The Mission Readiness Review–Episode 8: Human-rated

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Click on the link below to get the latest TMRR episode.

https://tmrr.podbean.com/e/episode-8-human-rated/

On this podcast, we talk about:

A newly upgraded rocket off the block.
Some buzz about IoT
And, a lander goes to Mars.

Intro background music POD Dreams by Stefan Kartenberg (c) copyright 2017 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial (3.0) license. dig.ccmixter.org/files/JeffSpeed68/56307 Ft: Debbizo, Michael Bacich.

Block 5 Falcon 9

The next Falcon that will be launched has undergone changes, quite a few to justify the new Block 5 monicker
At least two significant ones:
Human-rated
Designed to be reusable 10 times before some kind of inspection
Aiming for 24-hour turnaround

A little more about Swarm Technologies.

Turns out, several other federal U.S. agencies funded the company, including launch
- NASA
- National Science Foundation
- U.S. Navy
Only NASA has really responded in-depth
- It terminated the contract
- The administration also noted it believed the license was “imminent and forthcoming.”

More about Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR), SBIRS, and the USAF

The USAF is sticking with Northrop Grummand and Lockheed Martin for some new contracts
Rationale “…opening up the program to new entrants was not a realistic option given the urgency of the program.”
Why would they think things have changed?
- Rapid procurement authorities?
- Are they working harder and not smarter?

Launch schedule: https://spaceflightnow.com/launch-schedule/

Ars Technica Block 5: https://arstechnica.com/science/2018/05/block-5-rocket-launch-marks-the-end-of-the-beginning-for-spacex/?comments=1

Reddit Block 5: https://www.reddit.com/r/spacex/comments/80m1yd/first_falcon_9_block_5_booster_readying_for/duwpzie/

Swarm: https://qz.com/1266602/swarm-technologies-is-in-trouble-with-the-fcc-for-unauthorized-satellite-launches/

SBIRS: http://spacenews.com/air-force-moves-to-acquire-new-missile-warning-satellites-what-we-know-so-far/