Posts by Bubba Von Braun

Trump blinks: 'Substantially' lower China tariffs promised

Moron In Chief

Isar’s first orbital rocket crashes into sea – CEO calls it a 'great success'

Re: 20 seconds

The video's flight profile is reminiscent of the early Jupiter missile flights, where propellant sloshing and resonance were not yet fully understood. This issue causes the propellant to shift, forcing the guidance system to over correct. Initially, makeshift solutions like beer cans were used, later replaced by baffles within the tank.

I concur with The Reg that while learning from failures is crucial, much of this knowledge is already established. The challenge lies in implementation rather than reinventing rocket science, as substantial advancements in rocket engineering have been made. Additionally, a true flight termination system is designed to dismantle the vehicle, not just stop the engines. It's likely that the engines ceased due to propellant depletion as the rocket pitched over.

Clearly, this flight did not meet any standard of success per their published goals. To quote the great Murray Walker.. Spin, Spin, Spin..

BvB

40 years ago, classified Shuttle mission foreshadowed Challenger's fatal flaw

Re: If I may say IMHO there's too much over-engineering here

As maybe the case less compute power than your iPhone. But substantially more complex, a 4 way computer complex voting on results in real-time, and then if they could agree the 5th backup with an entirely separate software load developed by a different team. Oh in the early days all done in assembler if memory serves me well 3-4Million lines.

The software on the Apollo fight computers is a work of art, written defensively, even when overloaded it elegantly shed load and restarted. Margret Hamilton and the team at Draper Labs set a very high standard

Truth, Lies and O-Rings..

If you're interested in a great read, check out Alan McDonald's book "Truth, Lies, and O-Rings." Alan McDonald was the Thiokol manager at Cape Canaveral who refused to sign off on the launch of STS-51L due to significant safety concerns. He played a crucial role as a whistleblower to the Rogers Commission, highlighting critical issues. His work on the Space Shuttle's return to flight, including his hands-on inspection inside a loaded Solid Rocket Motor (SRM) to examine the field joints, is particularly chilling.

Despite his efforts, similar issues persisted by the time of the Columbia disaster, characterized by poor management and the disregard of engineers' concerns.

The book also covers the redesign of the field joint, which now includes heaters and other enhancements to prevent the joint from separating under load. The problem wasn't just the cold O-ring; it was also the splaying of the field joint, which the O-rings were supposed to seal. This issue was exacerbated by a dangerous complacency from previous successful flights, leading to a disregard of the real risks involved.

BvB

I tried hard, but didn't fix all of cybersecurity, admits outgoing US National Cyber Director

Re: Don't worry

That would have to be Kevin Mitnick. Mitnick's transition from a criminal hacker to a respected security consultant parallels the notion of being a polarizing figure, similar to Robert Kennedy Jr.'s role in public health debates.

NASA will fly Boeing Starliner crew home with SpaceX, Calamity Capsule deemed too risky

More likely a reaction to avoiding the reputational impact of crew loss.

Re: NASA has learned..

The problem is that the thruster might unexpectedly not perform at the required level. It's crucial that they maintain a specific thrust for a set duration. If the thrust is too low, you could extend the burn time, but making such adjustments in real-time would be challenging. Additionally, any asymmetric behavior would be difficult to balance and could cause significant issues.

Unfortunately, it seems that the failure mode is due to Teflon sleeves in the oxidizer valves swelling after being exposed to more heat than anticipated. When swollen, these sleeves restrict the oxidizer flow, causing the thruster to under-perform.

I sincerely hope Boeing persists, as the Starliner’s ability to land on solid ground represents an innovative approach. In some ways, SpaceX had an advantage with their Dragon cargo flights before moving on to manned missions. I am sure Boeing can feel Sierra Nevada's breath on their neck//

After all, if it were easy, it wouldn't be rocket science or brain surgery!

NASA has learned..

It seems that NASA has finally learned how to properly assess risk. However, some risk remains, particularly if the unreliable thrusters don’t function as needed for a successful undocking and separation burn.

Unfortunately, Alan McDonald isn’t here to witness the impact of his efforts to highlight NASA's risk management decisions, which have gradually evolved into what they should be. His whistleblowing set NASA on a slow and difficult journey toward improvement.

As for Boeing, there are historical lessons they should heed. In the 1960s, North American Aviation was overstretched with projects like the Command and Service Module (CSM), the Saturn V second stage, the X-15, and the XB-70, all of which led to delays and quality issues. The CSM was late and of poor quality, and the Saturn V second stage faced similar challenges, contributing to the tragedy of Apollo 1.

