@asdfghjkl48402 Still, factoring in the extra drag and weight, it seems like just quadrupling the payload would be a tall order. Quintupling is nigh ridiculous.
I suppose we'll just have to wait and see how it goes, but personally I have reservations against a rocket that uses over 12 engines at once, too many potential failure points.
So the Falcon 9 can launch 10.5 tons to LEO. Okay. How then did they go from about 11 to 54 by clustering 3 Falcon 9 cores together? I've heard of over-optimistic marketing, but this seems like flat-out false advertising.
@matthewakian2 SpaceX announced the Falcon 9 Heavy, the biggest rocket since the Saturn V. Some people think it may be able to take us to Mars. Check for Mars500 on Boing Boing.
@MrVrsilvestrejr2008 The Tsar Bomba weights 27 tons. Falcon Heavy can theoretically lift 56 tons. Yes, FH can lift that Mofo up if they can fit it in the nose cone.
@Elukka just check out the success rate of SpaceX. Then check out how they cover up their blunders. try spacelaunchreport for starters, you just might be shocked at all their failures.
@cliffsplace If the success rate of initial test flights is indicative of the system's reliability in operation, the Soviet/Russian R-7 family should be the most dangerous way to get people to orbit. (it's not)
Their new heavy-lift vehicle reminds me of the Soviet N1 Moon Rocket of the late 1960s and early 1970s, which routinely exploded either at the pad or at low altitudes. Hopefully SpaceX will have done better research and testing and built some redundancy into the vehicle should one or more engines fail during ascent. Good luck guys...
@rollprogramhouston The N1 had problems, mainly they did not have funding for testing. However, the NK-33 engines they used to this day still hold the record for highest thrust to weight ratio and were good as stand alone engines. Some American company (maybe Kistler?) purchased several of them. Anyways, Falcon9 heavy is basically 3 falcon9's strapped together and it will be cool to see 27 engines running at once. I think SpaceX also has plans for larger engines, google "falcon XX".
No problem. Soyuz rocket has 32 (20 main and 12 vernier) and is a very reliable launcher. Well, really they are singles engines with multiple combustion chambers...
What, only an order of magnitude reduction in cost per pound into LEO? How boring [/sarcasm]. In all seriousness, great job SpaceX. I'll be pulling for your future success.
ELON and SPACEX have demonstrated that space can be accessed without breaking the bank. GOOD JOB! The thing is, we need to be reaching beyond "bottle rockets and tin can capsules" for manned space exploration. What we really, REALLY need is a SPACEPLANE, a one stage spacecraft that can launch and land from a horizontal position. Such a vehicle exists, at least on paper. It will be derived from an "extended" SPACE SHUTTLE prototype and can be seen at: myspacedotcom/daniel sterling sample
@ti994apc On paper, it carries 117,000 lbs to LEO. That still makes it a paper rocket. My post was obviously made prior to the press conference and still applies. It's just a rocket on paper. When it's built, and I trust Elon will make it happen, it will be a real rocket that still won't make you coffee or suck your d***.
I like rockets as much as the next guy. I think the Falcon Heavy is a great idea. You won't find any protien matter on my monitor over it, though.
This is going to be the Falcon Heavy announcement. Spacex is showing the "old guard"(lockheed, Boeing) of the industry how things can be done more cost effectively. Just wondering why NASA hasn't awarded them the Human Space Flight contract.
Some say we are still looking at 2025 for a Mars Landing. Humm. That is 14 years from NOW. Apollo moved FASTER than that, and it was gov't work.
This is privatized, where next generation means 5 to 10 years or less. I am hoping that 2020 is a more accurate expectation for a manned mission to Mars, but it could come even sooner, since the technology is here, we just need somebody to apply it. We could see a Mars Mothership under Earth orbital construction by 2016. Space-X, thumbs up.
If someone pay for it, sure. This is big IF. And if it is real, this will take few decades. We do not need HLV right now, but in future certainly. What we need now is depots.
@jaymillerlegacy1 Yes, it's exciting for a privately owned company to be able to do that and they probably need the contracts anyway to establish grounds and heritage. But I am looking further down the road. Anyway, Elon Musk's goal is to put a man on Mars by 2025 if I'm not mistaken so we're in good hands :)
SpaceX is definitely on the right track! This has to be Falcon 9 Heavy configuration though. I hope next stop for SpaceX is coming up with a feasible method of transfer for a manned Mars mission. They're moving at a fast pace and I would love to be part of that company!
@MrBoosts They are a hard nut to crack. I applied to 4 different positions there out of college (bachelor's in computer engineering, and bachelor's in software engineer) Didn't hear anything back on 3 of them and i got a canned rejection email from one. Definitely possible though probably will be more feasible after some experience or a masters degree.
