SpaceX Interplanetary Transport System (updates)

[robertwnielsen]

1 minute ago, DocM said:

 

No. The ITS Booster has 42 Raptor engines, for a liftoff thrust of about 29 million pound-force (128 meganewtons) of sea level thrust. 

 

Saturn V was 7.891 million pound-force (35.1 meganewtons)

I thought I'd read that somewhere, that the ITS booster would generate almost 29 million pound-force of thrust. They would definitely have to throttle those engines down to keep the G-forces survivable for humans, I would think.

[BetaguyGZT]

Just now, robertwnielsen said:

I thought I'd read that somewhere, that the ITS booster would generate almost 29 million pound-force of thrust. They would definitely have to throttle those engines down to keep the G-forces survivable for humans, I would think.

That's why they'll be hauling a crap-ton of cargo with 'em.  Gotta load that kind of thrust down with something ... or in this case, lots of somethings.

[robertwnielsen]

Just now, Unobscured Vision said:

That's why they'll be hauling a crap-ton of cargo with 'em.  Gotta load that kind of thrust down with something ... or in this case, lots of somethings.

That's true. If you don't mind me asking, where are you getting your information? (Inquiring minds want to know).

[DocM]

7 minutes ago, robertwnielsen said:

I thought I'd read that somewhere, that the ITS booster would generate almost 29 million pound-force of thrust. They would definitely have to throttle those engines down to keep the G-forces survivable for humans, I would think.

You also have to consider that Saturn V massed 2.8 million kg at liftoff, but ITS will mass about 10.5 million kg. 

[BetaguyGZT]

I'm a Mechanical Engineering and Geology dual-major in College. I also participate in another online community where this info comes first-hand. I also read a lot of Space-centric news.

 

My goal, when I'm finished, is to work for SpaceX -- and ultimately hitch a ride on ITS to Mars as a Mission Specialist. I want to make myself as useful as possible toward that end.

 

If you want to rub elbows too, head to https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/. That's where the real magic is. I'll caution ya, though -- bring your neurons, and don't ask dumb questions.  

[DocM]

NSF has a membership which includes aerospace engineers from everywhere, including the oldspace companies, national space agencies, scientists, newspacer outfits like SpaceX etc. etc. US, Russia,....

 

Advice: lurk for a while, and don't start energetic debates because the other guy may have just crawled out of the rocket/spaceship you're debating about.

[robertwnielsen]

27 minutes ago, Unobscured Vision said:

I'm a Mechanical Engineering and Geology dual-major in College. I also participate in another online community where this info comes first-hand. I also read a lot of Space-centric news.

 

My goal, when I'm finished, is to work for SpaceX -- and ultimately hitch a ride on ITS to Mars as a Mission Specialist. I want to make myself as useful as possible toward that end.

 

If you want to rub elbows too, head to https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/. That's where the real magic is. I'll caution ya, though -- bring your neurons, and don't ask dumb questions.  

Cool...I will say this--a good friend of mine once told me, "The only stupid question is the one you never ask."  He was attending the U.S. Naval Academy at the time, so I think he knew what he was talking about! But that's cool that you're wanting to work for SpaceX someday.

[DocM]

The trick is SpaceX takes the top 10% of their top 2% of applicants, and Musk once said he takes MBA's in spite of the degree not because of it. He wants do-ers, not middle managers.

 

There's one tech there that took a job in the frozen yogurt dept. in the commissary to get in, then he worked his way to the shop floor. And, they have hallway campfire meetings to solve some problems, like an episode of NCIS.

[BetaguyGZT]

Yep. That's why they're Elite. Not in a negative sense, either -- but because they're solving problems that nobody's even thought to ask the questions of before. 25~50 years ahead of the curve in the Industry. It's not a "sit on yer laurels and drink coffee all day" kind of place. To SpaceX, "the limits" are just challenges to be overcome by next quarter -- and they succeed. 

 

That's why people want to work there.  That's why I want to work there too.

[robertwnielsen]

22 hours ago, Unobscured Vision said:

To SpaceX, "the limits" are just challenges to be overcome by next quarter -- and they succeed. 

That reminds me of something I've often said-- "Science fiction is only science fact that nobody's figured out how to do, yet." As soon as somebody figures out how to do it, and then does it, it becomes science fact.

[BetaguyGZT]

Interesting movement going on in the inside circles regarding ITS at SpaceX. Apparently the Mini-ITS isn't just conjecture after all and SpaceX is seriously looking at it. Lots of potential uses for one, including Commercial; and SpaceX are seeing dollar signs.

 

Not a bad idea at all, really. They can use the data for the big 'un, too.  

[DocM]

Likely mini-ITS test flights at Kwajalein, Marshall Islands, where they tested Falcon 1.

 

And ISTM this could be an eventual replacement for the kerolox Falcons and even Dragon 2 - Dragon 3?. Most likely the 7 engine core cluster of the full ITS booster in a smaller core.

 

 

[bguy_1986]

Was reading a little bit about Kwajalein Atoll because I knew nothing about it.  Sounds like it would be a nice place to visit.  80 degree water on average, can see 100ft down.  Probably isn't allowed since for the most part it's a military base.  Everybody else sounds like they live in poverty.

 

Still has Japanese bunkers and buildings from WW2.

[BetaguyGZT]

The Marshall Islands are fairly decent, mostly. Lots of WW2 stuff. The sun'll fry ya, though. It's pretty warm, even with the wind. 

[Draggendrop Veteran]

Source

 

Location of image

 

Looks like the tank is going for round 2 testing.

 

[BetaguyGZT]

Looks like it's had some work done, too. If I were a gambler, I'd say it's moved on from "Engineering Test Article" and gone into "Milestone 2 Testing" -- now featuring the long-duration hardening at the seams, the fuel taps, a walnut stock, and a hair trigger.

 

 

 

[Beittil]

On the FB group people are doubting the authenticity of this image, apparently the area is in the middle of a snow storm with up to 30cm of snow basically everywhere, except in this image

[Draggendrop Veteran]

We'll soon find out, this was taken at 7:50PST in Anacortes, WA.

 

No ones whining on reddit yet....who knows, we'll soon see.

 

local weather

 

I would question 30 cm everywhere, checked 3 forecasts...with those temps, she's melting fast.

 

 

[Beittil]

Don't shoot the messenger

[Draggendrop Veteran]

Just now, Beittil said:

Don't shoot the messenger

All's good...You may be right and brought up a valid alert...Thanx...

[DocM]

9 hours ago, Beittil said:

On the FB group people are doubting the authenticity of this image, apparently the area is in the middle of a snow storm with up to 30cm of snow basically everywhere, except in this image

There's clearly some snow and ice on the ground in the image, and it's a parking lot/ramp so likely cleared at some point to keep the port open. Boosted it a bit....

 

Edited February 7, 2017 by DocM

[BetaguyGZT]

There we have it then.  Legit.

[DocM]

Farewell ITS tank prototype, we will miss you!!

 

They previously tested it to about 2/3 burst, and now they've found what its burst pressure was. 

 

https://imgur.com/a/bGHR6

 

[+John. Subscriber¹]

25 minutes ago, DocM said:

Farewell ITS tank prototype, we will miss you!!

 

They previously tested it to about 2/3 burst, and now they've found what its burst pressure was. 

 

https://imgur.com/a/bGHR6

 

RIP Tank, you did us proud. 

 

Think they'll pop it next to the booster at hawthorne? Would make a great display piece 

[DocM]

Dunno about that, I'd think the next trophy would be an FH and/or the first ITS Spaceship to fly.