SpaceX Hiring Thermal Protection System (TPS) Engineers
Thermal Protection is a critical component for StarShip.SpaceX has posted several jobs in December 2019 with a specific focus on SS TPS. See links below:- https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/supervisor-starship-heat-shield-at-spacex-1643581531/- https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/mechanical-design-engineer-heat-shield-at-spacex-1643492925/An excerpt from the job posting includes:" The Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) team tackles space exploration's toughest problems by developing the heat shields for our Starship program. This hardware must survive the most extreme environments known to mankind and protect our vehicle through atmospheric entry. As a Mechanical Design Engineer on the TPS team, you will own these heat shields from initial concept development to final launch and flight. You will interact regularly with senior leadership during critical design phases and spearhead qualification and testing necessary to pass stringent requirements set forth by NASA with flying colors. You are especially strong in analysis and employ a ground up fundamental physics approach to problem solving, ultimately executing on our mission to expand humankind's reach to Mars. "The MDE position is located in Hawthorne while the Supervisor, Starship Heat Shield position is located in Melbourne, Florida Area (production facility for TPS?).Few thoughts:- With MK-3 SS assumed to be nearing start of formal construction in Boca Chica, big question remains - will TPS be applied to the MK-3 SS?- The recent trip by SpaceX engineers to visit the space shuttle to view the TPS design (especially around the interface points for landing gear and flaps)- The TPS related job postings- Question: How far along is SpaceX with finalizing the TPS for Starship?- Back in the fall (Sep/Oct) with SS MK-1 sitting fully stacked... we were all juiced to see the 20 Km hop....- I was hoping to see early progress with the TPS.....- Given the job postings, visit to the shuttle and no visible progress with TPS on the MK SS prototypes perhaps larger engineering hurdles lie ahead.- The attachment of ceramic tiles to the stainless steel hull for SS will be interesting! Given the fit difficulties for the stainless steel rings (possibly due to different rates of thermal expansion). Wonder how the ceramic tiles will hold up as the stainless steel expands and contracts in the extreme temperatures of space and re-entry. Windward side - very hot, leeward side - cooler... drives different rates of expansion that potentially could create gaps between the ceramic tiles.Thoughts?

Submitted December 28, 2019 at 06:55AM by WindWatcherX
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Elon Musk on Twitter: Simulation of first crewed flight of Falcon 9 / Dragon 2020 @NASA
https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1211493590456848385

Submitted December 30, 2019 at 04:46AM by OccupyMarsNow
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Elon Musk on Twitter: Crew Dragon should be physically ready & at the Cape in Feb, but completing all safety reviews will probably take a few more months
https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1211497049906196480

Submitted December 30, 2019 at 06:36AM by PrimarySwan
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Almost three [Starship SN1 tank domes] now. Boca team is crushing it! Starship has giant dome [Elon tweet storm about Starship manufacturing]
https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1211531714633314304

Submitted December 30, 2019 at 02:02PM by spacerfirstclass
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Crew Dragon Animation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZlzYzyREAI

Submitted December 30, 2019 at 07:01PM by thisiswhatidonow
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Open Question: Networking for Martian Missions
I've been wondering recently, with the spaceship now under construction and beginning testing, what progress has been made on the networking problem of moving large amounts of data to or from the spacecraft.I looked at the /r/spacex faq, and it mentioned the round trip lag time, and one possible tech demonstration from a lunar NASA mission, but nothing about what SpaceX is actually planning.Do we know anything about how SpaceX is planning to move the relatively large amount of data (videos and high resolution photos) that they'll likely want for public communications back from Mars? I can't recall ever reading anything on this particular topic specifically from SpaceX.Also does anyone here have any speculation on what such a network might look like? Given the payload capacity of starship, it seems feasible that it could bring a set of small relay satellites with laser links to set up its own comm network on arrival.This is more of an open discussion than anything else. I found one post on this sub from 3 years ago, but given the number of iterations we've seen of starship in that time and the recent Starlink deployments, there's probably been enough progress to warrant a new discussion.

