What's Next for SpaceX in 2018: Exploring the Limits of Space and Physics?

In summary, 2018 will be an exciting year for space and physics enthusiasts, with numerous missions and milestones planned. The Falcon Heavy rocket will make its maiden flight, with the potential to launch more than one rocket per week. Other notable events include the launch of the BepiColombo spacecraft towards Mercury, the successful launch of the Electron rocket, and the failure of Angola's first satellite. SpaceX also plans to launch about half of their planned 30 missions with reused boosters. The launch of the Falcon Heavy also included a nod to "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" with a book and towel on board.
  • #71
mfb said:
Technically each booster produces three sonic booms, but two are so close together that you don't properly hear that. What is the issue?
No way the boosters were descending supersonic. They looked to be doing about 300mph descending toward the landing pads. the sounds appeared to be the boosters firing to slow their descent. Did I misinterpret the video? I'll watch again...
 
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  • #73
Yeah, now it looks like the sonic booms were delayed by about 5 seconds (a little over a mile), and the boosters fired at about the closest approach to the listener. So it's probably a valid video and commentary. I will deprecate my "kindergarten" comment...
 
  • #74
Here is a webcast with booster telemetry
The boosters become subsonic at about 7 km altitude, the landing burn starts at 3 km altitude and ~3/4 the speed of sound. The flight profile for the FH boosters should have been very similar. The sonic booms come from quite far away. They are a bit faster than the rocket, but not much.
 
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  • #75
Borg said:
I can't help but be reminded of the opening scene of the movie Heavy Metal.


I thought the same exact thing. They even put a "dummy astronaut" in the driver's seat. :cool:
I've heard that it is an awesome experience to witness firsthand. One day I'd like to travel to Florida to witness a launch.
 
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  • #76
mheslep said:
Double the payload and a quarter the cost of Delta IV ($400M Delta IV per wiki vs $90M FH per Musk).

Cue the CEO of Orbital ATK releasing a statement about how SpaceX is still just a bit player who doesn't threaten their business.
 
  • #77
Where is it now(ish)?

2018.02.09.1140.pst.where.is.starman.now.png

[new reference]

Q: What would it looks like to Hubble?
A: A point: 0.025 pixels
[ref: maths]
 

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  • #78
History in the making!
Unfortunately I didn't get the chance to watch the events live when they happened, but I am catching up now ...
 
  • #79
And the vehicle now has its own wiki page: Elon Musk's Tesla Roadster

I was thumbing through Twitter this afternoon when I ran across a re-tweet by Brian Cox:

JJ Hermes‏ @jotajotahermes
Early this morning we measured the brightness changes of a car tumbling in space!
Credit to Erik Dennihy (@UNC), we can report that Tesla Roadster (Starman, 2018-017A) is rotating with a period of 4.7589 +/- 0.0060 minutes.

roadster.light.signature.jpg
 

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  • #80
Video, continuous from launch thru booster recovery. About 9 minutes. Taken thru an 8 inch telescope so you can see the booster separation and the return-to-launch burns.
 
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  • #82
Failed booster return and near miss at 1:10
 
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  • #83
Hard to believe that it's been 2 1/2 years already. I've been curious lately about where the Starman roadster is currently and it's going to have a close approach to Mars on Oct. 7th.

Starman_close_approach_to_Mars.jpg
 
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  • #85
Three nearly simultaneous landings. I love it. :oldlove:

1667318377038.png
 
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  • #86
Just two (controlled) landings. The center booster was expended. It's possible SpaceX collected some data from that before its destruction - the highest re-entry speed a Falcon booster has ever achieved by a large margin.
 
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<h2>1. What are SpaceX's plans for 2018 in terms of space exploration?</h2><p>In 2018, SpaceX plans to continue launching its Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets, as well as developing its next generation rocket, the BFR. They also have plans to launch their first crewed mission to the International Space Station and potentially send a cargo mission to Mars.</p><h2>2. How will SpaceX push the limits of space and physics in 2018?</h2><p>SpaceX will push the limits of space and physics in 2018 by launching more powerful rockets, conducting more advanced missions, and potentially making progress towards their goal of colonizing Mars. They will also continue to test and improve upon their reusable rocket technology, which has already revolutionized the space industry.</p><h2>3. What advancements in rocket technology can we expect from SpaceX in 2018?</h2><p>In 2018, SpaceX plans to continue testing and perfecting their reusable rocket technology, which allows for more cost-effective and sustainable space travel. They also have plans to develop the BFR, a massive rocket capable of carrying humans to Mars and potentially beyond.</p><h2>4. Will SpaceX continue to collaborate with other organizations in 2018?</h2><p>Yes, SpaceX will continue to collaborate with other organizations in 2018. They have partnerships with NASA and other private companies, and also work closely with government agencies to obtain necessary permits and approvals for their missions.</p><h2>5. How will SpaceX's advancements in space exploration benefit society in 2018 and beyond?</h2><p>SpaceX's advancements in space exploration have the potential to benefit society in numerous ways. They can lead to new technologies, scientific discoveries, and potentially even the colonization of other planets. Additionally, SpaceX's efforts to make space travel more affordable and sustainable could open up opportunities for commercial space ventures and expand our understanding of the universe.</p>

1. What are SpaceX's plans for 2018 in terms of space exploration?

In 2018, SpaceX plans to continue launching its Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets, as well as developing its next generation rocket, the BFR. They also have plans to launch their first crewed mission to the International Space Station and potentially send a cargo mission to Mars.

2. How will SpaceX push the limits of space and physics in 2018?

SpaceX will push the limits of space and physics in 2018 by launching more powerful rockets, conducting more advanced missions, and potentially making progress towards their goal of colonizing Mars. They will also continue to test and improve upon their reusable rocket technology, which has already revolutionized the space industry.

3. What advancements in rocket technology can we expect from SpaceX in 2018?

In 2018, SpaceX plans to continue testing and perfecting their reusable rocket technology, which allows for more cost-effective and sustainable space travel. They also have plans to develop the BFR, a massive rocket capable of carrying humans to Mars and potentially beyond.

4. Will SpaceX continue to collaborate with other organizations in 2018?

Yes, SpaceX will continue to collaborate with other organizations in 2018. They have partnerships with NASA and other private companies, and also work closely with government agencies to obtain necessary permits and approvals for their missions.

5. How will SpaceX's advancements in space exploration benefit society in 2018 and beyond?

SpaceX's advancements in space exploration have the potential to benefit society in numerous ways. They can lead to new technologies, scientific discoveries, and potentially even the colonization of other planets. Additionally, SpaceX's efforts to make space travel more affordable and sustainable could open up opportunities for commercial space ventures and expand our understanding of the universe.

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