@wartornhero I assumed that they would be selective. I am just getting my BS in Aerospace Engineering this year and the fact that they will be expanding quite a bit because of new contracts makes me more optimistic towards getting a position. Anyway I will try as many times as it takes because this company is definitely where I want to work. I appreciate the information you provided though! And best of luck.
@Migus29 Oh how naive you are. What do you think controls the navigation, the fuel control, the time the signal to the explosive charges. It is software that is controlling all these mechanical and electrical systems that the electrical and mechanical engineers design. Software is in everything, especially my specialty which is firmware engineering.
@wartornhero Of course! But it is software done by electrical engineers, not software engineers! You forget that working on this level requires knowledge of the real world, electronics, mechanics, etc. Software engineers are NOT real engineers, they just memorize a bunch of algorithms, devise new ones from old ones! Most electrical engineers are also programmers, with the HUGE advantage that they know how things work outside the computer.
Could this announcement also be for a reusable spacecraft? Maybe even X-37B size? It's possible it is for the Heavy but we've all heard of its existence for ahwhile.
I assume they are going to announce the schedule for launching the first Falcon 9 Heavy. I would like to see them someday use one to orbit a translunar stage, which could then dock with a specially outfitted Dragon and do a piloted lunar orbital flight. I'd be happy to tag along! As a kid, I was there when Apollo 8 was launched and would love to see Space X re-create that feat as a step toward landing.
That is so cool to have powerchords playing on a space program's videos like this. I hope you guys finally get these greasy monkeys into space whether they like it or not because Nasa sure as hell can't make us an interplanetary civilization with no tax-payer support.
Lies....all lies. LOL that's not powerpoint you are watching in the video, that's real rockets. Spacex delivered on Falcon 1 with the flight 5 orbital payload for Malaysia. Spacex delivered on Falcon 9 COTS 1 with Dragon and the orbital cubesats and they'll deliver on Falcon Heavy.
Contrary to popular belief the N1's failure had nothing to do with the number of engines but instead because the Soviets never built a static test stand and where using oxygen rich staged combustion cycle engines which were bleeding edge technology.
The US did not field a staged combustion engine until the SSME ten years later.
@Membrane556 They also didn't make an engine test stand for the whole stage, which is more critical there as the static testing (static test stands only test if a rocket can survive its own forces, dynamic testing is vibration and acoustic testing, all w/o engines).
The USSR simply failed at doing it all for less money in a shorter period of time than NASA back then. Which resulted in the first stage of the rocket failing in every thinkable way in every new flight.
They have changed the name of the launch vehicle from Falcon 9 Heavy to just Falcon Heavy. I suspect that if the talk is real and they eliminate Falcon 1e from their launcher constellation, Spacex will rename the Falcon 9 just Falcon. They will eventually be using Merlin 2 engines and the 9 engines will be going away.
I think this could possibly have something to do with the Google Lunar XPrize.
This is why SpaceX rules the industry in PR. They know exactly how long they can keep you guessing on the edge of your seat so that you give them the maximum amount of viral without getting bored or angry at them.
@Scia52 The video and teaser message was posted yesterday so it's not April fools. But seriously, how can people *not* see this is about Falcon Heavy (previously called Falcon 9 Heavy). Look at the silhouette at the end. 3 Falcon 9 cores strapped together Delta IV Heavy-style.
This will just be a public announcemet about vehicle development actually going ahead and not remaining at the paper stage as for the past couple of years. Nothing more, nothing less. I'll eat my hat if not.
@ugowar hats are tasty this time of year.... lets hope its something more. We need something with the shuttle wind down. Lets send a dragon circum-lunar, even if its full of cheese to start with!
It's been decades since a liquid fueled engine exploded in flight. More liquid fueled engines means better reliability; if one fails you shut it down and go on.
It's unquestionably an announcement relating to the Falcon Heavy. If you take a close look at the end of the video starting at around 0:27s it flashes a silhouette of the Falcon Heavy, and then a close up of the base of the rocket. If you pause the video, you can also see clearly that they are not using large Merlin2 engines, but the standard array of Merlins form the Falcon 9. Also, immediately after the silhouette they briefly flash a new "FH" logo at 0:28s before the SpaceX logo shows up.
It could be Falcon heavy, but I don't see why they would make a big deal of it. We've known for a while its coming..... the video gives me the sense its not going to be an announcement that COTS demos 2 and 3 will be merged....
Could it... just possibly be an official announcement for a super heavy launch vehicle?
@2007ASpaceOdyssey True but dont forget the Falcon series has flame out. It can lose a engine or with the falcon 9H i guess maybe even 2 and still fly.