Submitted December 31, 2019 at 12:46AM by Grabthelifeyouwant
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SpaceX Starship 2019: Year In Review
https://youtu.be/WM4IIwVyvvs

Submitted January 01, 2020 at 02:04AM by Koplins
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r/SpaceX Discusses [January 2020, #64]
If you have a short question or spaceflight news...You may ask short, spaceflight-related questions and post news here, even if it is not about SpaceX. Be sure to check the FAQ and Wiki first to ensure you aren't submitting duplicate questions.If you have a long question...If your question is in-depth or an open-ended discussion, you can submit it to the subreddit as a post.If you'd like to discuss slightly relevant SpaceX content in greater detail...Please post to r/SpaceXLounge and create a thread there!This thread is not for...Questions answered in the FAQ. Browse there or use the search functionality first. Thanks!Non-spaceflight related questions or news.You can read and browse past Discussion threads in the Wiki.

Submitted January 02, 2020 at 03:38PM by ElongatedMuskrat
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This may be a transcendent year for SpaceX
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Submitted January 02, 2020 at 04:34PM by CrankyBear
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NASA on Twitter: Due to a forecast of bad weather in the splashdown zone, the return of @SpaceX’s Dragon resupply spacecraft from the @Space_Station is delayed until Tuesday, Jan. 7.
https://twitter.com/nasa/status/1212870330609553409?s=21

Submitted January 03, 2020 at 05:58AM by youfoundalec
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Good weather predicted for Cape Canaveral’s first launch of 2020
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Submitted January 03, 2020 at 12:09PM by CProphet
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SpaceX drawing up plans for mobile gantry at pad 39A
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Submitted January 04, 2020 at 03:20AM by 675longtail
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The SpaceX Decade: How One Company Changed Spaceflight Forever
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Submitted January 04, 2020 at 02:23PM by HotBlack_Deisato
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Static fire test of Falcon 9 complete—targeting Monday, January 6 at 9:19 p.m. EST for launch of 60 Starlink satellites from Pad 40 in Florida - Falcon 9 first stage booster supporting this mission previously launched a Starlink mission, the Iridium-8 mission, and the Telstar 18 VANTAGE mission
https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1213516784638279685

Submitted January 04, 2020 at 07:06PM by hitura-nobad
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SpaceX Monthly Recap | Two launches, Parachute testing, and more!
https://youtu.be/GwukZcTSwXU

Submitted January 05, 2020 at 12:06AM by jclishman
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SpaceX’s 2020 ambitions tempered by 2019 outcomes
https://ift.tt/2MOWs2O

Submitted January 04, 2020 at 07:03PM by ScarletRugby
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<b>In Flight Abort Test Launch Campaign Thread</b>
Overview<a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1104014992347607042/photo/1"></a>This mission is a test of Crew Dragon's abort capability as part of NASA'a Commercial Crew Integrated Capability program (CCiCap). SpaceX will launch a Crew Dragon capsule from LC-39A, Kennedy Space Center on a fully fueled Falcon 9 rocket and then trigger the launch escape system during the period of maximum dynamic pressure. The abort sequence terminates launcher thrust, separates Dragon and trunk from the second stage, and ignites the eight SuperDraco engines which pull the capsule away from the launch vehicle. Following shutdown of the SuperDracos Dragon coasts to apogee, separates from the trunk, and lands in the Atlantic Ocean under parachutes. Crew Dragon will be recovered by GO Searcher after splashdown approximately 30 km from the launch site. This flight does not go to orbit.Falcon 9 core 1046.4 flies in expendable configuration, without legs, grid fins, or TEA-TEB engine ignition fluid. Since the abort sequence will be initiated before staging, the second stage has not been equipped with an Mvac engine or the associated hardware, but is expected to be fueled. Falcon 9 will likely break apart due to aerodynamic loads immediately following Crew Dragon's escape.The abort test occurs approximately 80-100 seconds into flight. Breakup of Falcon 9 is expected within seconds thereafter. Splashdown of the capsule will occur within a few minutes following abort.Liftoff currently scheduled for:January 11 (In the morning EST)Static fireDate TBD, with integrated Dragon 2 CapsuleDestination orbitSuborbitalFlight pathTypcial ISS ascent profile, with eastward azimuthVehicleFalcon 9 v1.2 Block 5Core<a href="/r/spacex/wiki/cores#wiki_b1046">B1046</a>Past flights of this core3 (Bangabandhu 1, Merah Putih, SSO-A)Capsule<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/spacex/wiki/capsules#wiki_dragon_2">C205</a> (Dragon 2, uncrewed)Launch site<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/SpaceX/wiki/pads">LC-39A</a>, Kennedy Space Center, FloridaLandingNone - Booster to be expendedDragon Splashdown~30 km downrangeMission-Specific FAQWill the flight termination system be used?From the <a href="https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ast/environmental/nepa_docs/review/launch/media/Final_EA_and_FONSI_for_SpaceX_In-flight_Dragon_Abort_508_A.pdf">Environmental Assessment</a> it does not appear that the autonomous flight termination system will be used. The abort sequence will be triggered by a "simulated loss of thrust" (rather than a disintegrating rocket). The booster is expected to become uncontrollable after Dragon separation and break apart from the intense aerodynamic forces within seconds. A conflagration is possible, but not certain.Is there a chance the booster will land, and what is the downrange launch hazard area for?The Environmental Assessment explicitly states that no landing attempt (or landing gear) will be a part of this mission. Although environmental assessments often contain outdated information, this is also supported by the lack of the usual booster recovery communications permit. The downrange <a href="https://twitter.com/raul74cz/status/1212197735820083200">launch hazard area</a> appears to represent the improbable scenario in which the abort system fails to terminate thrust. Falcon 9 or its post reentry debris would fall in this hazard area.Watching the LaunchCheck out the <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/spacex/wiki/faq/watching">Watching a Launch page</a> on this sub's FAQ, which gives a summary of every viewing site and answers many more common questions, as well as <a href="http://www.launchphotography.com/Delta_4_Atlas_5_Falcon_9_Launch_Viewing.html">Ben Cooper's launch viewing guide</a>, <a href="https://launchrats.com/">Launch Rats</a>, and the <a href="https://scla.space">Space Coast Launch Ambassadors</a> which have interactive maps, photos and detailed information about each site.Links…

