SpaceX Dragon 2 crew capsule explodes

[Marc]

Looks like the launch abort test went to plan.

https://www.thestar.com/news/world/...destroys-rocket-in-astronaut-escape-test.html

Their methodology probably helped reduce the costs for the test. Rather than destroy a brand new rocket, they were able to build the test vehicle by re-using components that had already flown several flights.

 

[YellowSubmarine]

I wonder how effective the launch abort would be if it was triggered when the rocket started disintegrating, since that seems far more likely than getting an early warning allowing you to shut it down and fire up. Elon did claim that the software could have saved even cargo Dragon during the mission which destroyed the docking adapter, so if that's even quarter-true, it shouldn't be an issue for Crew dragon, so I wonder why they didn't test triggering FTS and then escaping. Even John Insprucker claimed during the webcast that if the rocket were to explode on the launch pad after the Dragon fuel had finished loading, the capsule would automatically fly itself to safety. My impression was that when the Falcon did go boom, even the debris going fastest was going slower than the Dragon.

 

[publiusr]

Getting the capsule away from a still thrusting rocket is the real test--If Falcon loses power, the LV will slow and make the capsule abort easier.

Links on Starliner:

https://aeronauticsonline.com/further-problems-with-boeings-starliner-capsule-revealed/
https://arstechnica.com/science/202...tastrophic-failure-before-software-bug-found/
https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2020/02/boeing-nasa-admit-multiple-anomalies-starliner-mission/
https://www.thespacereview.com/article/3881/1
https://www.ccn.com/clowns-supervised-by-monkeys-boeing-puts-space-industry-in-danger/

 

[Marc]

Looks like boeing has a long way to go to catch SpaceX.

reviewing their recent test flight which saw the capsule miss correct orbit has revealed and even more serious problem - one that could have cost lives had the capsule been crewed.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/boeing-starliner-nasa-review-1.5406311

 

[Gingerbread Demon]

Looks like boeing has a long way to go to catch SpaceX.

reviewing their recent test flight which saw the capsule miss correct orbit has revealed and even more serious problem - one that could have cost lives had the capsule been crewed.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/boeing-starliner-nasa-review-1.5406311

Boeing has had a few problems lately

 

[MarsWeeps]

Looks like boeing has a long way to go to catch SpaceX.

reviewing their recent test flight which saw the capsule miss correct orbit has revealed and even more serious problem - one that could have cost lives had the capsule been crewed.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/boeing-starliner-nasa-review-1.5406311

I'm sure NASA will figure out some way to give them a pass.

"The newly revealed software bug, which Boeing said was fixed while the CST-100 Starliner was still in orbit, could have "led to erroneous thruster firings" that could have resulted in "a catastrophic spacecraft failure," panel member Paul Hill said."

And then...

"NASA must still decide whether to make Boeing repeat the unmanned docking testbefore the spacecraft can carry astronauts."

Seriously? What's there to decide? Boeing failed it's main objective which was to dock at the Space Station, they uploaded a software patch a few hours before de-orbit which more than likely prevented Starliner's destruction and there's still a question as to whether they should repeat the docking test? Unbelievable.

 

[MarsWeeps]

Boeing has had a few problems lately

Understatement of the year.

 

[XCV330]

I'm sure NASA will figure out some way to give them a pass.

"The newly revealed software bug, which Boeing said was fixed while the CST-100 Starliner was still in orbit, could have "led to erroneous thruster firings" that could have resulted in "a catastrophic spacecraft failure," panel member Paul Hill said."

And then...

"NASA must still decide whether to make Boeing repeat the unmanned docking testbefore the spacecraft can carry astronauts."

Seriously? What's there to decide? Boeing failed it's main objective which was to dock at the Space Station, they uploaded a software patch a few hours before de-orbit which more than likely prevented Starliner's destruction and there's still a question as to whether they should repeat the docking test? Unbelievable.

Boeing has already ordered another Atlas V for the OFT refly.