@Craigthepope I kinda DO and Kinda dont like the idea of using the merlin 2 in that configuration. Until its reliability is Solid as a rock it represents a danger in that there is no engine out capability. If one fails the flight ends.
@2007ASpaceOdyssey.... I like your statement, "pulling the tail of the engineering Gods on this one." Did you hear that from someone or did you come up with that your self?
As far as I know it is original. It is also the first time I ever said it. But with a planet of near 7 billion people, and a history of language dating back tens of thousands of years, I don't think anything I will ever say has not been said before.
To GTO: Falcon 9 Heavy - 19500kg. Atlas V - 13000kg.
To LEO: Falcon 9 Heavy - 32000kg. Atlas V - ~30000kg (being generous).
Price per launch: Falcon 9 Heavy - 100 million US dollars (projected). Atlas V - 187 million US dollars.
How exactly does a F9H not compare to an Atlas V? The Falcon 9 Heavy is better in *every single way* (assuming that the current projects are correct of course. They may not be.)
Uh, I never said the Atlas V was BETTER, in fact, the implication is the opposite, I was specifically exempting the Saturn and Atlas as in a different class. The Atlas V Heavy is a paper rocket and the highest payload version of the Atlas V is not in the same class... funny you should ignore that the Saturn V is as far out on the OPPOSITE end and ASSUME that I'm disrespecting your favorite rocket.
@RyeOnHam I think you need to reread your comment. Whatever you might have meant, you said: "FH is no Atlas 5 and no Saturn 5." The implication there is that both of those rockets are superior to the F9H. This implication is reinforced by the fact that the Saturn 5 can lift several times a much as a F9H.
@gopher652003 Yeah, not going to waste my time answering again. Sorry if you misinterpreted what I said, but I have no control of your comprehension of my point. My point was made with 10 seconds of forethought and 30 seconds of typing. Sue me.
@gopher652003 What you don't understand is this means change. Change for people and institutions who are by definition conservative. Conservative means resistive to change. Believe me an open frontier is a terror for both the political Right and the political Left. Musk better make a lot of money so he can bribe the various interests to go along. I wish them more than luck, I wish them success.
@gopher652003 Unbuild rockets are always cheaper and better than the build ones.
The projected launch mass of the Falcon Heavy puts it roughly in one league with the Ariane 5, which can just haul 21 tons to LEO and 10.5 tons to GTO despite launching from the much better launch site and using higher performance cryogen fuels. Getting pretty close to the A5 should be possible with kerolox fuel at just 115 tons more GTOW - exceeding not. Especially not from a more northern launch site.
@gopher652003 It doesnt compare in the number of congressional districts sucking taxpayer money out of the government in cost-plus contracts to keep certain congressmens jobs programs going. The issue here is socialist space vs commercial space.
@RyeOnHam When Falcon Heavy launches it will be the single most powerful rocket in terms of cargo lift to LEO in operation. The only vehicles that have flown that could exceed its lift capability are the Saturn V, Energia, and STS if you include the orbiter itself in the lift capability (it is arguably not cargo as it is required regardless of mission). The Angara A7 would surpass it whenever it actually comes online. To top it off, FH would be much cheaper per ton to LEO than any others.
Whole lot of engines. It's almost... Soviet.
lucidwebpress 5 months ago
@asdfghjkl48402 Still, factoring in the extra drag and weight, it seems like just quadrupling the payload would be a tall order. Quintupling is nigh ridiculous.
I suppose we'll just have to wait and see how it goes, but personally I have reservations against a rocket that uses over 12 engines at once, too many potential failure points.
Tyrannobeast 6 months ago
So the Falcon 9 can launch 10.5 tons to LEO. Okay. How then did they go from about 11 to 54 by clustering 3 Falcon 9 cores together? I've heard of over-optimistic marketing, but this seems like flat-out false advertising.
Tyrannobeast 7 months ago
spacex + bigelow + VASIMR = mission to mars ;-)
carparksumo 7 months ago
I love this video so much. I've watched it dozens of times. Gives me goosebumps.
lights779 7 months ago
What happened on 04.05.11?
matthewakian2 8 months ago
@matthewakian2 SpaceX announced the Falcon 9 Heavy, the biggest rocket since the Saturn V. Some people think it may be able to take us to Mars. Check for Mars500 on Boing Boing.
lights779 7 months ago
Comment removed
barackson 11 months ago
Can it carry TSAR???
MrVrsilvestrejr2008 11 months ago
@MrVrsilvestrejr2008 The Tsar Bomba weights 27 tons. Falcon Heavy can theoretically lift 56 tons. Yes, FH can lift that Mofo up if they can fit it in the nose cone.
