Questions tagged [nosecone]
questions about the top-most part of a rocket and design choices related to its shape and structure which would not otherwise be covered by the fairing tag.
9
questions
2
votes
1answer
68 views
Dragon launch escape: is nose cone ejected for parachute deployment?
Dragon’s landing parachute is stowed roughly in the nose cone hinge area, and this leads me to believe the nose cone has to open for the chute to deploy.
In normal operations, I believe the nose cone ...
6
votes
1answer
170 views
What did Skylab 1 carry in its nosecone?
Skylab 1 was the uncrewed Saturn V flight that launched the space station. The workshop itself was adapted from the Saturn's third stage. As this was an uncrewed flight, there was no need for a ...
6
votes
0answers
76 views
SpaceX Dragon Shape: Power Series, Ellipsoid, or Haack/Von Karman?
The SpaceX Dragon module has a round apex typical of power series, ellipsoid, and Haack/Von Karman shapes. I'm wondering which of these SpaceX actually used. References would be appreciated.
My guess ...
5
votes
2answers
257 views
Would Dragon reenter safely if the nose cone stayed open?
If its nose cone does not close before reentry, would the Dragon capsule be safe after reentry?
The nose cone protects important components like the forward hatch and guidance systems. How damaged ...
5
votes
0answers
137 views
How does the SpaceX Dragon nosecone separate?
SpaceX's Dragon uses a nosecone to protect the docking port during ascent.
The nosecone seems very large. 1/3 of the capsule's height large. And yet, it separates while the second stage engine is ...
2
votes
0answers
126 views
Is the nosecone of the CST-100 Starliner more than structural?
The CST-100 Starliner is Boeing's new crew capsule. It has a detachable nosecone which serves several structural purposes. Because the capsule uses a pusher-style launch escape system, there is no ...
4
votes
4answers
1k views
Just how pointy does a rocket's nosecone need to be?
There are some beautiful images of the Qu8k rocket launch on this web page and I show a few below. There's a video (below) and the PDF Qu8k Final By Derek Deville, November 27, 2011
The stainless ...
24
votes
2answers
4k views
What are the pros and cons of Aerospike nosecones?
Some rockets, mainly (only?) ICBMs have Aerospike nosecones
Why are they preferred in lieu of traditional nose cones?
Illustrations:
An aerospike nosecone on a trident ICBM
Video including the ...
28
votes
1answer
4k views
Why the soot pattern on the nosecone of Falcon Heavy side booster?
When a SpaceX booster is landed, we are used to seeing soot deposited all over it, usually in a specific pattern.
You can read more about that in this question:
Why the strange bands of soot of the ...
