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