Not a fan of the PEUFED check? :)

Got me.
I think I got spoiled with SpaceX and Insprucker. The NSF coverage of Alpha was the same for me last week. People seem to love it, so I'll just sit here on my porch yelling at the kids to get off my lawn. :)

For anyone interested in direct space investing, not ETFs, here's an interesting article on all the recent SPACs. I'm in on Rocket Lab, Redwire, and Planet. My favorites for long term success.

https://www.avascent.com/news-insigh...ion-in-zero-g/

It was going well for awhile.

Looked like a great start. First attempt though, so I didn't have high expectations.

At least it was an impressive explosion.

Obviously a major malfunction.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Landing in the dark through clouds <a href="https://t.co/kRaAhgcWjf">pic.twitter.com/kRaAhgcWjf</a></p>&mdash; SpaceX (@SpaceX) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1432927540297887747?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 1, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E-J7-h6X...jpg&name=large

Currently people speculating a dual engine out failure. One out early as the rocket failed to reach speeds and a second one out causing loss of control and tumbling. But two seemed to have worked well! I'm not sure how I feel about that single axis gimbaling system. It was cool that it could survive one engine failure and maintain control though.

It's not funny if you don't laugh at the reference...

:shake:

lol


https://gbatemp.net/attachments/grat...ll-gif.236378/

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NisZvIs4SKk?start=144" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Guessing they activated the FTS?

Correct.

Looks lie they've figured out the TPS around the flaps:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E-cqKVNX...jpg&name=large

First episode is up on Netflix.

First 2 episodes are up. Very focused on the crew, backgrounds, selection, etc. Pretty emotional. Very focused on the mission, with much less focus on SpaceX than I expected. I actually enjoyed it and am looking forward to the rest of the episodes.

Very soft focus and inspiration-based. These are clearly normal people on a special journey, and that's the point.

Tough to keep at bay a sense of foreboding, personalizing people doing something extraordinary without skills and training to deal with potential adversity. One side says it's foolhardy, and one side says it's a leviathan testament to the faith in the procedures and engineering to do this and publicize it before it's done.

And I gotta say, the use of 'Uninvited' at the end of ep 2 was friggin' inspired. Chills and tears aplenty.

Booster 4 update:

https://www.teslarati.com/spacex-orb...ch-pad-return/

Apparently R69 was installed on S20 the other day. Love the "coincidences".

Haven't seen any pics of the engine bells on B4 during this move yet. Last time there were 5 engines that had not yet been test fired. Assuming the rush to perform a fit check on the platform. Hoping in the last week they were able to replace those engines.

Finished episode 2. It's certainly a good hype video if nothing else!

Love Dr. Proctor. It's fun to have a true space geek in the mix.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">It’s official: I’ve now captured, sealed, and stored the first core sample ever drilled on another planet, in a quest to return samples to Earth. It’s the first in a one-of-a-kind Martian rock collection. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SamplingMars?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SamplingMars</a> <br><br>Read more: <a href="https://t.co/bs4Hd4Fzyw">https://t.co/bs4Hd4Fzyw</a> <a href="https://t.co/2jwF7cOcMZ">pic.twitter.com/2jwF7cOcMZ</a></p>&mdash; NASA&#39;s Perseverance Mars Rover (@NASAPersevere) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAPersevere/status/1435023904657928192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 6, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Launch date update! December 18, 2021 is now the target launch date for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NASAWebb?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NASAWebb</a>! �� This date was coordinated between <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/esa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ESA</a>, and <a href="https://twitter.com/Arianespace?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Arianespace</a>. <br><br>Next: Webb will be packed for its journey to the launch site in Kourou, French Guiana. <br><br>Read more: <a href="https://t.co/iOwqMiv79y">https://t.co/iOwqMiv79y</a> <a href="https://t.co/NLUChLOLG4">pic.twitter.com/NLUChLOLG4</a></p>&mdash; NASA Webb Telescope (@NASAWebb) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAWebb/status/1435616312915636224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The third picture being a human hand holding the sample container threw me for a second.

It's taken a while for demand to catch up, but it's looking like we're finally going to see fairly regular Falcon Heavy launches!

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Upcoming Falcon Heavy missions! [emoji573]<br>-USSF-44 (NET October 2021)<br>-USSF-52 (NET 2022)<br>-ViaSat 3 (NET 2022)<br>-Psyche (NET 2022)<br>-USSF-67 (NET 2022)<br>-VIPER (NET 2023)<br>-GOES-U (NET April 2024)<br>-Europa Clipper (NET 2024) <br>-Gateway (NET 2024)<br>-Dragon XL 1+2 (NET 2024 and 2026)<br><br>[emoji991] SpaceX <a href="https://t.co/gk4tACA2t7">pic.twitter.com/gk4tACA2t7</a></p>— Everything SpaceX (@spacex360) <a href="https://twitter.com/spacex360/status/1436435813940834309?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

