3 ms·
I think this is above anything spacex would need to be told about. Spacex is the delivery driver. They need to know where the sat is going, how much it weighs
by sandworm101 3y ago
I think this is above anything spacex would need to be told about. Spacex is the delivery driver. They need to know where the sat is going, how much it weighs, and a bit about its needs. They dont need to know what the sat is actually doing, let alone how that function ties into any larger programs.
- tintor 3y agoBut they need to know if sat is hazardous and/or radioactive, or what risks it posses to their vehicle.
- sandworm101 3y agoSats are sats. They all have thrusters, antennas and solar panels. They have a center of mass, various g limits and have to fit inside the rocket. Everything else can be hidden from the launch provider.
- bell-cot 3y agoNo they don't. Pre-launch satellites do not normally leak toxic chemicals, nor emit noteworthy radiation, nor have dangerous voltages on exposed surfaces, nor ... And as a Plan B - any satellites filled with secret sauce could easily be babysat (while in SpaceX's hands) by trusty USSF TSgt Top-Secret, who's been trained in what to do if things go horribly wrong.
- dotancohen 3y ago> They need to know where the sat is going, how much it weighs Tell me that and I'll tell you what the bird is going to do. Specific orbits have very specific purposes, usually. And knowing the size and mass of a satellite gives a lot of information, especially if I can look at it or even just a blurry photograph of it.
- scottyah 3y agoNobody is launching anything into orbit in secret: once the launch goes every country that cares to track it will be able to. They can always add extra weight if they want to obscure things to the launcher.
- mjevans 3y agoExtra weight can even be propellant which provides a bunch of options, including just extended service lifetime.