Siren...

Wait, wut? LMAO!

<samp class="EmbedCode-container"><code class="EmbedCode-code"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Good Starship SN8 static fire! Aiming for first 15km / ~50k ft altitude flight next week. Goals are to test 3 engine ascent, body flaps, transition from main to header tanks &amp; landing flip.</p>&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1331386982296145922?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </code></samp>

All we got was a couple-second puff-fart!

Yeah, static fires have gotten pretty boring. Not nearly as fun as they were before SpaceX was regularly landing rockets in the middle of the ocean and shuttling astronauts to the ISS. That 15km hop and belly dive should be a lot of fun though!!!

T-59:59

In case anyone else is interested, I always prefer the mission control audio feed and mute the audio on the normal stream...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpS_9ox1254

Feed is live

Seventh flight of this booster. Incredible.

Plus 2x and 3x fairing halves. This won't be a terribly exciting launch in terms of the mission, but the hardware is pretty cool.

About 2 minutes..

Windy.

Can't say I've ever seen the rocket rocking before...

Well, I clicked into this thread at the perfect time

Pretty amazing

I thought I was seeing things. Was it moving?

Un****ingbelievable.

Just another perfect job by SpaceX. Never gets old...

I feel like they need to give boosters names. This one at least deserves a moniker better than B1049.7.

Also 100th launch of the Falcon 9.

We just watched the launch from the top of my sister's condo in Tampa. Pretty cool!

I was glad to see NASA astronauts naming their crew dragons.

That's also 22 launches on the year, with up to 5 more in December (but probably just 1 or 2 more). 24 launches scheduled for 21 (2 heavy launches!), and that's not including Starlink. I would not be surprised to see SpaceX hit 2 launches per month just for Starlink next year. We may see them hit 50.

Some cool stats at https://www.spacexstats.xyz.

Kind of crazy that they have only built 5 boosters this year for like 25 launches. I know that's the whole idea, but it's easy to miss how much money they're saving from all this.

Heads-up that the 15km Starship hop could happen this week (Wednesday at the earliest).

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Just a static fire tomorrow. Flight no earlier than Wednesday.</p>&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1333123173815087111?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

It's always tough to watch these things, as they don't really publish set times, so you just end up watching streams of a rocket sitting on a pad for hours. But it'll be fun if you can catch it.

Also, just to set expectations, I think it's highly likely that this results in a big boom. There's a shit ton of new stuff they're trying on this launch, so the likelihood of it actually flying, falling, and landing itself on the first try is pretty low.

Another static fire? Interesting.

Are they actually going to try to land it on the pad at the complex? If so, I hope they have some contingency if things go wrong to keep it away from the complex and the village.

Yes, the plan is to try and land it back at the complex. Like the F9 landings, it'll be over the water until the very end to try and prevent damage to the facility.

But that said, they've set a five-mile-radius exclusion zone for this (which goes beyond the village), so they clearly think there's a chance that things could get ugly. I don't think damage to the facility or village is out of the question.

I'll wait for the post-event video this time. Last time we waited forever just to watch the rocket fart.

I haven't seen any updated simulations, so here's what this flight should look like for those unaware:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DdTYMry7fq0" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Thanks. Fingers crossed.

Well, they weren't kidding when they said it was in danger of collapsing. It's gone.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Arecibo Observatory&#39;s telescope has collapsed <a href="https://t.co/VDz4JEzHEt">https://t.co/VDz4JEzHEt</a> <a href="https://t.co/lARnaFZOf9">pic.twitter.com/lARnaFZOf9</a></p>&mdash; Engadget (@engadget) <a href="https://twitter.com/engadget/status/1333827170330947591?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

That is just so 2020. :(

Oh man

Wow. I'm not a rocket scientist, and I didn't stay at a Holiday Inn last night, but these seems like REALLY bad design decisions. Apparently it could take a year to fix a problem with the Orion capsule expected to launch next year...

https://www.theverge.com/platform/am...lure-artemis-i

https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-conte...ip-800x450.jpg
https://arstechnica.com/science/2020...rly-as-friday/

What happened to the next static fire?

