Re: Space Access Update #111 04/05/05 2nd try

Tom Cuddihy wrote:
> Ed Kyle wrote:
> >
> > A look at a Vandenberg map in the Cambridge Encyclopedia
> > of Space shows that SLC 4E (Titan 4 pad) is 2 km south-
> > southwest of SLC 4W (Falcon 1) and is pretty close to
> > being in line with (perhaps 200-300 hundred meters west
> > of) the standard space launch azimuth. For that matter,
> > SLC-6 (the Delta IV pad) isn't far from an overflight
> > path either, though it is 8 km downrange.
> >
>
> Is it possible that the Falcon I pad isn't actually qualified for a
> full hotfiring of the booster? I can't imagine that kind of
oversight,
> but if the pad was originally intended just to take the energy of a
> launch--there's a lot more energy in a full holddown firing of the
> booster. Could that be a concern?
>

If SLC 3W could handle Atlas, it can handle Falcon.

I think, after reading the 3/31/05 SpaceX press release
reproduced below, that we have the real answer. The
first Falcon is still in Texas, awaiting its acceptance
test firings. It won't be shipped to Vandenberg until
late April at the earliest. Once at SLC 3W, the rocket
is slated to do a hold-down test before the actual
launch campaign starts. SpaceX is talking late Summer,
maybe July-August, for the launch.

Interestingly, the SpaceX web site is now showing the
second and third Falcon I launches being performed
from the Marshall Islands! The first Falcon V launch
is still shown flying from Vandenberg.

>>From the SpaceX web site (www.spacex.com):

"SPACEX COMPLETES FALCON I STRUCTURAL QUALIFICATION FOR FLIGHT

El Segundo, Calif. - March 31, 2005 - Space Exploration Technologies
Corporation (SpaceX) today announced the completion of qualification
and acceptance testing of all primary structures for the Falcon I
launch vehicle. SpaceX has now successfully tested every major
structural subsystem of Falcon I including the gimbal, thrust frame,
first stage tank assembly, interstage, second stage tank assembly,
avionics bay, payload adaptor and fairing. Stage and fairing separation
systems have also been successfully tested for flight. The first stage,
which is designed to be reusable, was taken through over 150 pressure
cycles without any sign of fatigue.

"We recognize that nothing is more important to our customers than
reliability. Failure is never low cost," said Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX,
"I hope that those who have followed our progress will note that we
have been meticulous and rigorous in our testing, leaving no stone
unturned. By combining an exhaustive test regime with a simple, minimal
failure modes design, Falcon I will deliver reliable, low cost access
to space for small satellites."

The Falcon I first stage engine, Merlin and second stage engine,
Kestrel will begin acceptance testing within the next few weeks at the
SpaceX 300-acre testing facility in McGregor, Texas. Following that,
Falcon I will be shipped to its launch site, SLC 3W at Vandenberg Air
Force Base, in late April for a system test firing.

The maiden flight of Falcon I carrying TacSat-1 is scheduled to follow
the launch of the last Titan IV from SLC 4 at Vandenberg Air Force
Base. Assuming an on time departure of the classified Titan IV mission,
SpaceX expects a launch window in late summer."


- Ed Kyle

"www.geocities.com/launchreport/slr.html"

.

Relevant Pages

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