Orbital ATK’s Last-Generation Launch Vehicle
Seems like Orbital ATK’s PR editors removed the next sentence: “We’ll just need that money upfront, instead.”
Thanks to March Patrons
Thanks to my patrons for the month of March. If you’re getting some value out of what I do here and want to send a little value back to help support Main Engine Cut Off, head over to Patreon and donate as little as $1 a month—every little bit helps.
Episode T+44: SpaceX and the Age of Reusability
SpaceX made history this week by launching SES-10 with a previously-flown first stage. I discuss implications of this achievement, the things we learned from Elon Musk in the post-flight press briefing, and the doubters, as always.
One More Step
It was just a matter of time. I guarantee you those in Le Gall’s camp will think of at least one more step, and we’ll hear about it right after SpaceX’s next step.
Defects Found in Almost Every Russian Proton Rocket Engine
Matthew Bodner, for The Moscow Times, reports that 71 engines, mostly for the second and third stages of Proton, require complete overhauls.
SES, SpaceX, and the Steady Beat of Progress
James Dean with a great article for Florida Today on SES, SpaceX, and reusability.
The Past and Future of Blue Origin’s Orbital Launch Site
A great piece by Chris Bergin and Noel Munson of NASASpaceFlight on the storied histories of launch complexes 11 and 36, and what Blue Origin plans for their future.
Episode T+43: March Lightning Round
The last two weeks have been filled with a bunch of smaller stories—SpaceX’s GPS III bid win and upcoming SES-10 launch, ULA’s decision on Vulcan’s engines and Congress’ potential meddling, and the ISS beyond 2024.
Masten’s Green Bipropellant: MXP-351
Read the whole post over on Masten’s blog. Great to see progress on safer storable propellants and Masten’s lander. There’s also a video from a few months ago of MXP-351 performance testing.
Thornberry Walks Back Vulcan Intervention
Paywalled article, but the viewable introduction says it all.
SpaceX Signs Five-Year Lease at Port Canaveral
We first heard about SpaceX taking over the old SpaceHab buildings back in August, so I guess the building will suit their needs. SpaceX will be building out quite a bit of real estate on the Cape, as documented in their recent LZ-1 expansion plans.
BE-4 Hydrostatic Bearings
Jeff Bezos’ most recent email update on Blue Origin was all about the BE-4 and its hydrostatic bearings. Interestingly, George Sowers, VP of Advanced Concepts & Technologies at ULA, commented on their use of hydrostatic bearings on Twitter.
Optimus Prime
We started seeing some great photos of SpaceX’s new piece of infrastructure on the ASDS: Optimus Prime. Scott Murray also posted some over-exposed-but-lovely shots of Optimus Prime on the ASDS, complete with shots of its garage.
#OccupyKourou
I love me a unique launch delay.
Former Director of Quality Control at Roscosmos Killed in Jail
An unexplained move to a CCTV-less cell: highly suspicious, or highly opportunistic.
Blue Origin Factory “Tour”
More a trespassing/sightseeing adventure than a tour, but interesting nonetheless.
SpaceX Wins GPS III Launch, More Info on Phase 1A
I’m not surprised to see rising prices—after all, you don’t have to outrun the bear, just the ones you’re running alongside.
NASA’s Cislunar Habitat Plans
Certainly sounds like NASA’s plans have changed since their EM-2 payload RFI went out back in October.
More Details on Altius’ Cryo Coupler
A few days after I linked to Altius’ SBIR Phase II win, this post on Altius’ blog went up. It’s a fantastic read, and really worth your time.
Space Station Partners Release Latest Updates to Docking Standards
Docking standards are convoluted.