Some LC-36 updates. Now that we’ve had access to the pad and integration facility we can share a bit of good news. The propellant farm, oxygen, liquid hydrogen and LNG tanks are all in good shape. This is good luck because these are very long lead items. The water tower is also good. The big support tower is damaged, but it can be repaired in place rather than torn down and replaced. The booster “Never Tell Me The Odds” and the three GS-2s that were onsite in the integration facility also look good.
I’ve seen some speculation that we might move directly to the 9x4 configuration, but we won’t do that. Rate manufacturing of 7x2 is going well, and we’re going to continue that at pace as planned and store the stages for use. In addition, we had already been working for some time on eliminating our transporter-erector in favor of an alternative vertical conop, and we’ll now go directly to that; so we don’t need a new transporter-erector.
We will fly again before the end of this year. Gradatim Ferociter.
Hard to tell, but it looks like the explosion may have started in the ground support equipment and made its way to the vehicle. Video from @SpaceflightNow is below
Sounds like @blueorigin may have blown up SLC-36. Here is a pic from @SpaceflightNow and you can see it on their live stream here: https://t.co/SFxjddEu5Q
Hey all, sounds like we are down a LOT of hosts for tomorrow’s show. Instead of a formal show, I’ll work on doing something for the Project TMRO crew at systems support and above!
Going live in about 10 minutes to talk about NASA's proposed budget, and the future of the Artemis program. Join us right here on X! https://t.co/DcJCS8hS3X
My absolutely incredible conversation with @JeffGreason is now available to all! We talk about the beginnings of the New Space movement, pushing the industry forward, and next generation propulsion able to get humanity to Jupiter in just 3 weeks!
https://t.co/pShDlgrcHe
In just under 90 minutes Project TMRO will be live talking about the positive momentum after Artemis II, and if we can keep that going for Artemis III and beyond! Watch and interact live right here on X! https://t.co/saQkvWCqQU
Selfie time!!! My crew snapped this photo of me and my bestie @Astro_Christina using one of the solar array wing cameras on our Orion spacecraft!
When we're not taking selfies, we take pictures of the Moon and Earth and record what we see for scientists back home. -Rise
Want to explore our solar system in weeks, not years? Then this is an interview with @JeffGreason you won't want to miss! Available NOW for the crew of TMRO on YouTube and Patreon.
Available for all on April 15th.
In just under an hour we will be talking about the 4 humans heading to the moon right now. Is this the start of an all new era for humanity? Or will it end up as flags & footprints 2.0?
Join us at 10a PDT / 1p EDT / 1700 UTC right here on X! https://t.co/lBWsxz0efY
I don't think there is anyone on the planet who has done more live rocket broadcasts than me. I literally have done *hundreds* of them over the last 18 years. And some of the largest launch broadcasts on the planet too! I say this not to brag, but to convey a level of expertise in launch broadcasts that I think few, if any, can beat. Ok, maybe brag a little 👸
I know a lot of people were not super happy with NASA's coverage, specifically at liftoff. But man, let me tell you... As someone who has done hundreds of these... IT IS FREAKING HARD! I have personally had bad liftoff sequences too. It happens. And it sucks. And I hated it when I did that. To me. And to you.
It is hard to convey just how complex liftoff is during a broadcast. It is a moment in time where nearly every view is available, but very few are viable. You never truly know which ones will be viable either, so it's a guessing game and a bit of luck. You have to scan through to find the shots that work, but you only have *seconds* to do this. Seconds.
I have learned over the years that a technical director (vision mixer) needs an A and B plan for liftoff. Generally engines -> pass through -> medium -> wide -> super wide -> track scope -> track spot for the A plan. The B plan is usually far easier with engines -> wide -> super wide -> track scope. The switcher control surface needs to be set up to execute these plans extremely quickly. And even if you do all of this, a gust of wind blowing smoke the wrong way can foil the best of plans. It. Is. Hard.
I hear ya all, but let's cut NASA some slack here. They have amazing people working the launch. They have many people they need to support in their broadcast including the media, schools, NASA employees, government officials, and the public. It is like getting pulled in a billion different ways all at once.
Was liftoff coverage epic? No. I mean, it just wasn't. Will they learn from this and make Artemis III better? I believe they will. I know the people working these things, and they are great. Don't let one launch paint a bad picture here.
There is enough space for everyone. If you didn't like NASA's coverage, then @NASASpaceflight, @TLPN_Official, @Erdayastronaut, @SpaceflightNow and more had other, amazing options that may suit your tastes better. We live in a time where you have incredible options. It's awesome and exciting.
Oh, and WE HAVE FOUR HUMANS GOING TO THE MOON RIGHT NOW! Lets be excited about that instead!
Join us Sunday, March 29th at 1700 UTC to talk about @NASA's new plans to get humanity back to the moon. It's big. It's bold. But is it real? Join us on X for an epic discussion on Ignition Phase I. https://t.co/UKND0bKamQ