, amongst other things, I’ll explain to you, what SpaceX is doing very differently with Starships in Boca Chica than we all expected and why!

=====

=== The Art of C. Sergent Lindsey ===

“SpaceX Delivers the Goods” by C. Sergent Lindsey printed on phone cover. Available at Fine Art America.
Rockets, Space transport roundup

Space transport roundup – Aug.15.2020

A sampling of recent articles, videos, and images dealing with space transport (find previous roundups here):

** Ariane V set to launch today following  two week delay. The window for the launch from the Guiana Space Center is 5:33pm – 6:20 pm EDT (21:33 – 22:20 UTC). The rocket will carry Intelsat’s Galaxy 30 communications satellite, the Northrop Grumman Mission Extension Vehicle-2 (MEV-2),  and the BSAT-4b for MAXAR and Broadcasting Satellite System Corporation (B-SAT). The MEV-2 will attached itself to the nozzle of Intelsat 10-02, which is running out of station keeping fuel. MEV-2 will keep the comm-sat operating in GEO for some number of years before undocking and going on to assist another satellite.

Loaded with three commercial satellites, a European Ariane 5 rocket returned to its launch pad in French Guiana Thursday after a two-week launch delay to resolve a technical issue that forced an abort to a countdown July 31. Arianespace says the mission has been rescheduled for launch Saturday due to unfavorable upper level winds in the forecast for Friday.

The 179-foot-tall (54.8-meter) rocket rolled out of its final assembly building at the Guiana Space Center Thursday for the trip to the ELA-3 launch zone. Riding a mobile launch platform, the rocket was tugged by a diesel-powered Titan tug for the 1.7-mile (2.7-kilometer) journey.

Arianespace, the French company responsible for selling and launching Ariane 5 rockets, planned to send the launch vehicle into orbit July 31 with three U.S.-made satellites. But a suspect reading from a sensor on the Ariane 5’s first stage liquid hydrogen tank stopped the countdown around two minutes prior to liftoff.

** Some other upcoming launches:

** Blue Origin reportedly will fly New Shepard in September: Source: Blue Origin targeting September for 1st New Shepard sub-orbital flight of 2020 – Space Explored

Blue Origin last launched New Shepard in December 2019 with educational and NASA-sponsored research payloads. The successful launch and landing was the sixth mission to use the same New Shepard 3 rocket. Hardware reusability is a challenging goal being met by the likes of Blue Origin (and on a larger scale, SpaceX) in the interest of reducing total spaceflight cost.

The upcoming NS-13 mission will mark Blue Origin’s 10th commercial flight using New Shepard. The company celebrated its 100th payload customer to date during New Shepard’s previous mission.

** Firefly planning first launch of Alpha rocket in fall: Firefly aims to debut its Alpha rocket for small satellites this fall | Space.com

Firefly Aerospace’s advanced rocket for small satellites should be ready to launch for the first time this fall, company representatives said.

The two-stage rocket, known as Alpha, was originally scheduled to debut in early 2020. But the coronavirus pandemic intervened and delayed things at Firefly, as well as at other space companies around the world. Some suppliers had to delay shipments, and work slowed due to necessary physical distancing measures.

The impacts at Firefly extended beyond the Firefly project. The company is also working on a larger rocket, called Beta, and a robotic moon lander in support of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services program. Still, Firefly continued to grow amid the pandemic, expanding from 250 employees in January to 310 employees today, largely via funding from company co-founder Max Polyakov.

Here is a preview of a film doc about Firefly: Upcoming Documentary on Firefly Aerospace | A behind the scenes preview

From setbacks to success, get a sneak peek into the upcoming documentary that follows Firefly’s incredible journey to possibly become one of the next big names in private space exploration. A film by Merit Entertainment in association with Edwards Media. Follow the film @untitled_firefly_movie

**** Skyroot Aerospace of India tests cryogenic LOC/LNG upper stage engine: Skyroot Aerospace first [Indian] private company to test upper stage rocket engine | Business Standard News

Spacetech startup Skyroot Aerospace has successfully test fired an upper stage rocket engine, becoming the first Indian private company to demonstrate the capability to build a homegrown rocket engine.

Meanwhile, the company is planning to raise around Rs 90 crore.

Founded by Pawan Kumar Chandana and Naga Bharath Daka, both former scientists at the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro), Skyroot plans to build a family of rockets.

The first rocket, which can hurl satellites of 250-700 kgs into a lower earth orbit, is expected to be launched by end-2021. This is a major milestone for us in a path towards our first launch targeted for December 2021, said Daka, Co-Founder & COO, Skyroot Aerospace.

** Rocket Lab ready to recover a first-stage booster via parachute: Rocket Lab ready to attempt Electron booster recovery – SpaceNews

The second launch pad at their New Zealand facility appears to be nearly completed:

** Briefs:

==================

Check out the
The Lurio Report
for news and analysis of key developments in NewSpace

The latest issue:
Changes Here, Starliner Analysis, OneWeb-A UK View
Vol. 15, No. 5, July 24, 2020

Space Frontier Foundation Award for NewSpace Journalism

==================

** SpaceX:

*** First operational Crew Dragon mission now set for no earlier than Oct. 23rd: NASA, SpaceX Targeting October for Next Astronaut Launch – Commercial Crew Program/NASA

NASA and SpaceX are targeting no earlier than Oct. 23 for the first operational flight with astronauts of the Crew Dragon spacecraft and Falcon 9 rocket to the International Space Station as a part of the agency’s Commercial Crew Program. NASA’s SpaceX Crew-1 mission will be the first of regular rotational missions to the space station following completion of NASA certification.