I'm a little bummed that the next one will expend the center core, but dual drone ship landings should be fun. Date is currently NET October 9th.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">My first two rock samples are likely volcanic with hints of salts that may hold bubbles of ancient water. They’re pieces of a bigger puzzle, to learn:<br><br>- how this area formed<br>- its history of water<br>- if past life ever existed here<br><br>More on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SamplingMars?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SamplingMars</a>: <a href="https://t.co/rFOBz2Mrak">https://t.co/rFOBz2Mrak</a> <a href="https://t.co/ztugkQwFQi">pic.twitter.com/ztugkQwFQi</a></p>&mdash; NASA&#39;s Perseverance Mars Rover (@NASAPersevere) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAPersevere/status/1436366199424569346?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This Falcon 9 first stage booster previously supported two launches of GPS-III satellites for the <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceForceDoD?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpaceForceDoD</a></p>— SpaceX (@SpaceX) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1437087108762464265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Starlink launch tonight @ 8:55 PM PST from Vandenberg, FYI

Some interesting tidbits:

https://www.elonx.net/what-we-know-a...lown-to-space/

T-1 hour

Man, I am having a wonderful Monday night.

It's super foggy. Been a while since we've had a west coast launch.

Well, this has kind of been shit for visuals, but meh, it's a launch.

Looked like a Halloween launch.

Just a reminder that Inspiration 4 launch is tomorrow. Two more episodes of Countdown are up on Netflix for pregame.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Static fire test of Falcon 9 complete – targeting Wednesday, September 15 for launch of Dragon’s first all-civilian human spaceflight. The 5-hour launch window opens at 8:02 p.m. EDT</p>— SpaceX (@SpaceX) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1437311859405754369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Dragon’s first all-civilian crew <a href="https://t.co/bJFjLCilmc">https://t.co/bJFjLCilmc</a> <a href="https://t.co/BefnuerQa2">pic.twitter.com/BefnuerQa2</a></p>— SpaceX (@SpaceX) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1437655327307087875?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 14, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">All systems and weather are looking good for today’s Falcon 9 launch of Dragon’s first all-civilian spaceflight. Webcast will go live ~4 hours before liftoff <a href="https://t.co/bJFjLCzWdK">https://t.co/bJFjLCzWdK</a> <a href="https://t.co/kkSiWcv6qc">pic.twitter.com/kkSiWcv6qc</a></p>&mdash; SpaceX (@SpaceX) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1438190808599969796?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A look at the &quot;cupola&quot; window that SpaceX created for this mission, which replaced the docking hatch under the nosecone of Crew Dragon:<a href="https://t.co/2H1uPXOL52">https://t.co/2H1uPXOL52</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpaceX?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SpaceX</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Inspiration4?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Inspiration4</a> <a href="https://t.co/YovYJvIqem">pic.twitter.com/YovYJvIqem</a></p>&mdash; Michael Sheetz (@thesheetztweetz) <a href="https://twitter.com/thesheetztweetz/status/1438245044801179650?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

For those with a couple of hours to spare before launch:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3pv01sSq44w" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

This is so cool. How much training did these People have to go thru?

He a much did they each pay to get on board?

No pilots? Did these modern space craft fly themselves?

Watch the documentary on Netflix. They did quite a bit, but obviously not anywhere near the level that a NASA astronaut would get.

It's all being paid for by Jared Issacman. They picked the other three to represent other "pillars," including Hope (cancer survivor), Generosity (donor to St. Jude who was randomly selected from all donors), and Prosperity (small business owner who also happens to be a space geek). Jared himself is "Leadership".

Pretty much. They do need to be able to take over in an emergency, but Dragon is designed to be autonomous.

Thanks (think it was you) who mentioned the Netflix series. I watched them all last night. My logic tells me that I shouldn't be more anxious with a civilian crew than professionals, but I am. And that series made it worse.

Thanks!!!

How long until launch?

There's no question that the stakes are high on this one. With astronauts, you know they at least signed up for it as a career. It's Jared's idea. Sian has dreamed of it her whole life. I feel like they know what they are in for.

But Haley and Christopher both basically got pulled out of a pile of names. Haleys' mom recently lost her husband. Christopher has a family and kids. Suffice it to say, that would be really tough for them.

I'm confident that SpaceX is as safe as anyone, but as Elon would say, the "pucker factor" is high.

8:02pm Eastern

Probably worth noting that they have a 5-hour launch window today. Super weird for a manned launch, but when you're just aiming for a general orbit, I guess time isn't particularly critical.

It’s most likely the safest space flight in history


But yes, pucker factor is high with what’s at stake.

Indeed it is. They'll be fine. I'm actually glad that they are going to be riding a twice flight-proven Falcon. Think that's right.

Is the Dragon "used"?

This is flight #3 for Falcon B1062. Flight #2 for Dragon Resilience (which was on Crew-1.)

