Dragon 2 Reveal

[ztirffritz]

SpaceX is revealing their Dragon V2 module tonight at 7PM. This is kind of a big deal. Since the retirement of the shuttles, everyone has had to depend on the Russians to put astronauts into space or return them from orbit. Soon, SpaceX should be able to do it too.

http://www.spacex.com/webcast/

[Paul F.]

With Russias threats to pull out of the ISS program and the "ride sharing" on Soyuz, SpaceX (I would imagine) just went from "high gear" on the manned Dragon to "Overdrive and a half".

Going to be real interesting to see how quick the turn-around is for re-use too (these are not "disposable" capsules!).

[cbelt3]

Paul F. wrote:
Going to be real interesting to see how quick the turn-around is for re-use too (these are not "disposable" capsules!).

This will require a MASSIVE culture change at NASA. Don't expect it any time soon.

[ztirffritz]

Elon is claiming that by the end of 2014 they'll be landing the boost stage on land in either Texas or Florida. The capsules should follow shortly thereafter. It would be interesting to see this land.

[Paul F.]

Ah, but as the Dragon is not a "NASA only" product... SpaceX plans to operate them for other customers too!
And yes, NASA has been dragging their feet on certifying them for "re-use" for NASA missions.

cbelt3 wrote:
[quote=Paul F.]
Going to be real interesting to see how quick the turn-around is for re-use too (these are not "disposable" capsules!).

This will require a MASSIVE culture change at NASA. Don't expect it any time soon.

[Speedy]

Beam me up.

[SteveG]

You first.

[Paul F.]

Steve G. wrote:
You first.

In a heartbeat...

[davemchine]

I remember reading an old scifi book where a person could be "transported" between worlds but it was only a digital copy that was transmitted. A new body was assembled at the destination. The old body was liquified. Interestingly enough the transported aliens preserved their spiritual souls. It was a good book.

I am also very excited to watch SpaceX. They are the ones making me dream about space. I hope to see them do amazing things.

[Racer X]

I have a very good friend at Bezos' Blue Origins. They are always talking smack about Space X. My buddy is one of the few working at Blue who has helped design and fly commercial space hardware. He just tosses out "But what have YOU flown lately" as he walks by with a smile.

Most there are ex-NASA weenies with little real-life commercial experience.