MrToubrouk 11 months ago
Title= what she said
1H1TW0ND3R 11 months ago
Next time put a man in there instead of a whell of rotting cheese.
Oh wait.
You can't.
It's not man-rated.
Neither is the rocket.
cliffsplace 11 months ago
@cliffsplace So, "it's not finished yet so despite their amazing progress it sucks"?
Elukka 11 months ago
@Elukka just check out the success rate of SpaceX. Then check out how they cover up their blunders. try spacelaunchreport for starters, you just might be shocked at all their failures.
cliffsplace 11 months ago
@cliffsplace If the success rate of initial test flights is indicative of the system's reliability in operation, the Soviet/Russian R-7 family should be the most dangerous way to get people to orbit. (it's not)
Elukka 11 months ago
What about payloads to lunar orbit?
rollprogramhouston 11 months ago
Their new heavy-lift vehicle reminds me of the Soviet N1 Moon Rocket of the late 1960s and early 1970s, which routinely exploded either at the pad or at low altitudes. Hopefully SpaceX will have done better research and testing and built some redundancy into the vehicle should one or more engines fail during ascent. Good luck guys...
rollprogramhouston 11 months ago
@rollprogramhouston The N1 had problems, mainly they did not have funding for testing. However, the NK-33 engines they used to this day still hold the record for highest thrust to weight ratio and were good as stand alone engines. Some American company (maybe Kistler?) purchased several of them. Anyways, Falcon9 heavy is basically 3 falcon9's strapped together and it will be cool to see 27 engines running at once. I think SpaceX also has plans for larger engines, google "falcon XX".
ti994apc 11 months ago
No problem. Soyuz rocket has 32 (20 main and 12 vernier) and is a very reliable launcher. Well, really they are singles engines with multiple combustion chambers...
I am very excited with SpaceX.
Mrcometo 11 months ago
Go to nasa.com and serch for Spinoffs...There sure are alot of them.
Exploring anything and everyting is good. Our curiosity makes us better
than all other creatures on this planet. When we meet the 'others', it will
be because they also are curious.
steinmentz1 11 months ago
Comment removed
DrStrangeness 11 months ago
More than 60,000 hits in 5 days! Not bad for a science video.
TheZoey1022 11 months ago
SpaceX are awesome. 5 people hate space exploration, apparently.
MostlyWicked 11 months ago
Saturn V--- 262,000 lbs to LEO ---$7.27 Billion p/launch (in today's dollars).
Falcon9 Heavy --- 117,000 lbs to LEO ---$95 Million p/launch
Shuttle --- 54,000 lbs to LEO ---$1.6 Billion (what a waist of money) p/launch
Delta IV Heavy --- 50,000 lb to LEO --- $300 Million p/launch.
ti994apc 11 months ago
What, only an order of magnitude reduction in cost per pound into LEO? How boring [/sarcasm]. In all seriousness, great job SpaceX. I'll be pulling for your future success.
brennakj 11 months ago
Comment removed
ti994apc 11 months ago
I'll jizz if they're going to put men on it!
remyworldpeace 11 months ago
@remyworldpeace Then prepare to have the biggest O face of your life. Elon says they can put people on a Lunar flyby with one flight.
TheGreatSparky 11 months ago
Super heavy lift mean over 50,000 Kg to LEO
this qualifies
Scia52 11 months ago
Absolutely awesome Elon. Everyday low prices! Bloody great.
Apogeebooks 11 months ago
ELON and SPACEX have demonstrated that space can be accessed without breaking the bank. GOOD JOB! The thing is, we need to be reaching beyond "bottle rockets and tin can capsules" for manned space exploration. What we really, REALLY need is a SPACEPLANE, a one stage spacecraft that can launch and land from a horizontal position. Such a vehicle exists, at least on paper. It will be derived from an "extended" SPACE SHUTTLE prototype and can be seen at: myspacedotcom/daniel sterling sample
DanielSterlingSample 11 months ago
I guess my main question is.... Who cares?
joeykaz32 11 months ago
@joeykaz32
A lot of people obviously. Piss off.
omegapoint777 11 months ago
You fucking fanboys can't get past the fact that it's just a rocket
Saturn V -- 262,000 lb to LEO -- Flown / retired
Falcon 9 Heavy -- 71,000 lbs to LEO -- Paper Rocket (currently)
Delta IV Heavy -- 50,000 lb to LEO -- Flown / in production
Ariane 5 -- 46,000 lbs to LEO -- Flown / in production
Proton -- 45,000 lbs to LEO -- Flown / in production
Atlas V 551 -- 41,400 lb to LEO -- Flown / in production
It's a tool, nothing more. It will not make you coffee or suck your d*$%.