Starlink 2 Press Kit
https://ift.tt/36uKEL8

Submitted January 06, 2020 at 02:16AM by Straumli_Blight
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<b>r/SpaceX Starlink 2 Official Launch Discussion & Updates Thread</b>
<a href="/#%20MC%20//%20section%20intro"></a>Welcome to the <a href="/r/SpaceX">r/SpaceX</a> Starlink 2 Official Launch Discussion & Updates Thread!I'm <a href="/u/Shahar603">u/Shahar603</a>, your host for the Starlink-2 mission.<a href="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bedab06b27e395dd26ab8b5/1577907526705-7GW11Q756R9I0XIFO31U/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kBL7y0DpH_e0bbX7enFn0u57gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z5QPOohDIaIeljMHgDF5CVlOqpeNLcJ80NK65_fV7S1UYiE72c0x0Bss1DOK-Q-IFCTQ7lpxv4OiNGPJvPTLF2mZDqXZYzu2fuaodM4POSZ4w/SpaceX+Falcon+9+-+Starlink+2">launch infographic</a> by <a href="https://gdbarrett.com/">Geoff Barrett</a>About the missionSpaceX is going to launch its third batch of next-generation communication satellites. This mission will fly on a booster which already has flown 3 times.Mission DetailsLiftoff currently scheduled forJanuary 7, 02:19 UTC (Jan 6, 9:19 PM local)Weather90% GO. (with 80 knot upper level winds)Static fire<a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1191779229798502400">Completed</a> November 5Payload60 Starlink version 1 satellitesPayload mass60 * 260kg = 15,400kgDestination orbitLow Earth Orbit, 290km x 53° deployment expectedLaunch vehicleFalcon 9 v1.2 Block 5Core<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/spacex/wiki/cores#wiki_b1049">B1049.4</a>Flights of this core3 (Telstar 18V, Iridium 8, Starlink v0.9)Fairing reuseUnknownFairing catch attemptExpectedLaunch site<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/SpaceX/wiki/pads">SLC-40</a>, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, FloridaLanding attemptASDS: 32.54722 N, 75.92306 W (628 km downrange)Landing siteSuccessful separation & deployment of the Starlink Satellites<a href="/#%20MC%20//%20section%20events"></a><a href="/#%20MC%20//%20section%20viewing"></a>Watch the launch liveStreamCourtesy<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwyXo6T7jC4">Official Webcast</a>SpaceX<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtI0Hodo5o5dUb67FeUjDeA">SpaceX's YouTube channel</a>SpaceX<a href="/#%20MC%20//%20section%20stats"></a>Stats&#9745;&#65039; <strong>86th</strong> SpaceX launch&#9745;&#65039; <strong>78th</strong> Falcon 9 launch&#9745;&#65039; <strong>22nd</strong> Falcon 9 Block 5 launch&#9745;&#65039; <strong>4rd</strong> flight of B1049&#9745;&#65039; <strong>46th</strong> SpaceX launch from CCAFS SLC-40&#9745;&#65039; <strong>1st</strong> SpaceX launch this year&#9745;&#65039; <strong>1st</strong> Falcon 9 launch this year<a href="/#%20MC%20//%20section%20mission"></a>Primary Mission: Deployment of the 60 Starlink satelites into the correct orbitSpaceX's first flight of 2020 will launch the second batch of Starlink version 1 satellites into orbit aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. It will be the third Starlink mission overall. This launch is expected to be similar to the previous Starlink launch in November of 2019, which saw 60 Starlink v1.0 satellites delivered to a single plane (53o).Although this mission will deploy at a slightly higher altitude (290 km, 10 km higher than the previous launch). The satellites on this flight will eventually join the previously launched spacecraft in the 550 km x 53° shell via their onboard ion thrusters. Due to the high mass of several dozen satellites, the booster will land on a drone ship at a similar downrange distance to a GTO launch. SpaceX will be testing a reflective coating on one of the satelites in their effort to refuce their brightness.<a href="/#%20MC%20//%20section%20landing"></a>Secondary Mission 1: Droneship LandingSpaceX will try to recover this Falcon 9 booster. The droneship OCISLY is positioned 628km (390 miles) downrange. This will be this booster's forth landing attempt.<a href="/#%20MC%20//%20section%20resources"></a>ResourcesLinkSource<a href="https://spacex.com/">Official press kit</a>SpaceX<a href="https://www.starlink.com/">Official Starlink Overview</a>Starlink.com<a href="https://www.spacex.com/sites/spacex/files/star…