NASA needs to keep Boeing involved because, as we know, you’re only as good as your last success. SpaceX while super successful only needs an accident and we are back to no access to space again. Moreover, not having a backup option for space access has hurt NASA before. Let's hope Sierra Nevada gets their spacecraft certified soon, as that would put real pressure on Boeing.

NASA pushes decision on bringing crew back in Starliner to the end of August

Re: Suit SL != Capsule Dragon

Or a simple interface adapter. SpaceX to Boeing shouldnt need too much to make it work Just like the common docking adapter there is a solid argument for commonality on spacesuit connections. But now its in the realm of private enterprise you can see lip-service paid to that one.

AMD stalls Ryzen 9000 launch over poor chip quality

Re: Didn't anyone tell them?

I am sorry Dave, I am afraid I cant do that.. This conversation can serve no purpose.. Good Bye

United Airlines’ patience with Boeing is maxed out after repeated safety issues

Not likely, they only announced the stretched version in November 2023. Existing C919 has its certifications, but the stretch would also need to go through this in addition engineering and design works.

United is already and Airbus operator, so its not a long jump to see them go Airbus. The only hold back would be the delivery backlog for Airbus, but this would be the lowest risk option for United.

Privacy advocate challenges YouTube's ad blocking detection scripts under EU law

And the content creators loose out.

Got hit with this.. seems like a progressive ratcheting up..

Whine screen (annoying but I understand), Try to run blank ads, Now 3 strikes your out..

Well used my last session to un-join the paid for channels (that AlphaGoo get their cut from) where I get in video promo's anyway.. Sorry content guys go blame YouTube for going Nuclear in their desperation to drive subs to YouTube Premium.

It is 20 years since the last commercial flight of Concorde

Re: 3 experiences with Concorde

Concorde G-BOAG can be found on display at the Museum of Flight in Seattle. It's quite an experience to walk through the cabin, although the seats are encased in plexiglass. What's truly remarkable is how narrow it feels inside. I had the privilege of visiting the cockpit, and it's a tight fit for the crew.

The museum is also home to other iconic aircraft, such as 747 Serial 001, 737 Serial 001, 727 Serial 001, and 787 Serial 003. Another fascinating exhibit is the 707 ex-Airforce One, which you can also explore, much like Concorde.

I had the opportunity to meet some of the curators, and their passion and dedication to preserving this collection is akin to caring for their own children. If you ever have the chance to visit, I highly recommend it. Even sitting outside the museum near Boeing Field, you'll be treated to the sight of a variety of aircraft coming and going, which is sure to satisfy the curiosity of any aviation enthusiast.

Visited G-BOAG

I was fortunate to have the opportunity to visit the flight deck of G-BOAG (the record-setting Concorde bound for Seattle). It was immaculate and appeared ready to take flight at a moment's notice, with just a few additional lights added by the museum for illumination.

The accomplishments of Concorde are a source of pride for both Britain and France. While it may not have achieved the same quantity of sales as a plane like the 747, it unquestionably demonstrated that innovation was thriving, and ambitious "moonshot" endeavors can succeed with unwavering determination.

Innovation should transcend the limitations of strict financial calculations. Remarkable achievements are possible when we have the audacity to dream big.

It's time to mark six decades of computer networking

Re: Real reasoniong behind the resilience.

"The reason behind this is quite simple: The hardware of the day (including the links) was really, really flaky."

Have they really improved?? Complexity itself now is becoming the enemy..

HCL proves Lotus Notes will never die by showing off beta of lucky Domino 14.0

Having been involved with Exchange since Beta 1, the focus was to build an Enterprise grade messaging system. Not a replicating database with email as an app. Connectors as bolt-on's (think x.400 was Honeywell code originally).

The market decided and the shift to Exchange was brisk, driven allot by bad share filesystem email products including MS Mail (boy do I have war stories about that product).. we needed something allot better.

Where Notes has excelled was in developing apps, and I lost count the number of engagements I got called into trying to migrate them to SharePoint, only to disappoint as the app needed to be redeveloped its no wonder its still has legs.

Microsoft may charge different prices for Office with or without Teams

Re: Deja vu all over again

And lets not forget the heated drivers seat charge for use.. Seems airlines and local councils are taking lessons from the banks on fee's for every little thing.

What is Google doing with its open source teams?

So many companies talk about their greatest asset are the people they have working for them. Well when it comes to most corporates, seems the reverse is true as they see them as a liability.