RyeOnHam 11 months ago
@RyeOnHam
Get the fuck out luddite. Guns are just tools as well but you sure seem to enjoy them.
omegapoint777 11 months ago
@omegapoint777 Luddite, eh? Way to bring your "A" game.
RyeOnHam 11 months ago
@RyeOnHam Falcon9 Heavy carries --- 117,000 lbs to LEO and its more than a paper rocket.
ti994apc 11 months ago
@ti994apc On paper, it carries 117,000 lbs to LEO. That still makes it a paper rocket. My post was obviously made prior to the press conference and still applies. It's just a rocket on paper. When it's built, and I trust Elon will make it happen, it will be a real rocket that still won't make you coffee or suck your d***.
I like rockets as much as the next guy. I think the Falcon Heavy is a great idea. You won't find any protien matter on my monitor over it, though.
RyeOnHam 11 months ago
yeahhhaaoouuuaaaaa!!! i love capitalism.... space agensies sucks... all that money in this decade, we could have base at moon...
Basilisp89 11 months ago
Don't miss the streamed press conference today (April 5th) at 11:20am EST!
htt p://ww w.visualwebcaster.c om/spacex
sirachman 11 months ago
Song name? Unfortunatelly Shazam is not able to recognize it :(
mirox3mbg 11 months ago
@mirox3mbg Quite possibly an original composition. I like the riffs and electronica aspect.
khanrhy 11 months ago 4
@khanrhy I agree, it is pretty awesome. I guess that's just SpaceX for you.. lol
sirachman 11 months ago
Paging Dr von Braun.... Paging Dr von Braun. The launch vehicle for your EOR lunar mission will shortly be ready.....
A circumlunar dragon is a real possibility with this thing. A little to light for maybe lander + dragon.
DumbYankies 11 months ago
The "dislikers" are probably just jealous.
BigDaddy53154 11 months ago
they're announcing the falcon 81, 9x9, you heard it here first
numbakrrunch 11 months ago
@numbakrrunch turned out to be the falcon 27, I was close
numbakrrunch 11 months ago
How could anyone dislike this? That is just ridiculous.
sirachman 11 months ago
CCDEV announcement April 6th. This could be more than Just a Falcon Heavy announcement tomorrow.
beatlefriend 11 months ago
This is going to be the Falcon Heavy announcement. Spacex is showing the "old guard"(lockheed, Boeing) of the industry how things can be done more cost effectively. Just wondering why NASA hasn't awarded them the Human Space Flight contract.
kidsmithree 11 months ago
wow, more views than the rest of the channel's vids combined! Spacex has always had a way with PR imo, but they've outdone themselves this time!
diablogamer45 11 months ago
Go SpaceX, you are are only hope!
robpruitt 11 months ago 18
@robpruitt I agree NASA is doomed with out spacex there is no way we will do anything in space for a long time
spacegeek5 10 months ago
I guess it is something similar to the Falcon XX concept. Makes perfect sense to send a huge payload instead of sending multiple ones.
Migus29 11 months ago
Some say we are still looking at 2025 for a Mars Landing. Humm. That is 14 years from NOW. Apollo moved FASTER than that, and it was gov't work.
This is privatized, where next generation means 5 to 10 years or less. I am hoping that 2020 is a more accurate expectation for a manned mission to Mars, but it could come even sooner, since the technology is here, we just need somebody to apply it. We could see a Mars Mothership under Earth orbital construction by 2016. Space-X, thumbs up.
Hilot2008 11 months ago
Question? Does anyone know if Falcon XX if for real? If so, that would be so awesome.
ti994apc 11 months ago
@ti994apc
If someone pay for it, sure. This is big IF. And if it is real, this will take few decades. We do not need HLV right now, but in future certainly. What we need now is depots.
madcio 11 months ago
sooooooo hope i get this job
detibry 11 months ago
Epic
man166 11 months ago 2
This has been flagged as spam show
I would be more excited if they started making cargo and crew runs to the station starting next month!
jaymillerlegacy1 11 months ago
I would be more excited if they started making cargo and crew runs to the station starting next month!
jaymillerlegacy1 11 months ago
@jaymillerlegacy1 Yes, it's exciting for a privately owned company to be able to do that and they probably need the contracts anyway to establish grounds and heritage. But I am looking further down the road. Anyway, Elon Musk's goal is to put a man on Mars by 2025 if I'm not mistaken so we're in good hands :)
MrBoosts 11 months ago
SpaceX is definitely on the right track! This has to be Falcon 9 Heavy configuration though. I hope next stop for SpaceX is coming up with a feasible method of transfer for a manned Mars mission. They're moving at a fast pace and I would love to be part of that company!
