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Old December 29th 18, 05:17 AM posted to sci.space.policy
Fred J. McCall[_3_]
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Default Falcon 9 Delivers Dragon Into Orbit, Flubs Landing

JF Mezei wrote on Fri, 28 Dec 2018
20:13:31 -0500:

On 2018-12-28 08:57, Jeff Findley wrote:

I'm sure the delays were frustrating everyone, but this was the first
"critical" DOD flight on a Falcon 9, so best to get it right.


I have to wonder how "critical" this really was for DoD. Certaintly not
a secret launch, and not secret hardware or orbit.

I can see that it is important to get the first of a new constellation
up to test it.


It was 'critical' enough that they elected to fly it on a Falcon 9
rather than wait to get the originally planned Delta IV launcher.


BTW, in terms of not landing the stages. Was this on a leftover Block4
or a new Block5 ?


It was a Block 5.


I was told the goal was to stop poduction of Falcon9
in order to focus on BFR/BFS. If they get too many request for
expendanbvle Falcon9, won't they have to review their manufacturing plan
for Falcon9?


I'm sure things are under constant review based on current demand.
This shouldn't be a surprise to anyone.


--
"Some people get lost in thought because it's such unfamiliar
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