They demand dedication and in some cases huge working hours, they apply the salve of perks to keep you there working your ass off, yet when the profit drops not even perilously out comes the razors as they slash to make the share price look good for this reporting period or the next.

Folks wonder why we dont do great things anymore, its because companies are so caught up in short-term thinking, and the easiest way to placate the market is to slash the FTE count mindlessly without a view to the future.

Let open source continue to grow from strength to strength and let these fine people rise about their corporate experience to continue to foster the creation of great things.

Surely you can't be serious: Airbus close to landing fully automated passenger jets

Re: reducing the crew cost of operating the plane

Airbus has been using Autoland for decades.. However this does need an ILS approach, three buttons and the Airbus will brake to a stop on the center-line of the runway.

Bigger issue is ground taxi, as with AutoDriving Beta's too many random items moving around between rampies, service vehicles and other aircraft.

Me, I want redundancy on the flight deck Autoland or not, last thing we need is to see a ground taxi goes across a runway and is hit by an Aircraft on a takeoff roll.

Or has life become so cheap, we are happy to consign 150-300+ people to death or injury to save a few bucks on an airline ticket?

BvB

Cisco warns it won't fix critical flaw in small business routers despite known exploit

"Probably best just to say “fk it! yer on yer own!”"

I thought that's exactly what Cisco is saying!! After all "We are CISCO, resistance is futile!"

NASA boss says US may lose latest space race with China

Re: Where does 'outer space' start?

Everyone knows its a big lump of Cheese!!

Its why the Chinese want to to start their own Cheesy Empire. And we all know that those folks in Wisconsin have a lock on Cheesy Empires. Cheese for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Desert!!

BvB

Southwest Airlines blames IT breakdown for stranding holiday travelers

Re: Outdated scheduling software?

And flight volumes were 1/10th of what they are today. Crew/Aircraft scheduling systems make 3D Chess look simple.

BvB

Re: Outdated scheduling software?

Root cause is likely under investment in the scheduling system. By way of an example when SouthWest were expand to international routes their systems simply were not capable of handling the expanded requirements.

Issue here is a system that works in normal situations, so its built for the 99% of the time what has occurred in the past week, is exceptional circumstances.

Like anything run it hard at redline levels and when it breaks it goes in a huge way.

As to their communications/crisis management now that needs a whole lot of work!!

BvB

Re: Some FAA flexibility ?

Those rules are written after decades of experience.

Most (read All Airlines) would love to re-define duty hours, as the risk posed by tired crew is seen a cost of doing business.

Problem is the impact is measured in lives.

BvB

Lawyer mom barred from Rockettes show by facial recognition tech

Damm the MSG has made me feel sorry for a Lawyer!!

So if she isnt working on the case are they trawling the companies websites for profiles, or is there some StalkBook / Linked in mining & matching going on here??

BvB

Boeing swipes at Starlink as it finishes two internet slinging satellites

To spread the launch cost over more birds. Not rocket science just simple accounting

BvB

European Parliament Putin things back together after cyber attack

Oh we must have some Putin love children in the house

Love the down votes! must be one of Vlad's many love children.. down vote away just another impotent display..

== Bring us Dabbsy back! ==

Poke the Bear and get a reaction

Seems Vlad the Impotent has resorted to DDOS attacks after being called out by EU parliament.

I would have thought a rousing speech full of threats and condemnation and thumping of a lectern, followed by storming off stage right would have been just as effective.

Makes one wonder if Tanks are not the only thing they are running out of..

BvB

Europe to have 2 of the 4 most powerful supercomputers as Leonardo comes online

You need it to play Microsoft Flight Simulator

Head of Microsoft Flight Sim - Jorge Neuman announced in a recent developer Q&A that their French development partner ASOBO is creating a release for the Jupiter super computer, this is expected to be the latest entry level spec for MSFS 2025.

BvB

US Justice Department requests more info from Adobe on $20b Figma buy

Especially when you pay $20 Billion for them.. Money doesnt grow on tree's, just in subscriptions..

Australia blames Russia for harboring health insurance hackers

Re: Victim Blaming?

This is simply a criminal enterprise out to obtain maximum value. They are simply making an example of Medibank's refusal to pay so they can point to the consequences when they strike their next victim.

State sponsored actors tend to be information gathers, I have worked on numerous events, some criminal some state-based and the later is almost always about gathering information and access. State based actors when they strike destroy/disrupt not hold to ransom.