The mission will carry Crew Dragon commander Michael Hopkins, pilot Victor Glover, and mission specialist Shannon Walker, all of NASA, along with Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) mission specialist Soichi Noguchi for a six-month science mission aboard the orbiting laboratory following launch from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Crew-1 will launch in late October to accommodate spacecraft traffic for the upcoming Soyuz crew rotation and best meet the needs of the International Space Station…

*** Crew Dragon Endeavour starts refurbishment for another flight next year: Back at Cape Canaveral, SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule preps for next mission – Spaceflight Now

Fresh off a 64-day test flight to the International Space Station with astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken, SpaceX’s first human-rated Crew Dragon spaceship is back at Cape Canaveral for inspections, refurbishment and upgrades before flying to the station again with a four-person crew next spring.

The crew capsule — named “Endeavour” by Hurley and Behnken — arrived at Port Canaveral on Aug. 7 aboard SpaceX’s “Go Navigator” recovery ship after sailing from the Gulf of Mexico, where the Dragon spacecraft splashed down under parachutes Aug. 2 south of Pensacola, Florida.

The splashdown punctuated a successful demonstration flight to the International Space Station. The test flight, designated Demo-2, was the first Crew Dragon mission with astronauts on-board. NASA plans to review data from the Demo-2 mission before formally certifying the Crew Dragon for regular crew rotation flights to the space station beginning later this year.

*** Falcon 9 booster from Starlink 9 mission returned to Port Canaveral: SpaceX returns five-flight Falcon 9 booster to port as next reuse milestone nears – Teslarati

*** Starship

Following its recent test hop, the Starship SN5 prototype was moved back to the Mid-Bay hangar in the assembly area and then SN6 was moved to the launch site. After installing systems on the launch mount structure needed for pressure testing, SN6 was lifted onto the mount. In the next few days, the vehicle will go through a series of pressure tests. If those go well, then a Raptor engine (perhaps three) will be installed and then test fired.

Before a test hop, a dummy payload mass may be set on top of SN6 as was done for SN5. This is needed to prevent the high thrust of the Raptor from accelerating the vehicle beyond the level needed for the short low altitude flight. However, it’s possible that the propellant tanks will be completely filled rather than partially as was believed done for the SN5 hop. This might provide sufficient weight to keep the Raptor from sending the SN6 skyward in a hurry.

The first SN6 flight will likely be a repeat of the SN5 hop in terms of altitude. Elon Musk said following the SN5 test that there will be “several short hops to smooth out launch process”. Once the launch prep procedures are well practiced, they will start flights to “high altitude with body flaps“. The SN8 prototype is expected to be the first to get the flaps and presumably a nosecone payload section as well.

There appears to be a SN7.1 structure with a scaled down propellant tank section like SN7 in construction. Pressurizing SN7.1 would test new improved techniques for wielding the iron components together.

Lots of construction activities underway including the building of the High Bay hangar where the Super Heavy booster will be assembled. A launch pad section for the Super Heavy is also under construction. See the videos below for views of the many activities happening in parallel at the Boca Chica site.

[ Update: A new prototype is emerging:

]

** A comparison of fairing size and payload mass for several types of rockets:

Elon Musk responded:

Starship fairing will actually have more height than shown here. Dome will be flatter & more of tip is accessible. Usable volume ~1000 cubic meters.

And when asked if there will be a header tank (a small propellant tank used to help with adjusting the center of mass of the ship on reentry) in the top of the nose, he responded:

Yes, integrated with the tip of the nose

**** SpaceX disagrees with the USAF on Starship development time: Space Business: Space Force Majeure — Space Business — Quartz

And perhaps most intriguing, the Air Force didn’t agree with SpaceX’s estimate that it would be ready to fly a next generation vehicle (now known as Starship and then as “BFR,” for Big Falcon Rocket) within five years. The service and SpaceX also disagreed about whether the Space Shuttle was a good analogy to the new vehicle.

**** SpaceX plans for resort facilities at Boca Chica for visitors and eventually for space tourists : SpaceX reveals plans for a Texas spaceport resort in new job ad – TechCrunch

The job posting seeks a manger to “oversee the development of SpaceX’s first resort from inception to completion,” with the ultimate aim of turning Boca Chica into a “21st century Spaceport.” That would include overseeing the entire design and construction process, as well as getting all necessary work permits and regulatory approvals, and completing the ultimate build of the facility.

**** Aug. 8: SpaceX Boca Chica – The first ever Starship Post Flight Processing Flow – NASASpaceflight – YouTube

A full video showing how the SpaceX teams took care of Starship SN5 following her hop on to the landing pad. This is the first time – for Starship – that there’s been a post-flight processing flow. Video and Pictures from Mary (@BocaChicaGal). Edited by Jack Beyer (@TheJackBeyer).

**** Aug. 9: SpaceX Boca Chica – Full Spaceport Overview – Drive Past, Cranes and Starships – NASASpaceflight – YouTube

A lengthy video covering all elements of the SpaceX Boca Chica spaceport, from the Production Facility to the launch site, including drive pasts and focused areas. Video and Pictures from Mary (@BocaChicaGal). Edited by Jack Beyer (@TheJackBeyer).

**** Aug. 10: SpaceX Boca Chica – TPS X on show as Starships position themselves for test series – NASASpaceflight – YouTube

While Starships SN5 and SN6 prepare for a potential hop tag team test campaign, a sign of the future was seen in the form of TPS installation, suitably provided in the pattern of an X. Video and Pictures from Mary (@BocaChicaGal). Edit: Theo Ripper (@theoripper).