r/SpaceX Starlink-2 Media Thread [Videos, Images, GIFs, Articles go here!]
It's that time again, as per usual, we like to keep things as tight as possible, so if you have content you created to share, whether that be images of the launch, videos, GIF's, etc, they go here.As usual, our standard media thread rules apply:All top level comments must consist of an image, video, GIF, tweet or article. If you're an amateur photographer, submit your content here. Professional photographers with subreddit accreditation can continue to submit to the front page, we also make exceptions for outstanding amateur content! Those in the aerospace industry (with subreddit accreditation) can likewise continue to post content on the front page. Mainstream media articles should be submitted here. Quality articles from dedicated spaceflight outlets may be submitted to the front page. Direct all questions to the live launch thread.

Submitted January 06, 2020 at 07:48PM by ElongatedMuskrat
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r/SpaceX Official CRS-19 Dragon Recovery Discussion & Updates Thread
Welcome to the r/SpaceX Official CRS-19 Dragon Recovery Discussion & Updates ThreadI'm u/Hitura-nobad hosting the release and recovery of the CRS-19 Dragon spacecraft!TimelineTimeUpdate T-21h 15mThread goes liveAbout The RecoverySpaceX is going to conclude the CRS-19 Cargo Dragon mission to the International Space Station on January 7th with the deorbit and recovery of this spacecraft. Dragon will splash down in the Pacific Ocean approximately 331 km southwest of Los Angeles. The west coast dragon recovery ship NRC Quest will be waiting at the landing zone to pick dragon up and bring it back to the harbor.Current Recovery FleetVesselRoleStatusNRC QuestDragon Recovery ShipAt the landing zoneRecovery TimelineTime (Approximate)Event7 Jan 09:45 UTCstart of NASA-TV coverage for the release7 Jan 10:03 UTCRelease from the SSRMS (Robotic Arm)7 Jan 15:47 UTCSplashdown (No Video Coverage)Links & ResourcesMarineTraffic - Useful when ships are closer to land!Recovery Zone Map - Thanks to u/Raul74CzSpaceXFleet Updates - Twitter Updates!SpaceXFleet.com - SpaceXFleet Information!Participate in the discussion!Please post small launch updates, discussions, and questions here, rather than as a separate post. Thanks!This post will be updated regularly with your contributions. I'm particularly eager to hear from anyone involved in the experiments heading up to the ISS. Let us know what you're working on!

Submitted January 06, 2020 at 07:44PM by ElongatedMuskrat
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