MrBoosts 11 months ago
@MrBoosts They are a hard nut to crack. I applied to 4 different positions there out of college (bachelor's in computer engineering, and bachelor's in software engineer) Didn't hear anything back on 3 of them and i got a canned rejection email from one. Definitely possible though probably will be more feasible after some experience or a masters degree.
wartornhero 11 months ago
@wartornhero I assumed that they would be selective. I am just getting my BS in Aerospace Engineering this year and the fact that they will be expanding quite a bit because of new contracts makes me more optimistic towards getting a position. Anyway I will try as many times as it takes because this company is definitely where I want to work. I appreciate the information you provided though! And best of luck.
MrBoosts 11 months ago
@wartornhero this is not Google, they don't need software guys, they need electrical, mechanical and chemical engineers.
Migus29 11 months ago
@Migus29 Oh how naive you are. What do you think controls the navigation, the fuel control, the time the signal to the explosive charges. It is software that is controlling all these mechanical and electrical systems that the electrical and mechanical engineers design. Software is in everything, especially my specialty which is firmware engineering.
wartornhero 11 months ago
@wartornhero Of course! But it is software done by electrical engineers, not software engineers! You forget that working on this level requires knowledge of the real world, electronics, mechanics, etc. Software engineers are NOT real engineers, they just memorize a bunch of algorithms, devise new ones from old ones! Most electrical engineers are also programmers, with the HUGE advantage that they know how things work outside the computer.
Migus29 11 months ago
32,000Kg it will be the most powerful LV in service until SLS flies or the Delta IV Heavy gets SRBs.
BTW this is powerful enough to support lunar missions search Early Lunar Access.
It required a 27mT upgrades of the Titian IV and Ariane 5 for the modified Centaur G.
The lander and capsule were to be carried up by the Shuttle.
Membrane556 11 months ago
SpaceX's total upload views are 57,710
This video has 25,596 views
thats 44% of all SpaceX video views
I wonder why this video has crated so much buzz so quickly?
Scia52 11 months ago
You guys are all wrong... Millenium Falcon's comming.
eaquadros1 11 months ago
Could this announcement also be for a reusable spacecraft? Maybe even X-37B size? It's possible it is for the Heavy but we've all heard of its existence for ahwhile.
ThePrimeRadiant 11 months ago
I assume they are going to announce the schedule for launching the first Falcon 9 Heavy. I would like to see them someday use one to orbit a translunar stage, which could then dock with a specially outfitted Dragon and do a piloted lunar orbital flight. I'd be happy to tag along! As a kid, I was there when Apollo 8 was launched and would love to see Space X re-create that feat as a step toward landing.
witness2history 11 months ago
That is so cool to have powerchords playing on a space program's videos like this. I hope you guys finally get these greasy monkeys into space whether they like it or not because Nasa sure as hell can't make us an interplanetary civilization with no tax-payer support.
illustriouschin 11 months ago
Lies....all lies. LOL that's not powerpoint you are watching in the video, that's real rockets. Spacex delivered on Falcon 1 with the flight 5 orbital payload for Malaysia. Spacex delivered on Falcon 9 COTS 1 with Dragon and the orbital cubesats and they'll deliver on Falcon Heavy.
beatlefriend 11 months ago
I want to see them get the ISS supply underway. Then we gonna have some fun withFalcon Heavy!!:)
Hootz99 11 months ago
Lies........all lies
BigRIJoe 11 months ago
Twenty.....seven....engines....
Dash801 11 months ago 10
@Dash801 27? fuck
jaggedspikerespawn 11 months ago
@Dash801
Contrary to popular belief the N1's failure had nothing to do with the number of engines but instead because the Soviets never built a static test stand and where using oxygen rich staged combustion cycle engines which were bleeding edge technology.
The US did not field a staged combustion engine until the SSME ten years later.
Membrane556 11 months ago
@Membrane556 They also didn't make an engine test stand for the whole stage, which is more critical there as the static testing (static test stands only test if a rocket can survive its own forces, dynamic testing is vibration and acoustic testing, all w/o engines).
The USSR simply failed at doing it all for less money in a shorter period of time than NASA back then. Which resulted in the first stage of the rocket failing in every thinkable way in every new flight.
Urwumpe 11 months ago
@Dash801 - I hope they get this summabitch to work. That will be the most engines on any manned rocket since the N-1, won't it?
A86 7 months ago
They have changed the name of the launch vehicle from Falcon 9 Heavy to just Falcon Heavy. I suspect that if the talk is real and they eliminate Falcon 1e from their launcher constellation, Spacex will rename the Falcon 9 just Falcon. They will eventually be using Merlin 2 engines and the 9 engines will be going away.
beatlefriend 11 months ago
Never chance, SpaceX.
Does anyone know which song that is, by the way?