**** Aug.11: SN5 Transported Back To Shipyard – LabPadre – YouTube

08.11.2020 This morning SpaceX moved Starship SN5 back to the Boca Chica Shipyard for assessment and possible future flights.

**** Aug.11: SN6 Prep & Rollout Time Lapse – LabPadre – YouTube

08.11.2020 Time lapse: 9am- 12am SpaceX Boca Chica preps SN6 and the launch stand for upcoming testing. Things are really starting to pick up.

**** Aug.12: SN6 Prepped for Action – StarshipBocaChica/Maria Pointer – YouTube

SN6 is being readied for thrust pressure testing to make sure the structure can withstand one (or maybe three) Raptor engine(s) pushing up from the bottom of the thrust puck with at least 440,000 lbs of force. After one of the most active days ever witnessed at Boca Chica, SN5 is back at the production facility and SN6 rolled to the launch site all within 12 hours. SpaceX will load liquid nitrogen into the tanks to pressurize them and stiffen the entire structure then hydraulic rams will push upwards and test the strength of the engine mounts. If all goes well, the thrust simulator will be removed and Raptor engines will be installed. Then it gets real interesting with Wet Dress Rehearsals (WDR) and static fire testing before launch. SN6 is expected to perform one or more hops as SpaceX refines their power and balancing algorithms. At 14:14 you’ll see the SoilMec SR-45 piling drill. More info here https://www.soilmec.com/en/products/p…

**** Aug.13: SpaceX Boca Chica – The Full Starship Mounting Processing Flow – NASASpaceflight – YouTube

A long video that shows the entire process of installing a Starship (SN6) on to the launch mount. Includes fascinating highlights such as landing leg retraction. Video and Pictures from Mary (@BocaChicaGal). Edited by Jack Beyer (@thejackbeyer).

**** Aug.14: SpaceX Boca Chica Build Site Flyover 08/14 – RGV Aerial Photography

**** Aug. 14: SpaceX Boca Chica Launch Site Flyover 08/14 – RGV Aerial Photography

**** Aug.14:  SpaceX Boca Chica – High Bay Level 4 and Super Heavy Pad Work – NASASpaceflight – YouTube

Level 4 of the High Bay begins to go up and the work on the Orbital Launch Pad picks up speed. SpaceX is laying the foundations for its future in Boca Chica and that future is all about Super Heavy. Deliveries of huge pipes to the launch site foreshadow the scale of the coming construction, while SN6 is prepared for cryo proofing. Video and Pictures from Mary (@BocaChicaGal). Edited by Theo Ripper (@TheoRipper).

**** Other Starship reports:

***** Aug. 15 – SpaceX Starship SN6, SN7.1 & SN8 updates, Crew 1/2 update & US launch service contracts awarded – Marcus House

Even though we’ve had the flight of the prototype starship Serial Number 5 just over a week ago, the progress at Boca Chica Texas has not stopped, we’ll talk about SpaceX Starship SN6, SN7.1 & SN8 updates, Crew 1/2 update & US launch service contracts awarded to SpaceX. Serial Number 6 which has since rolled to the launch pad gets ready for a pressure test and the vision for Serial Number 8 which is really coming together. We have some interesting information on the recently awarded launch service contracts for SpaceX and United Launch Alliance. Very exciting to see SpaceX being involved in future launch capability for the US military there. Now that the dust has settled with Crew Dragons Demo 2 with Doug and Bob’s mission, we can focus now on the amazing Crew 1 and Crew 2 missions. Crew 1, of course, coming up faster than you may think with a possibility there launching at the end of October.

***** Aug. 14: SpaceX Starship Updates – Starship Flight Phase Explained – What about it!?

Welcome to Episode 112 of What about it!? Today I will tell you what’s next for Boca Chica and the SpaceX Starship program. What’s coming in the next few days and weeks and what kind of milestones can we expect next? I’ll also show you, what kind of effect the lately aquired NSSF contracts will have on the launch industry and SpaceX.

=====

=== The Art of C. Sergent Lindsey ===

“SpaceX Delivers the Goods” by C. Sergent Lindsey printed on phone cover. Available at Fine Art America.
Rockets, Space transport roundup

Space transport roundup – Aug.7.2020

A sampling of recent articles, videos, and images dealing with space transport (find previous roundups here):

** A big week for SpaceX.  On Sunday the Crew Dragon returned safely to earth.  On Tuesday the SN5 Starship Prototype flew up and down at Boca Chica Beach, Texas. And early Friday morning, a Falcon 9 launched 57 Starlink and 2 Blacksky earth observation satellites to low earth orbit. The F9 booster landed successfully as well.

**** SN5 Starship Prototype took a short hop up to 150 meters and back down for a successful landing. Following several aborted attempts over the previous few days, the SN5 fired its Raptor engine and lifted off amid a huge cloud of smoke and debris. It rose up above the dusty turmoil and hung in the air briefly before slowly descending and disappearing into the umber cloud. Observers waited anxiously for the air to clear to see if the vehicle, which is basically just the propellant tanks section of a Starship,  was still standing. Sure enough, it had landed on six stubby legs that had folded out from inside the metal skirt.

Starship SN5 Hop

Here is a small sample of videos taken by an array of SpaceX and privately owned cameras trained on the SN5:

  • SpaceX:

Under the roar of Raptor, Starship SN5 took flight during a successful 150m test hop at Boca Chica. Mary (@BocaChicaGal) had several cameras filming this historic event, with editing by Jack Beyer (@thejackbeyer).

** NASASpaceflight – YouTube

Misc.:

**** The first Crew Dragon mission with astronauts on board ends with a splashdown in the calm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. SpaceX’s Commercial Crew Demonstration Mission 2 (DM-2) went nearly flawlessly from beginning to end.