Guessing it happens in the next couple days. Or they decide the last one was good enough?

Could be wrong, but I don't THINK they're doing any more static fires before the "hop." They've already done 4.

Here's the last official tweet we had about it.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Good Starship SN8 static fire! Aiming for first 15km / ~50k ft altitude flight next week. Goals are to test 3 engine ascent, body flaps, transition from main to header tanks &amp; landing flip.</p>&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1331386982296145922?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

In case anyone's curious, here's the collapse of Arecibo. Crazy that they actually had a drone up there when it happened.

<iframe src='//players.brightcove.net/679256133001/EkLWnGuil_default/index.html?videoId=6213883083001' allowfullscreen frameborder=0></iframe>

That's just depressing. :(

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Just a static fire tomorrow. Flight no earlier than Wednesday.</p>&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1333123173815087111?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

That was last week. :D



EDIT:
Smiley for Elon/SpaceX timelines.

Very cool. Thank you for sharing.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">SpaceX is now targeting Monday for Starship SN8’s test flight from Boca Chica, Texas.<br><br>The temporary flight restriction for Friday&#39;s attempt has been pulled. A new TFR will have to be published for Monday, which is the next possibility per road closures.</p>— Michael Baylor (@nextspaceflight) <a href="https://twitter.com/nextspaceflight/status/1334641195084079104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

But do they have the launch license yet?

:shrug:

Not terribly worried about it. They'll have it when they need it.

Aside from Starship, tomorrow is the first launch of Cargo Dragon V2. Won't be as exciting as when there's crew on board, but should still be fun.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">First launch of the upgraded cargo version of Dragon, which can carry 50% more science payloads than the previous version</p>&mdash; SpaceX (@SpaceX) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1334502617465069575?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Cool. Two Dragons docked with the ISS. Is that a first?

Yep.

Also:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Falcon 9 booster supporting this mission previously launched <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASA</a> astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley to the <a href="https://twitter.com/Space_Station?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@space_station</a>, the ANASIS-II mission, and a Starlink mission <a href="https://t.co/qNVIaBjCCa">pic.twitter.com/qNVIaBjCCa</a></p>&mdash; SpaceX (@SpaceX) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1334502622649192448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

I hope the added weight doesn't make the orbit decay.

Love the fact that NASA has moved to supporting flight proven boosters. That was much quicker than I expected, especially for human flights.

Yeah, same here. But at the same time, every booster they've had an issue with has been new, so they're clearly developing a pattern of success with "used" boosters.

The big question to me is what happens if they push it too far. The flight leader is up to 7 launches, and even Elon has noted that it's slightly riskier at this point. If a booster pops at launch #10, will people say "eh, that's to be expected at some point" or will they start to put more scrutiny on used boosters in general? Time will tell.

True. Musk did say the current block 5 boosters are intended to be good for 10+ launches prior to needing any major refurbishment, but I can see the prudence with only launching humans on 0-3 prior flight boosters for the time being. Maybe once they have a couple boosters at 10+ flights, let humans fly 0-6. No harm in acquiring more data. With Starlink launches I expect they'll hit 10 surprisingly soon.

On the flip side, if a flight 0 fails, will astronauts (and public perception) start to prefer proven a proven booster?

1.5-hour warning

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">All systems are go for the updated cargo version of Dragon’s first flight to the <a href="https://twitter.com/Space_Station?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@space_station</a>. Weather is 60% favorable for launch, and the webcast will begin ~15 minutes ahead of liftoff → <a href="https://t.co/bJFjLCzWdK">https://t.co/bJFjLCzWdK</a> <a href="https://t.co/a4PEsYscbe">pic.twitter.com/a4PEsYscbe</a></p>&mdash; SpaceX (@SpaceX) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1335592227251212292?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Thanks.