TheHaxie 11 months ago
What is the name of the tune in this video? I must listen to this.
SpeedRunner 11 months ago
Not much of a secret as the link to the Falcon Heavy is on the web site
TheCentimetre 11 months ago
Screw Falcon 9 Heavy, Falcon 9 XX (Saturn V class booster) FTW
EndeavourLaunch 11 months ago
I really REALLY R.E.A.L.L.Y hope this isn't meant to be an April fools joke.
sirachman 11 months ago
@sirachman This was announced on march 31'st and the conference is on April 5'th.
So I doubt that its an April fools joke.
Scia52 11 months ago
I think this could possibly have something to do with the Google Lunar XPrize.
This is why SpaceX rules the industry in PR. They know exactly how long they can keep you guessing on the edge of your seat so that you give them the maximum amount of viral without getting bored or angry at them.
Love your work.
U5K0 11 months ago 3
@U5K0 Agreed. Falcon heavy opens the possibility of a circum lunar manned dragon, or an unmanned reasonable size lander.
DumbYankies 11 months ago
I swear if this is a April fools joke I will burst a blood vessel.
I really hope this is the Falcon X heavy
Has enough power to send men to the moon
Scia52 11 months ago 2
@Scia52 The video and teaser message was posted yesterday so it's not April fools. But seriously, how can people *not* see this is about Falcon Heavy (previously called Falcon 9 Heavy). Look at the silhouette at the end. 3 Falcon 9 cores strapped together Delta IV Heavy-style.
This will just be a public announcemet about vehicle development actually going ahead and not remaining at the paper stage as for the past couple of years. Nothing more, nothing less. I'll eat my hat if not.
ugowar 11 months ago
@ugowar
I know I actually reconstructed the image at the end and compared them to the Falcon Heavy and Falcon X heavy
Doesn't look exactly like either
Maybe I redid the image wrong
Scia52 11 months ago
@Scia52 Falcon X Heavy wouldn't have those Merlins lined up beneath each core, it would have a single Merlin 2 under each core.
ugowar 11 months ago
@Scia52 Actually, scratch that - it would have more than 1. Still, the silhouette matches almost perfectly with Falcon Heavy on the SpaceX page.
ugowar 11 months ago
@ugowar I think falcon XX has the big engines?
DumbYankies 11 months ago
@ugowar hats are tasty this time of year.... lets hope its something more. We need something with the shuttle wind down. Lets send a dragon circum-lunar, even if its full of cheese to start with!
DumbYankies 11 months ago
Song name?
SkoinksX 11 months ago
Falcon9Heavy来るのか！！？？
楽しみだ！
aiueoyou 11 months ago
More !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ClusterStar 11 months ago
wtf is going on
macabresoul1 11 months ago
fool's day, right?
andreihagiescu 11 months ago
@andreihagiescu
I hope not
Scia52 11 months ago
FUCK RELIGIONS!!
SCIENCE TILL I DIE!!
frvfilms 11 months ago
you must read the book "the science of liberty" just an awesome book!
NICKRITZER 11 months ago
@frvfilms
This is engineering
Scia52 11 months ago
@frvfilms
you should check out /watch?v=r6w2M50_Xdk
It's a really cool video on the subject. I haven't seen anything that comes close.
U5K0 11 months ago
It's been decades since a liquid fueled engine exploded in flight. More liquid fueled engines means better reliability; if one fails you shut it down and go on.
richardschumacher 11 months ago
It's unquestionably an announcement relating to the Falcon Heavy. If you take a close look at the end of the video starting at around 0:27s it flashes a silhouette of the Falcon Heavy, and then a close up of the base of the rocket. If you pause the video, you can also see clearly that they are not using large Merlin2 engines, but the standard array of Merlins form the Falcon 9. Also, immediately after the silhouette they briefly flash a new "FH" logo at 0:28s before the SpaceX logo shows up.
jaufgang 11 months ago 3
DO IT! DO IT NOW!
Nmisling 11 months ago
It could be Falcon heavy, but I don't see why they would make a big deal of it. We've known for a while its coming..... the video gives me the sense its not going to be an announcement that COTS demos 2 and 3 will be merged....
Could it... just possibly be an official announcement for a super heavy launch vehicle?
Nah.....
evinado1 11 months ago
@evinado1
nvm.... saw the end again....
evinado1 11 months ago
but what is the sense of this vid. what do u think will come at the 4.5.11
sure not the first fh flight.....if this will be just a lame announcement of a rocket that is already announced......meeeh^^
korravir 11 months ago
I'm intrigued.
oneoveralpha 11 months ago
Dragon manned get funding?
ehurtley 11 months ago
@ehurtley hope so
DumbYankies 11 months ago
27 engines.