  • DM-2 highlights from launch to landing:

  • The DM-2 astronauts give their accounts of the mission:

NASA astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley discuss their SpaceX Demo-2 mission, 62-day stay on the International Space Station and successful return inside their Crew Dragon spacecraft Endeavour on Tuesday, Aug. 4. The duo splashed down at 2:48 p.m. EDT Aug. 2 in the Gulf of Mexico near Pensacola, Florida, following launch from Kennedy Space Center’s historic Launch Pad 39A at 3:22 p.m. May 30. They arrived at the station’s Harmony port, their spacecraft docking at 10:16 a.m. May 31. This was SpaceX’s final test flight and is providing data on performance of the Falcon 9 rocket, Crew Dragon spacecraft and ground systems, as well as in-orbit, docking, splashdown, and recovery operations.

Misc:

Find more on SpaceX activities below…

** Russian Proton rocket launches two tele-comm satellites for the Ekspress satellite network.

The Express-80 and Express-103 communications satellites have been successfully launched by the launcher Proton from the Cosmodrome of Baikonour in Kazaksthan.

The satellites are the result of the partnership between the Russian company ISS Reshetnev, providing the H1000 platforms and Thales Alenia Space, a Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%) joint venture, providing the payloads.

** China Long March-2D rocket launches Gaofen-9 remote sensing satellite.

** Astra scrubs launch attempt from Kodiak Island, Alaska. There was no webcast of Thursday’s attempted launch but there were updates via Astra (@Astra) / Twitter.  Just before ignition was to happen, the water deluge system “lost pressure”. The water floods the pad area below the rocket to reduce the acoustic energy of the exhaust.

“We are going to stand down to fix the issue.”  They said, “Rocket is in excellent shape, we will try again tomorrow.”

Astra’s described their launch plans here: Rocket 3.1 And Astra’s Path To Orbit | Astra.

Rocket 3.1 will launch from Astra’s Kodiak Launch Site (pad LP-3B at Pacific Spaceport Complex – Alaska (PSCA) on Kodiak Island). We are proud to partner with the team at PSCA and are grateful for their support.

Our launch window is from August 2-7, 7:00 – 9:00pm Pacific Time (PT) each day. We are aiming for August 2, subject to weather constraints and final launch preparations being completed.

This is a demonstration mission, and therefore Rocket 3.1 will not have a payload. We did not feel it was appropriate to risk a customer satellite for our first orbital launch attempt. That said, if Rocket 3.1 does make it to orbit, the vehicle will send an electronic signal that simulates the deployment of a satellite.

So Friday will be their last chance in this launch window. They suffered scrubs earlier this week as well:

Astra’s mantra is rapid iteration. Build, test, learn and repeat. We’re changing the way space is done by accepting slightly more risk in order to learn more quickly. We can afford to experiment because our rockets are far less expensive than the industry average. We aren’t afraid of failure; in fact, as long as we learn from it, failure is valuable and ultimately built into the plan.

It’s rare that a new launch vehicle accomplishes all of its objectives with its first flight, and the past few months in the launch industry have once again proven just how hard getting to space can be, even for mature vehicles. That said, we believe that we can achieve orbit within 3 flights, and our goal for Rocket 3.1 is to learn enough to set us on that path.

** Rocket Lab to resume Electron launches after finding cause of the failure in July mission: Rocket Lab to Resume Electron Launches in August | Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab today announced that it has received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to resume launches this month after identifying an anomalous electrical connection as the cause of an in-flight failure on July 4, 2020. With corrective measures underway, the next Electron launch has been scheduled for August from Launch Complex 1.

Over the past month, Rocket Lab has collaborated on an investigation with the support of the FAA, the primary federal licensing body for commercial space launch activity. Rocket Lab’s Accident Investigation Board (AIB) worked through an extensive fault tree analysis to examine all potential causes for the anomaly that took place late into Rocket Lab’s 13th launch.

On July 4, 2020, the Electron launch vehicle successfully lifted-off from Launch Complex 1 and proceeded through a nominal first stage engine burn, Stage 1-2 separation, Stage 2 ignition, and fairing jettison as planned. Several minutes into the second stage burn, the engine performed a safe shutdown resulting in a failure to reach orbit. Due to the controlled way the engine shut down, Rocket Lab continued to receive telemetry from the vehicle, providing engineers with extensive data to conduct a robust investigation into the issue.

After reviewing more than 25,000 channels of data and carrying out extensive testing, Rocket Lab’s AIB was able to confidently narrow the issue down to a single anomalous electrical connection. This connection was intermittently secure through flight, creating increasing resistance that caused heating and thermal expansion in the electrical component. This caused the surrounding potting compounds to liquefy, leading to the disconnection of the electrical system and subsequent engine shutdown. The issue evaded pre-flight detection as the electrical connection remained secure during standard environmental acceptance testing including vibration, thermal vacuum, and thermal cycle tests.

Peter Beck, Rocket Lab’s founder and CEO, said the issue had never been observed before across the company’s previous 12 Electron launches. “The issue occurred under incredibly specific and unique circumstances, causing the connection to fail in a way that we wouldn’t detect with standard testing. Our team has now reliably replicated the issue in test and identified that it can be mitigated through additional testing and procedures.”

** More from Virgin Orbit about the LauncherOne failure on the first attempt to go to orbit: Wrapping Up Our First Launch Demo, and Looking Ahead to Launch Demo-2 | Virgin Orbit

Soon, we were able to identify the cause of the failure that ended our first Launch Demo: a breach in the high-pressure line carrying cryogenic Liquid Oxygen (LOX) to our first stage combustion chamber due to a component failure. Without a supply of oxidizer, that engine soon stopped providing thrust, ending our powered flight and ultimately the test itself.

