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The US Air Force has a keen interest in SpaceX with its possibility for rapid launches of reusable rockets for this and other reasons. SpaceX is hoping for less
by njarboe 8y ago
The US Air Force has a keen interest in SpaceX with its possibility for rapid launches of reusable rockets for this and other reasons. SpaceX is hoping for less than one day turnaround with its most recent design (block 5) of its Falcon 9 rockets[1]. This design is already flying. With enough GPS satellites in storage, they could all be replaced in a week.
[1]https://spacenews.com/spacex-targeting-24-hour-turnaround-in-2019-full-reusability-still-in-the-works/ https://spacenews.com/spacex-targeting-24-hour-turnaround-in...
- justinator 8y agoThere are also much simpler workarounds. Although not as precise, early cruise missiles simply used a gyroscope. Another option would be hacking the enemie's GPS-like system. I assume we're already hard at work on that.
- njarboe 8y agoI imagine that the military is going to be much more effective without having to use workarounds. I doubt current munitions have extra weight dedicated to backup gyroscope navigation (could be wrong). Launching two dozen satellites has to be easier, faster, and cheaper than replacing the whole military's munitions stockpile with less effective weapons.
- erubin 8y agoreplying to sibling - i recall reading that ICBMs use celestial navigation.