I have been very impressed with you so far SpaceX, but you are pulling the tail of the engineering gods on this one.
2007ASpaceOdyssey 11 months ago 3
@2007ASpaceOdyssey True but dont forget the Falcon series has flame out. It can lose a engine or with the falcon 9H i guess maybe even 2 and still fly.
valcan321 11 months ago
@2007ASpaceOdyssey There's always a chance they may develop the Merlin 2 which would knock that number down to three engines.
Craigthepope 11 months ago
@Craigthepope I kinda DO and Kinda dont like the idea of using the merlin 2 in that configuration. Until its reliability is Solid as a rock it represents a danger in that there is no engine out capability. If one fails the flight ends.
valcan321 11 months ago
@Craigthepope Having one engine might mean engine failure is less likely to happen, less complexity plus they test fire their rockets before launch.
Craigthepope 11 months ago
@2007ASpaceOdyssey.... I like your statement, "pulling the tail of the engineering Gods on this one." Did you hear that from someone or did you come up with that your self?
coldforgedcowboy 11 months ago
@coldforgedcowboy
As far as I know it is original. It is also the first time I ever said it. But with a planet of near 7 billion people, and a history of language dating back tens of thousands of years, I don't think anything I will ever say has not been said before.
2007ASpaceOdyssey 11 months ago
YEAH BABY YEAH!!!!! I can hardly wait to see that puppy fly!!!! BRING IT SPACEX
wizardnetwork 11 months ago
Comment removed
RyeOnHam 11 months ago
@RyeOnHam
To GTO: Falcon 9 Heavy - 19500kg. Atlas V - 13000kg.
To LEO: Falcon 9 Heavy - 32000kg. Atlas V - ~30000kg (being generous).
Price per launch: Falcon 9 Heavy - 100 million US dollars (projected). Atlas V - 187 million US dollars.
How exactly does a F9H not compare to an Atlas V? The Falcon 9 Heavy is better in *every single way* (assuming that the current projects are correct of course. They may not be.)
gopher652003 11 months ago 29
@gopher652003 Except for the upper stage (Raptor has yet to be developed).
Craigthepope 11 months ago
@gopher652003
Uh, I never said the Atlas V was BETTER, in fact, the implication is the opposite, I was specifically exempting the Saturn and Atlas as in a different class. The Atlas V Heavy is a paper rocket and the highest payload version of the Atlas V is not in the same class... funny you should ignore that the Saturn V is as far out on the OPPOSITE end and ASSUME that I'm disrespecting your favorite rocket.
RyeOnHam 11 months ago
@RyeOnHam I think you need to reread your comment. Whatever you might have meant, you said: "FH is no Atlas 5 and no Saturn 5." The implication there is that both of those rockets are superior to the F9H. This implication is reinforced by the fact that the Saturn 5 can lift several times a much as a F9H.
gopher652003 11 months ago
@gopher652003 Yeah, not going to waste my time answering again. Sorry if you misinterpreted what I said, but I have no control of your comprehension of my point. My point was made with 10 seconds of forethought and 30 seconds of typing. Sue me.
RyeOnHam 11 months ago
@gopher652003 What you don't understand is this means change. Change for people and institutions who are by definition conservative. Conservative means resistive to change. Believe me an open frontier is a terror for both the political Right and the political Left. Musk better make a lot of money so he can bribe the various interests to go along. I wish them more than luck, I wish them success.
TalksWithDirt 11 months ago
@gopher652003 Unbuild rockets are always cheaper and better than the build ones.
The projected launch mass of the Falcon Heavy puts it roughly in one league with the Ariane 5, which can just haul 21 tons to LEO and 10.5 tons to GTO despite launching from the much better launch site and using higher performance cryogen fuels. Getting pretty close to the A5 should be possible with kerolox fuel at just 115 tons more GTOW - exceeding not. Especially not from a more northern launch site.
Urwumpe 11 months ago
@gopher652003 It doesnt compare in the number of congressional districts sucking taxpayer money out of the government in cost-plus contracts to keep certain congressmens jobs programs going. The issue here is socialist space vs commercial space.
OverbrainUnplugged 11 months ago
@RyeOnHam When Falcon Heavy launches it will be the single most powerful rocket in terms of cargo lift to LEO in operation. The only vehicles that have flown that could exceed its lift capability are the Saturn V, Energia, and STS if you include the orbiter itself in the lift capability (it is arguably not cargo as it is required regardless of mission). The Angara A7 would surpass it whenever it actually comes online. To top it off, FH would be much cheaper per ton to LEO than any others.
aremisasling 11 months ago
Falcon Heavy !
RainHNg 11 months ago 54
Looks like a sweet ride.
sharrynuk 11 months ago