In the business of launch vehicles, finding the direct cause of any failure of any flight is incredibly important, but certainly not sufficient. In order to truly get to the root of the issue, it is important to ask why after why after why. If the answer to the first why is “because the high-pressure LOX line failed,” then the second why must be “why did it fail?” That in turn must be followed by more whys — including “why didn’t we anticipate this failure,” “why wasn’t this failure observed in our earlier testing,” and more. To all of these, you must add in a healthy dose of “what else could have happened,” “what would this failure have looked like if it occurred at a different point in the mission,” and hundreds more questions. Creating a robust fault tree or fishbone diagram is important, especially for those visual learners.

** Autodesk makes video about Firefly and their use of their software: Firefly Aerospace: Inside the New Space Race – Autodesk

** Episode T+167: Phillip Hargrove, NASA Launch Services Program – Main Engine Cut Off

Phillip Hargrove, a Launch Vehicle Trajectory Analyst at NASA joins me to talk about NASA’s Launch Services Program. We discuss how LSP interacts with mission teams like Mars 2020 Perseverance, launch providers like United Launch Alliance and SpaceX, and what kind of work they tackle in their unique role tying it all together.

** Watch ULA Atlas V launch of Perseverance rover from onboard cameras: Video: Rocketcams show Mars-bound rover’s ride into space – Spaceflight Now

** Check out Blue Origin‘s ship for landing New Glenn boosters: Blue Origin LPV – Kyle Montgomery Photo

** Sierra Nevada Corp puts several posts on Twitter about their propulsion research:

** PLD Space of Spain gave an update at the SmallSat Conference:

** Skyrora to launch suborbital rocket from Iceland:

** Another tour of the Virgin Galactic SpaceShipTwo interior:

** The latest report from VG: Virgin Galactic earnings for Q2 2020 – CNBC.

Virgin Galactic provided a significant update to its development timeline, saying its next test spaceflight will occur “this fall,” with just two test pilots on board. Then the company will fly a second time, with four “mission specialists” inside the spacecraft’s cabin. If both test flights succeed, Virgin Galactic expects to fly Branson in early 2021, which would mark the beginning of its commercial service.

** Briefs:

==================

Check out the
The Lurio Report
for news and analysis of key developments in NewSpace

The latest issue:
Changes Here, Starliner Analysis, OneWeb – A UK View
Vol. 15, No. 5, July 24, 2020

Space Frontier Foundation Award for NewSpace Journalism

==================

** SpaceX:

**** The  Starlink launch came after several scrubs since June due to weather and technical issues.

The Falcon 9’s first stage booster was on its fifth flight. It previously launched two Starlink missions, the crew-less Crew Demo-1 mission, and the RADARSAT Constellation Mission. The fairing halves were not caught in the nets on the recovery boats. No word yet on whether they were retrieved from the water.

**** Starship

Following the SN5 hop described above,  Elon Musk made some comments on Twitter regarding what comes next:

  • “V1.1 legs will be ~60% longer. V2.0 legs will be much wider & taller — like Falcon, but capable of landing on unimproved surfaces & auto-leveling.“
  • Next steps?
    • “We’ll do several short hops to smooth out launch process, then go high altitude with body flaps“
  • When will there be a hop followed by a re-flight?
    • “Soon“

As seen in the videos below, there has been continuous activity in the assembly area at Boca Chica:

  • SN6 prototype has been sitting in the Mid-Bay hangar for a few weeks. A common assumption is that it is a backup for SN5 and probably won’t fly.
  • SN7 was a subscale engineering model used to pressure test structural designs and welding techniques.
  • SN8 is under construction and appears to be made of the more advanced steel alloys that will be used in the operational Starships.
  • Several nosecones have been built. Some appear to be just for testing the assembly methods but others look like they are flight capable.

**** The SN5 viewed from space:

****** Aug. 1: SpaceX Boca Chica – New Thrust Puck Delivered – Crews Work Towards 150m Hop – NASASpaceflight – YouTube

Preparations for SN5’s 150m hop attempt are in full swing, meanwhile work at the launch and build sites has resumed following SN5’s successful static fire test and a series of severe storms. Mary spots a forward dome section that could be part of the next test tank (SN7.1) and also catches delivery of a new Thrust Puck. Video and Pictures from Mary (@BocaChicaGal). Edited by Jack Beyer (@TheJackBeyer).

****** Aug 3: SpaceX Boca Chica – As SN5 prepares to hop – new fins arrive – NASASpaceflight – YouTube

Starship SN5 spent Monday preparing to conduct her 150 meter hop test (scrubbed). At the same time, hardware for future Starships included the arrival of new fins. Video and Pictures from Mary (@BocaChicaGal). Edited by Jack Beyer (@TheJackBeyer).

****** Aug.5: SpaceX Boca Chica – Starship SN8 enters Stacking Operations – NASASpaceflight – YouTube

****** Aug.6: SpaceX Boca Chica – High Bay moves to Level 3 – Test Tank SN7.1 preps – NASASpaceflight – YouTube

As the Super Heavy High Bay moved into Level 3 assembly at SpaceX Boca Chica, the Starship SN7.1 Test Tank (made from 304L Steel) is waiting for aft dome/skirt mate. Video and Pictures from Mary (@BocaChicaGal). Edited by Jack Beyer (@TheJackBeyer).

