US Space Program - a thread

[Hamartia Antidote]

I expect some updates @Sven

 

[Sven]

Dragon's back!

A SpaceX Dragon capsule splashed down in the Pacific Ocean on Wednesday carrying about 3,700 pounds (1,680 kg) of experiment results and cargo from the International Space Station, NASA said.

 

[Hamartia Antidote]

The 3 SpaceX rockets that landed in a hangar

 

[Hamartia Antidote]

NASA releases first global topographic model of Mercury

https://cosmosmagazine.com/space/nasa-releases-first-global-topographic-model-mercury

 

[indiatester]

NASA releases first global topographic model of Mercury

https://cosmosmagazine.com/space/nasa-releases-first-global-topographic-model-mercury

Wow... is that its true colour?

 

[Hamartia Antidote]

Wow... is that its true colour?

No, the colors represent surface heights.

 

[Skaði]

May 27, 2016 SpaceX landing.

Full launch and recovery:

Three in a row!

 

[SvenSvensonov]

Orbital ATK Conducts Test of Antares First Stage

Orbital ATK conducted a full-power test of the upgraded first stage propulsion system of its Antares medium-class rocket using new RD-181 main engines. The 30-second test took place at 5:30 p.m. (EDT) on May 31, 2016 at Virginia Space’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS) Pad 0A.

Initial indications suggest that the test was fully successful, and the Antares engineering team will review test data over the next two weeks to confirm that all test parameters were met. The confirmation of a successful test will clear the way for Orbital ATK to resume cargo resupply services to the International Space Station from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia, currently scheduled for July.

“Early indications show the upgraded propulsion system, core stage and launch complex all worked together as planned,” said Mike Pinkston, Orbital ATK General Manager and Vice President, Antares Program. “Congratulations to the combined NASA, Orbital ATK and Virginia Space team on a successful test.”

The primary goal of the test was to verify the functionality of the integrated first stage, including new engines, modified Stage 1 core, avionics, thrust vector control and pad fueling systems in an operational environment.

The test also met a number of operational milestones including full propellant loading sequence, launch countdown and engine ignition and shut down commands, as well as multiple throttle settings including full engine power. Additionally, the test validated the launch pad’s operation, including propellant tanking and the use of the water deluge system to protect the pad from damage and suppress noise.

 

[indiatester]

^^^
@SvenSvensonov
The vibrations seen on the first camera was unexpected. Shows how powerful the engines are. Don't you think there was too much smoke as if the fuel did not burn completely?

 

[SvenSvensonov]

The vibrations seen on the first camera was unexpected. Shows how powerful the engines are. Don't you think there was too much smoke as if the fuel did not burn completely?

It's definitely a powerful engine, but I think the amount of smoke was nominal for the type of engine, the RD-181 and for the launch range, which is designed to promote smoke, but limit flame.

The MARS Pad0A is configured to limit flames and safely expel smoke over water, so it's set up also contributes to the large smoke volume.

Previous launches also produce a lot of lingering smoke:

Here we can see the raised launch platform, and exhaust port pointed towards the water. This photo was in the aftermath of a rocket explosion:

Compared to Atlas launched from a similar platform:

The RD-180/1 is just a powerful, but smoky engine, so I think that the video is nominal, at least when compared to past launches:

We don't see a lot of flame in the video because its directed down into a covered pit and suppressed. In the process of suppressing the flames, smoke is generated in larger volumes.

 

[C130]

I just find it amazing Falcon 9 v1.1 &FT already has 20 successful launches and the pace and number of launchers is increasing every year.

Ariane 5- 81 launches
Atlas V- 61 launches

assuming Falcon 9 get's minimum 18 successful launches every year from now on... in 5 years 2021/22 Falcon 9 will have more launches than Ariane 5

 

[SvenSvensonov]

Astronaut’s First Steps into BEAM Will Expand the Frontiers of Habitats for Space

BEAM expansion sped up time lapse animated gif. Credits: NASA

On Monday, June 6, astronaut Jeff Williams will enter the first human-rated expandable module deployed in space, a technology demonstration to investigate the potential challenges and benefits of expandable habitats for deep space exploration and commercial low-Earth orbit applications.