These folks are simply protected as Russia wont dont anything about them, likely due to kickbacks.

Aussie are no different to the average Brit, American or any other first world country..

We allow governments and corporate to continue to accumulate data about us without regard for the consequences. We freely post the minutia of our lives on so called social media, once assembled it so easy, the things one would dumpster dive is now laid out conveniently at our finger tips to search and correlate.

And we howl when this gets abused, yet we do little to change the situation, we line up for our free email account, knowing full well its being mined. We accept governments excuses we need to store and link everything together in one place. We put identifiers on census data so we make sure everyone completes it, for want reason likely nothing more than some mindless compliance.

For years others have been warning of the consequences of these honey pots, and to those would would blame the programmers, network and systems engineers have a look at yourself.. Is everything you have done is perfect. I certainly cant make that claim.

There does need to be consequences for corporate's and government but these consequences need to be painful and serious. Not some dinky fine that is a cost of doing business. Start jailing directors and you will quickly find the C-Suite quickly finding the $$ to properly support the necessary workers and upgrades.

But we also need to accept some responsibility as individuals.. The excuse is its inconvenient, too hard, or too slow I have heard a myriad of excuse to lower barriers. Privacy matters, but over time we have allowed or been lulled into thinking you don't have the right to privacy (or in Aussies case we don't have "rights"). Maybe I should misquote Benjamin Franklin

"Those who would give up Privacy, to purchase a little convenience, deserve neither Privacy nor Safety."

Health insurer Medibank's data breach diagnosis keeps getting worse

Optus you are kidding!!

Having been exposed by Optus I find their self-serving letter a further insult. Add that to the four times Optus hung up as I tried to determine my exposure to their data mis-management. It took a legal threat to get the information so I can conclude the risk's I am facing from Optus' incompetence rather than trust their self-serving advice.

And now I am having trouble simply cancelling services. Excuse de-jour is "We are having system problems and can you call back at another time.!!"

Optus is now "Simply NO!"

Gladly not a Medibank customer, but do have some exposure to the hell currently occurring, reminds me of a volcano erupting in Hawaii just watching the lava consume everything and everyone involved in it.

Optus data breach prompts pincer movement of twin regulatory probes

By all means keep the name.. but details such as ID document numbers no.. Use to validate and then destroy.

One major electrical chain here (JBHFI) insists on photocopies your id document (in my case a passport) when you do click an collect. In my case I cancelled the purchase and then purchased the same item over the counter without them recording any ID information!

And yes I have been exposed by Optus and am still awaiting their advice on what documents have been exposed.

Well once again corporate addiction to data comes and bites it on the A$$. There is no reason once the identity is validated to retain the information used.

Start off by making the fines well above the cost of doing business. I have seen and worked on so many systems where historical customer data is held for far beyond the customers involvement,in some instances the excuse de juor its too hard to purge. Poor system design, built upon convenient /non-existent legislation creates these honey pots. Add to that better, cheaper faster (the clean up is someone else's problem) and you have the third of the country exposed. I do seriously doubt anything will change here as Govt is on the same data junkie bender big corps are.

Lufthansa bans Apple AirTags on checked bags

Once again facts and fantasies at play

AirTags use Bluetooth, and last I checked on Lufthansa flights your allowed to use Bluetooth through all phases of flight, as long as the cellular functions are turned off. Yes there is a standing ban on the use of GPS devices, Radio's and TV's in cabin. But as has been pointed out AirTags dont have a GPS.

Per a Feb 2014 release from the jackbooters themselves.. "Lufthansa, Germany's biggest airline, said Thursday it will allow passengers to use a range of mobile electronic devices in flight on all Airbus aircraft starting from next month. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) agreed in November to allow the use of personal electronic devices such as tablets, smartphones, e-readers and mp3 players in all phases of flight."

Lets hope they train their pilots better than they do their policy makers as this is a plane crash in the making.

BvB

SpaceX Starship booster in flames after unexpected ignition

Re: N1...

Well the folks at SpaceX did figure out how to land a stage..

Re: I'm sure that didn't foul the environment much.

That was the remains to the white pipe likely an AC style vent.. kid of looked like shredded paper.

The Register recreates Apollo 15 through the medium of plastic bricks, 50 years on

Re: "Why can't they make the Starliner work now"

Boeing acquired North American as part of the Rockwell sell off in 1996. Boeing acquired NAA, RocketDyne and Rockwell's defense electronics businesses.