**** Other Starship and space transport reports:

**** Aug.5: SpaceX Starship 150m launch success – SN5 150 meter hop and landing – Marcus House

**** Aug.5: SpaceX’s Shiny Stainless Steel Starship Prototype Takes Flight For The First Time – Scott Manley

After many iterations, and some spectacular accidents we finally got to see a StarShip tank and thrust section take flight for a 150m hop, demonstrating flight control systems using only a single raptor engine. This is a very visible step on the long road to developing Starship and Superheavy into a fully operational, fully reusable launch vehicle.

=====

=== The Art of C. Sergent Lindsey ===

“SpaceX Delivers the Goods” by C. Sergent Lindsey printed on phone cover. Available at Fine Art America.
Rockets, Space transport roundup

Space transport roundup – July.31.2020

A sampling of recent articles, videos, and images dealing with space transport (find previous roundups here):

** ULA Atlas V sends Perseverance rover on course to a Mars landing on February 18th.

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V 541 rocket, carrying NASA’s Mars Perseverance rover, lifts off from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on July 30, 2020, at 7:50 a.m. EDT.

See also:

** Long March 5 launched Tienwan-1 mission to Mars. On July 23rd, China launched the Tianwen-1 Mars mission on a Long March-5 launch vehicle  from the Wenchang Space Launch Center, Hainan Province in the southeast of the country. The LM-5 is China’s heaviest lift vehicle and this was just its fifth flight. The  big payload, included an orbiter, a lander and a rover, will reach Mars in February.

** A Long March 4B rocket carried the Earth-observation remote-sensing satellite Ziyuan 3-03 into orbit on July 25th. The rocket lifted off from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in Shanxi Province in northern China. There were also two small satellites on board, one for astronomical X-ray observations and the other for data-relay.

** Russian Soyuz rocket launched Progress cargo carrier to the ISS on July 23rd. The vehicle reached the ISS about 3 hours later and managed to dock successfully despite a small misalignment as it neared the docking port under automated control.

** Arianespace returning to service following Covad-19 shutdown since March with the launch of an Ariane 5 with three satellites: Intelsat Galaxy 30 telecomm satellite built by Northrop Grumman,  Northrop Grumman MEV-2 mission extension vehicle, and BSAT-4b telecomm satellite built by Maxar for the Japanese company B-SAT. The current target date is July 31th.

** Propellant line break caused the premature end to first LauncherOne flight: Virgin Orbit identifies cause of engine shutdown on first LauncherOne flight – SpaceNews

The first flight of Virgin Orbit’s LauncherOne rocket failed to reach orbit in May when a propellant line broke seconds after the ignition of the rocket’s first stage engine, the company’s chief executive said July 22.

Speaking at a webinar organized by the SpaSpace ce Generation Advisory Council, an organization for young space industry professionals, Dan Hart said the demonstration mission for the LauncherOne rocket May 25 went well until several seconds after the ignition of the NewtonThree engine that powers the rocket’s first stage.

“We had a component break in our engine system. It was a high-pressure feed line,” he said. Liquid oxygen “stopped going into the engine and our flight was terminated.”

See also Virgin Orbit traces cause of LauncherOne engine failure to propellant line – Spaceflight Now.

** Dawn Aerospace in New Zealand debuts the Mk-II Aurora reusable suborbital spaceplane: Dawn Aerospace unveils their new spaceplane; the Dawn Mk-II Aurora — Dawn Aerospace

Dawn Aerospace, headquartered in Christchurch, unveiled its suborbital spaceplane today, the “Mk-II Aurora”, ahead of an intensive 12 month flight test campaign. 

The Mk-II Aurora is the latest development in a series of test vehicles that will one day launch satellites into space. It is the second rocket-powered aircraft or “spaceplane” produced by Dawn Aerospace. It will be capable of flights to above 100km altitude, the border to space, before returning to land at an airport. Upon landing it can be refuelled and flown again within hours. It will be the first vehicle to ever be capable of such a feat multiple times per day.

…

The Mk-II Aurora will demonstrate the core technology for daily access to space in a subscale vehicle. It has a modest payload capacity, enough to bring scientific experiments to space, but too little for an orbital second stage. The later generation Mk-III will be based on the Mk-II design, but with a larger payload capacity. This will allow a 50-100 kg satellite to be delivered to orbit. The Mk-III will deliver satellites into orbit using an expendable second stage. After releasing a satellite, the second stage burns up in the atmosphere and accounts for about 6 percent of the whole vehicle, making the whole system 94% reusable.

The first test flights could happen by the end of this year.  In a preliminary phase, the vehicle will use two jet engines. The operational vehicle will use a rocket engine burning hydrogen peroxide with kerosene. Operational suborbital spaceflights will cost $50k.

** Scott Manley gives his views on the Virgin Galactic SpaceShipTwo interior, which was revealed to the public on July 28th:

Virgin Galactic had a ‘virtual reveal’ of the interior design of Spaceplane Two, the passenger cabin designed to safely carry tourists over 50 miles above the Earth for rocket powered suborbital hops. It’s not as simple as picking out nice colours and fancy materials, the seats need to secure the passengers through acceleration and aerobraking, which have different orientations. They also need to provide enough room for passengers to make full use of the cabin during zero g, enough windows to observe the earth from far above, and make it easy to get back in when the deceleration starts.

** Alan Boyle takes a VR ride to space on the SS2: Virgin Galactic takes you inside SpaceShipTwo in virtual reality – Geekwire

More than a decade after Virgin Galactic unveiled a swoopy, spacey look for the passenger cabin of its SpaceShipTwo rocket plane, the company took the wraps off a more down-to-Earth design that reflects what spacefliers will actually see when they climb into their seats. And in a move befitting this era of social distancing, the big reveal was done with the aid of virtual reality. Read more:

** “Why is 304L Stainless Steel Special for Building ROCKETS?” is the focus of the latest Workshop episode from Copenhagen Suborbitals:

Copenhagen Suborbitals is the world’s only crewed, crowdfunded space program. In the future, a volunteer astronaut will fly to space on our home-built rocket. We do this on our spare time, all the donations go to paying our workshop rent and buying materials. We are forever thankful to each of our supporters!

