Each Starlink satellite weights approximately 260 kg and features a compact, flat-panel design that minimizes volume, allowing for a dense launch stack to take full advantage of Falcon 9’s launch capabilities. With four powerful phased array and two parabolic antennas on each satellite ... At end of their life cycle, the satellites will utilize their on-board propulsion system to deorbit over the course of a few months. In the unlikely event their propulsion system becomes inoperable, the satellites will burn up in Earth’s atmosphere within 1-5 years, significantly less than the hundreds or thousands of years required at higher altitudes. Further, Starlink components are designed for full demisability.Starlink is targeting service in the Northern U.S. and Canada in 2020, rapidly expanding to near global coverage of the populated world by 2021. Additional information on the system can be found at starlink.com.
We don't have a date yet. Starlink flight dates aren't being released very far ahead of time.
Why 39A again? Is SLC-40 undergoing some sort of refurbishment? Or is it something else?
According to Next Spaceflight, booster 1051.4 is going to be used for this mission.https://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/2571
45th Space Wing commander Brig. Gen. Schiess said the launch will be carried out with a lean crew and social distancing measures.
https://twitter.com/ChrisG_NSF/status/1247896041568866305(Note: It's 16 April at 17:31 EDT (21:31 UTC).)Chris G edit:https://twitter.com/ChrisG_NSF/status/1247898265216888834
During a call with reporters April 9, Schiess (Brig. Gen. Doug Schiess, commander of the 45th Space Wing that oversees the Florida space coast ranges) had to defend the decision to allow the launch to go forward amid the coronavirus pandemic. <snip>Schiess said that under the current health emergency, the decision to support a launch is considered on a case-by-case basis. The Starlink launch is less labor intensive than a national security mission like GPS, he said. With a leaner crew it’s easier to implement physical separation at launch facilities, said Schiess.Another consideration is that the 60-satellite Starlink payload is owned by SpaceX so government personnel are not involved in getting it ready for launch.
Quote from: Elthiryel on 04/08/2020 03:37 pmAccording to Next Spaceflight, booster 1051.4 is going to be used for this mission.https://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/2571I wonder if that booster was originally meant to be used for SAOCOM.
It’s also possible that SpaceX is also wanting to fly this mission soon because NASA would like to see as many F9 flights as possible to verify any fixes(?) or process changes since the M1D shutdown on the last flight - so flying this mission also makes Helps the crew in flight schedule.
Complete map of LHAs for #Starlink v1.0-L6 from LC-39A for Apr 16-21. Direct inject orbit, booster landing and expected fairing recovery location as last Starlink mission. Stage2 deorbit on the first orbit to same Debris Reentry Area in Eastern Pacific. bit.do/LHA11
ATLANTIC OCEAN - FLORIDA - CAPE CANAVERAL: EATERN RANGE OP# X1303 FALCON 9 STARLINK V1.0-L6 (UPDATE April 14, 2020)Eastern Range will be conducting hazardous operations surface to unlimited within portions of Warning Areas W497A, W497B, W137F/G, W138E,W139E/F, W122 and the following Hazard Areas.A: From 2838 59.35N 8037 40.62WTO 2841N 8036WTO 2902N 8009WTO 2857N 8005WTO 2842N 8018WTO 2833N 8033WTO 2833 14.53N 8033 57.98W to beginningB: From 3201N 7645WTO 3309N 7558WTO 3331N 7526WTO 3328N 7449WTO 3315N 7435WTO 3246N 7435WTO 3229N 7459WTO 3150N 7635W to beginningHazard periods for primary launch day and backup launch days;Primary launch day: 23 / 1856Z thru 23 / 2024Z Apr 20. Preferred T-0 is 1916Z.Backup launch day: 24 / 1834Z thru 24 / 2002Z Apr 20. Preferred T-0 is 1854Z