Just embedding the live link (I don't see a mission control feed for this event)...

<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4xJAGFR_N-c" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0"></iframe>

In the event we get lucky and have a Starship launch, here's the LP live feed...

EDIT: NVM, looks like pushed again. NET tomorrow.

Feed is coming live.

Yep, they're live.. 13 minutes to flame..

Interesting. No Dracos.

Water tower sprung a leak?

LMAO

The second stage has a gas vent that I don't remember seeing in the one view.

In Japanese, but hopefully CC gets added soon. Very cool tour of ISS by Soichi...

<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_-iJDELz8XI" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0"></iframe>

FWIW, maybe tomorrow for SN8's flight:

https://www.teslarati.com/spacex-sta...slips-tuesday/

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">CONTACT AND CAPTURE! CRS-21 Dragon has arrived at the ISS. <br><br>The first Dragon 2 Cargo vehicle, parked next to Crew Dragon Resilience. The first time two Dragons have been at the ISS at the same time.<br><br>Article: <a href="https://t.co/KsVaMgnV0L">https://t.co/KsVaMgnV0L</a><br><br>Play by Play:<a href="https://t.co/2660SEyNiQ">https://t.co/2660SEyNiQ</a> <a href="https://t.co/E0LhFJokP4">pic.twitter.com/E0LhFJokP4</a></p>&mdash; Chris B - NSF (@NASASpaceflight) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/1336018115830878209?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

First time for an official tweet about the 15km hop.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">First attempt of Starship SN8’s high-altitude flight test as early as tomorrow → <a href="https://t.co/EewhmWmFVP">https://t.co/EewhmWmFVP</a> <a href="https://t.co/twxwPA6jkO">https://t.co/twxwPA6jkO</a></p>&mdash; SpaceX (@SpaceX) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1336045549833732097?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

It's actually down to 12.5KM.

Oh, it looks like they are going to stream it and it goes live tomorrow at 5:00am CST.

Showing 5AM MT for me. Will have to watch and see!

You're right. Shows 7:00am EST

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Road closure is from 8:00 a.m Central [14:00 UTC] until 5:00 p.m. Central [23:00 UTC]. So launch wouldn&#39;t happen until 9:00 a.m. at the earliest, more likely 10:00 a.m., but nothing has ever happened before noon on Starship.</p>— Everyday Astronaut (@Erdayastronaut) <a href="https://twitter.com/Erdayastronaut/status/1336084946159538179?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Probably 1/3 chance of completing all mission objectives</p>— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1336141388379873282?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Stream looks like it will go live in 42:00

Not as exciting as Starship, perhaps, but it looks like ULA is giving the Delta IV Heavy launch another go on Thursday. (This is the one that had two pad aborts back in like September.)

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The launch of a ULA <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DeltaIVHeavy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DeltaIVHeavy</a> carrying the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL44?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NROL44</a> mission for the <a href="https://twitter.com/NatReconOfc?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NatReconOfc</a> is targeted for Thurs., Dec. 10, pending range availability. The launch period is 5:50-10:30 p.m. EST.</p>&mdash; ULA (@ulalaunch) <a href="https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1334907794550624256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Pretty cool timelapse of the ISS approach yesterday.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Time-lapse of Dragon on approach – two Dragons now docked to the <a href="https://twitter.com/Space_Station?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@space_station</a> <a href="https://t.co/I046jBmC7o">pic.twitter.com/I046jBmC7o</a></p>&mdash; SpaceX (@SpaceX) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1336349048534528001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OLpN8Cco3mU" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Looks like they're progressing toward an attempt. No clue on actual timing, but I might guess an hour or so?

Looks like it. I'm watching and will bump if they get to prop loading.

I can't stand the constant panhandling and stupid nicknames, but the LP 4K feed is nice. Just mute the idiots.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ky5l9ZxsG9M" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>