I hope they checked the oil in that sucker. I have to change mine every 5000 miles

Reminding me of my old Toyota LUV truck when it would leak antifreeze and steam would pour from under the hood

I guess Shepard's Prayer isn't applicable, but I hope SpaceXers are saying a few.

Commence puckering.

Okay, my eyes are leaking fluid into space.

Fun to see them just having a fun time with it. You don't get such strong reactions from NASA astronauts.

The Hawthorne reactions pushed me over the edge.

Nominal orbit insertion. Landing confirmed.

Phew. All looking good. There are going to be some great shots of the launch, too.

Was that a loss of signal call?

Oh, re-acquisition of signal in Shannon.

In case anyone wants a St. Jude zero g indicator pup.

https://giftshop.stjude.org/inspirat...214500000.html

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Cold gas thrusters pulse to help guide the Falcon 9’s first stage during re-entry following launch on the Inspiration4 mission earlier this evening.<br><br>Falcon 9’s second stage, at bottom, continued accelerating the crew into orbit.<br><br>See a longer video: <a href="https://t.co/mhk8A6alLu">https://t.co/mhk8A6alLu</a> <a href="https://t.co/WzOCQNAp0Q">pic.twitter.com/WzOCQNAp0Q</a></p>— Spaceflight Now (@SpaceflightNow) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow/status/1438319995482685448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Second phasing burn complete. Dragon and the <a href="https://twitter.com/inspiration4x?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@inspiration4x</a> crew have reached a circular orbit of 585km – a new Dragon altitude record</p>— SpaceX (@SpaceX) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1438336379830915072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

I would like to have heard more from/about Chris in the series.


https://old.reddit.com/r/SpaceXLoung...f_todays_crew/

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">View from Dragon’s cupola <a href="https://t.co/Z2qwKZR2lK">pic.twitter.com/Z2qwKZR2lK</a></p>— SpaceX (@SpaceX) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1438359359898066944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

That glass dome is actually the Dragon toilet. LMAO...

AKA, the crapola...

https://www.space.com/inspiration4-s...et-dome-window

I have to admit that the (lack of) coverage of Inspiration 4 in the past 12 hours has been a bit odd. There was SO MUCH hype leading up to the launch, and then the webcast ended and we've had nothing but a shot of the cupola.

I'm sure everything is fine, but I was kind of expecting to see video of them all having a great time. Some hypothesize on reddit that some of them might be puking their brains out, but still, an update would be nice.

I assumed most of the video was going to be locked down for the docuseries. I was hoping to at least get some coverage on Netflix's YouTube channel though. :(

I do find it odd that some time last night they increased their orbit by 10KM. As of about 10PM they were at the 575KM stated in all the mission specs, this morning they were at 585KM.

https://www.spacex.com/dragon-tracker/index.html

I can understand the lack of video if Netflix has it locked down. What I'm surprised by is a lack of tweets that just say "They're having a great time! Here's the schedule of when you can expect to hear from them."

Good point. Excellent opportunity for more fundraising.

I do love the excitement though. Screengrab from launch (stolen from /r)...

https://i.postimg.cc/W1w2Jf1r/hayley.jpg
https://preview.redd.it/mowlkh2k3vn7...=webp&067617fdhttps://preview.redd.it/mowlkh2k3vn7...=webp&067617fd

https://old.reddit.com/r/SpaceXLoung...isplay_of_joy/

Based on the Netflix show, Haley has an...odd...love of pulling G's. ROFL

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">After the crew wakes up today, they will conduct additional research and get their first look out of Dragon’s cupola!</p>&mdash; SpaceX (@SpaceX) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1438563411441246208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

A little odd to me to think they wouldn't have looked out already, but OK. At least we finally got an "all is well" confirmation.

That is good news. I'm glad that none of them did a Borman.

If cupola = toilet, does this mean that none of them were able to relieve themselves from 2 hours before launch until later today?

I'm guessing they haven't opened the hatch yet. Probably wanted to do several rounds of pressure tests inside the cupola.

lol, the toilet is on the "ceiling", next to the hatch. The cupola is outside the hatch. The toilet is a vacuum hose/nozzle thing, so AFAIK, you pull the toilet out, stick it where ti goes, stick your head in the cupola, and do your thing. :D

Here's a good shot of the cupola before it gets mated to Dragon. It's not just a window...

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More toilet info...

https://markets.businessinsider.com/...-design-2020-5

Looks like someone grabbed a screenshot from a Crew2 broadcast. The toilet is in the ceiling near the crew feet...


http://www.collectspace.com/review/s...oilet01-lg.jpghttp://www.collectspace.com/review/s...oilet01-lg.jpghttps://i.postimg.cc/nLnk6w8V/111.jpg

Is this ever going to actually launch? The things we learn from this could lead to some very very exciting things. I'm just skeptical that this thing gets off the ground anytime soon.

Scuse me while I whip this out....