In this video we talk about the interesting features of stainless steel for building rockets and one special trait that we can use to our advantage to make our Spica rocket’s 304L alloy propellant tanks as strong and as light as aluminum. We also cover Bianca’s DIY contra-rotating drone project for her Master thesis in Autonomous Systems, Spica propellant tank bulkhead production and more.

** An update from Launcher on engine development:

** Electrodynamic tether device from Tethers Unlimited deorbits spacecraft at the end of their missions. After several years of development and testing in space, the Terminator Tape™ Deorbit Modules is attracting more attention and customers. This arises from the growing awareness that active measures are needed to reduce orbital traffic as the number of satellites in low earth orbit rapidly expands.

From the Datasheet (pdf):

    • Terminator Tape is mounted on the face of the spacecraft
    • Solar cells are mounted to the top surface using electrical feedthroughs provided
    • Upon completion of the mission, the spacecraft commands deployment of the Terminator Tape
    • The module deploys a conducting tape, which generates neutral particle drag and passive electromagnetics drag to hasten the deorbit of the spacecraft
Terminator Tape module with solar panel. Credits: Tethers Unlimited

** Diagnosing a rocket motor nozzle failure: Jeff Smith back to the show to discuss his July 13, 2020 Space Review article, CSI: Rocket Science.

** Briefs:

==================

Check out the
The Lurio Report
for news and analysis of key developments in NewSpace

The latest issue:
Changes Here, Starliner Analysis, OneWeb-A UK View
Vol. 15, No. 5, July 24, 2020

Space Frontier Foundation Award for NewSpace Journalism

==================

** SpaceX:

** Another attempt at Starlink 9 launch upcoming on this Saturday, August 1st at 3:21 am EDT (0721 GMT) [Thursday, August 6th at 1:33 am EDT ( 0533 GMT)].  SpaceX Starlink mission nears third launch attempt after six weeks of delays – Teslarati. This mission to launch 57 Starlink satellites and two BlackSky earth imaging satellites has been repeatedly postponed since the end of June.

[ Update: Due to the threat of  tropical storm Isaias, the launch of the Starlink 9 mission has been postponed yet again. The new target liftoff date is Thursday, August 6th at 1:33 am EDT ( 0533 GMT).

** The Crew Dragon set to depart from ISS on August 1st and splash down near Florida on August 2nd. However, an approaching tropical storm may cause a postponement of the return.  Here is a schedule of coverage of the event: NASA to Provide Coverage of Astronauts’ Return from Space Station | NASA

** A briefing by NASA and SpaceX on the return of the Crew Dragon from the ISS: Expedition 63 Post Flight Readiness Review Briefing – July 29, 2020

Following the completion of a readiness review, NASA and SpaceX officials previewed the upcoming return to Earth of NASA astronauts Doug Hurley and Robert Behnken during a news conference July 29. NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, Commercial Crew program manager Steve Stich, International Space Station program manager Joel Montalbano and Benji Reed, the SpaceX director for crew mission management discussed splashdown and recovery options for the SpaceX Crew Dragon vehicle with Hurley and Behnken aboard. The astronauts are scheduled to undock from the space station on Aug. 1 with a planned splashdown on Aug. 2 to complete an historic nine-week mission.

** The first operational Crew Dragon mission will happen about 6 weeks after the return of the DM-2 crew: SpaceX spaceship almost ready for next NASA astronaut launch – Teslarati

Deep inside SpaceX’s Hawthorne, California rocket factory, the Crew Dragon capsule – believed to be C207 – assigned to the company’s operational astronaut launch debut (Crew-1) is in the late stages of final integration. A photo provided alongside the news confirms that the Crew Dragon is nearly complete. Aside from the installation of body panels and several other tasks that will be completed once the ship arrives in Florida, capsule C207 is already fully outfitted with a heatshield, windows, Draco maneuvering thrusters, SuperDraco abort thrusters, parachute deployment hardware, and much more.

According to Benji Reed, SpaceX Director of Crew Mission Management, SpaceX’s Crew-1 operational astronaut launch debut remains on track to launch no earlier than late September. Capsule C207 and its upgraded trunk section are also reportedly on track to head from California to SpaceX’s Florida launch facilities in time to support that schedule and could ship east just two or so weeks from now.

** Astronauts for second operational Crew Dragon mission announced: NASA Announces Astronauts to Fly on SpaceX Crew-2 Mission | NASA

NASA and its international partners have assigned crew members for Crew-2, which will be the second operational SpaceX Crew Dragon flight to the International Space Station as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.

NASA astronauts Shane Kimbrough and Megan McArthur will serve as spacecraft commander and pilot, respectively, for the mission. JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Akihiko Hoshide and ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Thomas Pesquet will join as mission specialists.

Crew-2 is targeted to launch in spring 2021, following the successful completion of both NASA’s SpaceX Demo-2 test flight mission, which is expected to return to Earth Aug. 2, and the launch of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-1 mission, which is targeted for late September. The Crew-2 astronauts will remain aboard the space station for approximately six months as expedition crew members, along with three crewmates who will launch via a Russian Soyuz spacecraft. The increase of the full space station crew complement to seven members – over the previous six – will allow NASA to effectively double the amount of science that can be conducted in space.