Williams and the NASA and Bigelow Aerospace teams working at Mission Control Center at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston expanded the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM) by filling it with air during more than seven hours of operations Saturday, May 28. The BEAM launched April 8 aboard a SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, and was attached to the International Space Station’s Tranquility module about a week later.

Williams’ entry will mark the beginning of a two-year data collection process. He will take an air sample, place caps on the now closed ascent vent valves, install ducting to assist in BEAM’s air circulation, retrieve deployment data sensors and manually open the tanks used for pressurization to ensure all of the air has been released. He will then install sensors over the following two days that will be used for the project’s primary task of gathering data on how an expandable habitat performs in the thermal environment of space, and how it reacts to radiation, micrometeoroids, and orbital debris.

During BEAM's test period, the module typically will be closed off to the rest of the space station. Astronauts will enter the module three to four times each year to collect temperature, pressure and radiation data, and to assess its structural condition. After two years of monitoring, the current plan is to jettison the BEAM from the space station to burn up on re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere.

Expandable habitats are designed to take up less room when being launched but provide greater volume for living and working in space once expanded. This first test of an expandable module will allow investigators to gauge how well the habitat performs and specifically, how well it protects against solar radiation, space debris and the temperature extremes of space.

The BEAM is an example of NASA’s increased commitment to partnering with industry to enable the growth of the commercial use of space. The BEAM, which Bigelow Aerospace developed and built, is co-sponsored by Bigelow and NASA's Advanced Exploration Systems Division.

The expansion process already has provided numerous lessons learned on how soft goods interact during the dynamic event of expansion.

The module measured just over 7 feet long and just under 7.75 feet in diameter in its packed configuration. BEAM now measures more than 13 feet long and about 10.5 feet in diameter to create 565 cubic feet of habitable volume. It weighs approximately 3,000 pounds.

Just make sure to watch for annelids!!

 

[Anubis]

Anybody here use SETI@Home??

 

[SvenSvensonov]

BEAM Open for the First Time

NASA astronaut Jeff Williams floats in front of the entrance to the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM)

NASA astronaut Jeff Williams opened the hatch to the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM) at 4:47 a.m. EDT Monday, June 6. Along with Russian cosmonaut Oleg Skripochka, Williams entered BEAM for the first time to collect an air sample and begin downloading data from sensors on the dynamics of BEAM’s expansion. Williams told flight controllers at Mission Control, Houston that BEAM looked “pristine” and said it was cold inside, but that there was no evidence of any condensation on its inner surfaces.

Additional ingress opportunities to deploy other sensors and equipment in BEAM are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday. The hatch to BEAM will be closed after each entry.

Williams and the NASA and Bigelow Aerospace teams working at Mission Control Center at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston expanded the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM) by filling it with air during more than seven hours of operations Saturday, May 28. The BEAM launched April 8 aboard a SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, and was attached to the International Space Station’s Tranquility module about a week later.

The BEAM is an example of NASA’s increased commitment to partnering with industry to enable the growth of the commercial use of space. The BEAM, which Bigelow Aerospace developed and built, is co-sponsored by Bigelow and NASA’s Advanced Exploration Systems Division.

 

[SvenSvensonov]

BEAM Opens Up For Checks

The Bigelow Expandable Activity Module’s (BEAM) hatch was opened up for the first time today. Astronaut Jeff Williams entered BEAM and checked sensors, installed air ducts and reported back to Earth that it was in pristine condition. After Williams completed the BEAM checks he exited and closed the hatch for the day.

The crew will enter BEAM a couple of more times through Wednesday to check sensors and gear. BEAM will stay attached to the International Space Station for two years of tests of its durability.

The rest of the Expedition 47 crew moved right along with human research studies benefiting astronauts in space and people on Earth. British astronaut Tim Peake explored how astronauts adapt to tasks requiring high concentration and detailed procedures. Williams later collected biological samples for stowage and analysis for the Multi-Omics experiment that is studying the immune system.

Commander Tim Peake and Flight Engineer Yuri Malenchenko are packing their Soyuz TMA-19M spacecraft and getting ready for a June 18 departure. Peake will join the duo for the ride home after living in space for six months.

Astronaut Jeff Williams works inside the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module. Credit: NASA TV