It's funny, but AsiaSat is based in my city and has their satellite control station just 10 miles from my home and right next to the park where I learn how to ride a bike many years ago...... now going to become a NSF phenomenon just because the next 2 launches of SpaceX are for them. (well maybe not if you are well versed with the history of AsiaSat 1 - once launched on shuttle, stranded in LEO, sold to AsiaSat and became the first Chinese-launched satellite on commercial contract; or AsiaSat 3 - stranded in unusable orbit by a Proton rocket and sent around the Moon for salvaging for another customer - but for many of you maybe not. )Ironically the ground control station for competitor APT Satellite Holdings, which almost exclusively use Chinese rockets and also uses Chinese-built satellites (!), is right next door....
Is this another Florida launch? If so, that means they plan to turn the pad around in about three weeks. I would think this means the rocket stages were already on site.I've seen mention that the SMARF building up the road wasn't long enough for the v1.1 first stage. If so, where are they storing stages before moving into the pad hanger?
OK, so I see from the OP that L2 is the source for this flight being range approved for August 4th.Are there any public sources yet?
Quote from: Garrett on 07/18/2014 01:15 pmOK, so I see from the OP that L2 is the source for this flight being range approved for August 4th.Are there any public sources yet?From NewSpace Watch.
Quote from: StephenB on 07/18/2014 01:17 pmQuote from: Garrett on 07/18/2014 01:15 pmOK, so I see from the OP that L2 is the source for this flight being range approved for August 4th.Are there any public sources yet?From NewSpace Watch.Which cites Chris B's tweet...
Expect the worst but hope for the best I always say. A 50/50 shot of lighting the candle on the first attempt I would say is fair, especially this far out when the weather is more of an unknown.
Last information about landing legs (what I have seen) is from Kim Keller:AsiaSat 8 is with no legs (and AsiaSat 6 with legs..)http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=27985.msg1191341#msg1191341 Is this information up-to-date yet?
Quote from: MTom on 07/18/2014 03:24 pmLast information about landing legs (what I have seen) is from Kim Keller:AsiaSat 8 is with no legs (and AsiaSat 6 with legs..)http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=27985.msg1191341#msg1191341 Is this information up-to-date yet?with minimal analysis of F9 v1.1 versions lift capacity it sounds about right given that AsiaSat 8 is larger and has higher dry and wet mass than AsiaSat 6.
The next three flights won't have legs. Even CRS-4 won't because that core is now being used for Asiasat 6.