** McGregor test facility observing:

** SpaceX raising more money to pay for Starlink deployment and Starship development: SpaceX is raising up to $1 billion at $44 billion valuation – CNBC.com

Space Exploration Technologies, Elon Musk’s reusable rocket and satellite internet venture, is in talks to raise $500 million to $1 billion in series N funding at a valuation of $44 billion, according to documents reviewed by CNBC and people familiar with the company’s fundraising activity.

The funding would help SpaceX begin commercial operations of its Starlink satellite broadband service and to conduct suborbital and orbital test flights of its Starship and SuperHeavy booster launch vehicle. Bloomberg previously reported on the fundraising plans.

See also SpaceX on track to become third most valuable private company in the world – Teslarati.

**** Starship

The SN5 prototype Starship was pressure tested last week. Subsequent efforts to test fire its single Raptor engine were hampered by various weather and technical issues. The first attempt today was scrubbed when a small fishing boat wandered into safety zone near the test site.  A second try, though, was successful. The firing occurs at about the 30:14 point in this video:

** SN5 SpaceX Stealth Cam Ultra Up Close Static Fire 3 Views – LabPadre

The test was soon followed by this comment from Elon:

From previous tests, can expect the 150 m hop in about 2 or 3 days.

More about the Boca Chica SN5 tests:

****** Videos of recent Boca Chica activities:

****** July 23: SpaceX Boca Chica – Mk1 Fins Mounted – SN8 Common Dome Flip – NASASpaceflight – YouTube

The Mk1 Fins were hoisted into position, SN8’s Common Dome was flipped, a new nosecone (yes, another one- this one with a header tank weld) has appeared in the nosecone fabrication tent, and modifications on the old SN2 test tank continue. Video and Pictures from Mary (@BocaChicaGal). Edited by Jack Beyer (@TheJackBeyer)

****** July 24: SpaceX Boca Chica – High Bay Level 2 – Forward Dome Sheathed – NASASpaceflight – YouTube

The new High Bay continues to rise, a Forward Dome is moved out of a fabrication tent and sheathed with a ring stack, SN2 test tank mods continue, and the Mk1 Fins make an appearance. Video and Pictures from Mary (@BocaChicaGal). Edited by Jack Beyer (@TheJackBeyer)

****** July 28: SpaceX Boca Chica – SN5 Preparations – SN8 Downcomer Spotted – NASASpaceflight – YouTube

Starship SN5 is being prepared for another Static Fire attempt at the launch site while work continues on future Starships, including SN8 at the Production Facility. Video and Pictures from Mary (@BocaChicaGal). Edited by Jack Beyer (@TheJackBeyer).

****** July 29: SpaceX Boca Chica – Starship SN5 waits for Static Fire. Rebuilding Bluezilla – NASASpaceflight – YouTube

While Starship SN5 continues to prepare for a Static Fire test, Boca Chica is a hive of activity, with the dishes practicing linkups with SN5, rebuilding Bluezilla and more. Video and Pictures from Mary (@BocaChicaGal). Edited by Jack Beyer (@TheJackBeyer).

****   Other Starship and space transport reports:

**** July 25: SpaceX Starship Super heavy high bay, ANASIS-II + Hope Mars Launch and Gilmour Space 110-sec test – Marcus House – July.25.2020

Another action-packed week of space news. SpaceX Starship Super heavy high bay construction continues, we had the ANASIS-II Falcon 9 launch, the Hope Mars Launch and Gilmour Space 110-sec test fire. There has been no shortage of developments with Starship construction at Boca Chica. Lots to see. We’ve had another beautiful flight of the Falcon 9 with the launch of ANASIS-II with eh booster returning just recently. The HOPE Mars Mission mission launched aboard the Japanese H-2A rocket. Gilmour Space Technologies in Queensland Australia is pioneering new single-port hybrid propulsion rocket engines that are claimed to be significantly cheaper, greener, and safer to operate than traditional liquid and solid propulsion rockets.

**** July.28: SpaceX Starship Updates – 2020 Mars Mission Frenzy! – What about it!?

In this Episode, we will take a look at SpaceX’s progress in Boca Chica Texas and the recent Hurricane Hanna. Does a Hurricane pose any danger and how real is the threat in the future for SpaceX. We will also take a look at the recent Hope mission launched by the United Arab Emirates, the Tainwen-1 mission, launched by China and the imminent Mars 2020 Perseverance rover mission to be launched very soon by NASA and ULA. Why is it, that everyone is targeting Mars right now? How does a Mars transfer orbit work?

**** July.24: SpaceX Starship Updates – Why a hop will happen this time! – What about it!?

In this Episode, we will take a look at SpaceX’s progress on the Super Heavy High Bay. We will also take a look at the ongoing work at the new Super Heavy and Starship launch pad and last but not least, we will take a look at first preparations for the Starship SN5 150-meter hop!

** 2020 07 22 Fins-a-Go-Go – StarshipBocaChica/Maria Pointer – YouTube

We finally see what those incredible Starship designers had in mind for Elon’s Party Central at the Starship Village Community Center. FIN Park? This will be the hub of activity for residents of the newly-renovated homes on Weems Street and those living in the Bambi Airstream executive mansions on wheels.

100 years from now, as Elon City residents look down on the planetary home of their ancestors, they will see the Sun glint off of these wings and point to their Martian children and say… “See children… That’s where your grandfather and grandmother left Earth so you could be the ‘Hope of Consciousness’ for all of humanity.” And they will rejoice.

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=== Space Art from C. Sergent Lindsey ===

Sweatshirt imprinted with “SpaceX Delivers the Goods” by C Sergent Lindsey. Available at Fine Art America.