We're new...

Question

1

Has anyone seen details about the Dragon engineering model that SpaceX intends to use on the first Falcon 9 launch?

I am curious if they will include a heat shield and try a controlled reentry.

The issue is, if they have no reaction control system, then they probably cannot do a controlled reentry. Same issue if they do not have any of the computers/software on it.

Be interesting to see what they intend to launch, in more detail.

Here's hoping they can make their window before 2010.

Edit: Looks like they will not make it 2009. They seem to be asking for a Feb 2010 launch window now. Oh well. I guess it really is rocket science.

http://spacenews.com/launch/requested-falcon-range-date-has-conflict.html

edited Oct 30 at 20:33

asked Oct 29 at 13:24

Geoffrey Carman
111●4

Geoffrey Carman · Answer 1 · 2009-10-30 20:36:43Z UTC

This link http://spacenews.com/launch/requested-falcon-range-date-has-conflict.html

says:

SpaceX said as recently as Oct. 21 that the inaugural Falcon 9 launch is a demonstration flight that will carry a prototype reusable cargo-carrying vehicle being developed with NASA funding help. The mission will provide aerodynamic and performance data on the Dragon capsule qualification unit, although the primary customer for the mission in a U.S. government customer SpaceX says it is not at liberty to name.

Falcon 9 first launch, details on the Dragon model being used

1 Answer