So Boeing became the service point for the Space Shuttle :-)

Boeing is a shadow of its former self thanks to the bean-counters who set out to line their pockets, while producing rubbish product. During the Apollo era I don't think propellant valves would get stuck after so few duty cycles.

A bunch of apps will be able to bypass Microsoft's new store and use own update methods

The future is already here

MSFS2020 seems to be using this model, My only interaction with the "Store" is for MSFS 2020 and a debacle that has become.. In game updates that wont apply.. After today's Sim Update I am done with it.. Either be a monopolist or get out of the devs way and let them accept responsibility for the install and updates just like the good old days :-)

Pipe down, Jeff. You've only gone where Gus Grissom went before, 60 years ago today

Re: Do allow Bezos his moment of glory

Healthy Competition.. I don't think so..

Blue Origin

16 Sub-Orbital flights total (New Shepard)

Single capsule, blunt body re-entry from mach4 speeds..

New Glenn unflown still to get off the drawing boards

1 Airframe and Motor

1 Deal with ULA to use their motor

SpaceX

126 Orbital flights on Falcon 9

10 flights on one booster!!!

Dragon cargo capsule

Crew Dragon crew capsule

Both capsules capable of orbital re-entry

Flown 6 humans to orbit

Falcon Heavy - Largest capacity booster in production.

Star-ship under development

Multiple Engines (Merlin, Raptor, Draco, Super Draco)

And Virgin Galactic.. cant even make the Karman line.

At best a novelty for the rich with money to burn.. Know where I would be putting my money

BvB

Seagate finds sets of two heads are cheaper than one in its new and very fast MACH.2 dual-actuator hard disks

Re: Is this new?

No not new at all.. had to think back to my NCR days, but Conner Peripherals "Chinook" drives. 3.5" SCSI more high throughput than capacity though.

It seems Seagate has resurrected/perfected the technology as they eventually bought Conner. Will be interesting to see what arrangement they have to interleave the data to get the additional capacity in the same surface area.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/33/Conner_Peripherals_%22Chinook%22_dual-actuator_drive.jpg

China announces ‘crackdown’ on Bitcoin mining and trading

Re: 60,000 Nvidia RTX 30-series cards

Used only once.. Overclocked to breaking point for the period from Sept 2020 to May 2021. 90 minute warranty including unboxing

BvB

Philanthropist and ex-Microsoft manager Melinda Gates and her husband Bill split after 27 years of marriage

And Bob leaves with Mom

Well seems Melinda can finally get sole custody of Bob..Bill gets Clippy, Bill also has indicated he doesn't want visitation rights for Bob.

BvB

ps: Rumor has it there is a land fill in Hanford WA, that contains all the unsold copies of Bob. EPA spokesman predict they will remain radioactive for the next million years or so..

Michael Collins, once the world's 'loneliest man,' is dead. If that name means little or nothing to you, read this

An inspriation to all aspiring aerospace engineers

Indeed a life well lived. His contributions for my mind made him the standout. The Air Space Museum is a wonderful legacy, along with his quiet calm confidence. If you haven't read Carrying the Fire.. do it this weekend.

He may not have liked the tag of "Hero" but he would not disagree he was an inspiration to many to pursue their dreams.

I will be launching a rocket this weekend, and will make sure folks know its Carrying the Fire..

BvB

Computer security world in mourning over death of Dan Kaminsky, aged 42

Wow what a loss

Gone way way too soon, a true netizien, not doing things because of the dollars, but because its the right thing to do!

To have avoided the chaos that would have been wrought had the DNS issue became exploited this man certainly deserves addition to the Internet Hall of Fame on its own. Add to that his often selfless contributions, where does one sign the petition!!

Dan's insights will be missed and I pray more live up to his ethos, they have big shoes to fill.

BvB

It is 60 years since the first cosmonaut reached orbit and 40 years since the Shuttle first left the launchpad

Ah when we took risks to achive great things.

I look back and see how we are so risk averse it actually inhibits more than it protects.

Great things were achieved by those prepared to take the risk, can you imagine SLS/Orion doing its lunar flight after just one test flight of the booster to earth orbit? Not now we will wait years/decades at the current snails pace.

But I do wonder if this has become a case of perfect being the enemy of good enough.

BvB

What can the 1944 OSS manual teach us before we all return to sabotage the office?

Re: passengers?

Nah, Now they are called "Guests" that way when you have done something that disagrees you can be quickly moved from the guest to "Karen or Geoff / Nut Job / Trumplican" and ejected with prejudice :-)