SpaceX F9 : Starlink group 9-1 : VSFB SLC-4E : 18/19 June 2024 (03:40 UTC)

[zubenelgenubi]

Thread for the Starlink Group 9-1 launch.

Launch 19 June 2024, at 03:40:00 UTC (18 June 8:40 pm PDT), from Vandenberg SLC-4E, on booster 1082-5.  The first stage successfully landed aboard Of Course I Still Love You.

Payload 20 Starlink V2.0 Mini satellites, 13 of which are Direct-to-Cell, to a 53 degree inclination orbit on a southeastern trajectory.  Initial orbit 286 x 295 km.

Please use the Starlink Discussion Thread for all general discussion on Starlink.

Check the Starlink Index Thread for links to more Starlink information.


L2 SpaceX: https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?board=60.0

[zubenelgenubi]

Assuming neither Starlink 8-3 nor 7-19 are the next Vandenberg Falcon 9 launch after Starlink 8-8, then Starlink 8-9 would be that launch.

The next Vandenberg Falcon 9 launch should be NET mid June.

[Galactic Penguin SST]

Well, surprise surprise...the next West Coast Starlink launch after 8-8 has shown up, but...it's named Starlink Group 9-1 in the NOTAM filings:

R0131/24 NOTAMN
Q) SCIZ/QRDCA/IV/BO/W/000/999/4100S11910W715
A) SCIZ B) 2406130451 C) 2406190439
D) 13 JUN 0451-0919,14 JUN 0439-0907,15 JUN 0439-0907,16 JUN 0439-0907
,17 JUN 0439-0907,18 JUN 0439-0907,19 JUN 0439-0907.
E)
ZONE ...D... SECT WEST PACIFIC DUE TO RE-ENTRY FALCON 9 STARLINK 9-
1 STAGE 2 REENTRY ACTIVITY. THE AREA IS BOUNDED BY GEO COORD:
1500S 10724W
1500S 10441W
3122S 09024W
3420S 09024W
INSTRUCTIONS: SANTIAGO OCEANIC CONTROL 10024 KHZ FANS 1A EQUIPPED
ACFT LOG ON SCEZ
INFO PROVIDED BY SPACE X OPS, USA
F) SFC G) UNL

A0945/24 NOTAMN
Q) SEFG/QXXLW/IV/NBO/AE/000/999/0000S00000W005
A) SEXX B) 2406130415 C) 2406190907
D) JUN 13 0415-0919, JUN 14-19 0439-0907
E) SPACEX FALCON 9 STARLINK 9-1 STAGE 2 REENTRY AND SPLASHDOWN IN THE
UNASSIGNED FIR, SECT DELIMITED BY THE FOLLOWING COORD 0119S 11654W,
0010S 11517W, 1500S 10441W, 1500S 10724W, 0119S 11654W. CTN
F) SFC G) UNL

The approximate launch time assumes this launch is on the same profile as Group 8-8.

[Ken the Bin]

NGA Space Debris notice that is effectively a Rocket Launching notice.

The primary launch window is June 14 at 03:00-07:00 UTC.

080225Z JUN 24
NAVAREA XII 407/24(21).
EASTERN NORTH PACIFIC.
MEXICO.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, SPACE DEBRIS
   140300Z TO 140731Z JUN, ALTERNATE 
   150300Z TO 150731Z, 160300Z TO 160731Z,
   170300Z TO 170731Z, 180300Z TO 180731Z,
   190300Z TO 190731Z AND 200300Z TO 200731Z JUN
   IN AREA BOUND BY
   30-04.00N 116-28.00W, 29-42.00N 116-06.00W,
   29-18.00N 115-56.00W, 28-58.00N 116-22.00W,
   29-12.00N 116-48.00W, 29-32.00N 117-06.00W,
   30-35.00N 117-24.00W, 30-41.00N 117-23.00W,
   30-34.00N 117-10.00W.
2.CANCEL THIS MSG 200831Z JUN 24.

NGA Space Debris notices (the same notice for two different Navigational Areas).

080252Z JUN 24
NAVAREA XII 408/24(22)
EASTERN SOUTH PACIFIC.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, SPACE DEBRIS
   140439Z TO 140907Z JUN, ALTERNATE 
   150439Z TO 150907Z, 160439Z TO 160907Z,
   170439Z TO 170907Z, 180439Z TO 180907Z,
   190439Z TO 190907Z AND 200439Z TO 200907Z JUN
   IN AREA BOUND BY
   34-20.00S 090-24.00W, 31-22.00S 090-24.00W,
   00-10.00S 115-17.00W, 01-19.00S 116-54.00W.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 201007Z JUN 24.

080252Z JUN 24
HYDROPAC 1983/24(22).
EASTERN SOUTH PACIFIC.
DNC 06, DNC 07.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, SPACE DEBRIS
   140439Z TO 140907Z JUN, ALTERNATE 
   150439Z TO 150907Z, 160439Z TO 160907Z,
   170439Z TO 170907Z, 180439Z TO 180907Z,
   190439Z TO 190907Z AND 200439Z TO 200907Z JUN
   IN AREA BOUND BY
   34-20.00S 090-24.00W, 31-22.00S 090-24.00W,
   00-10.00S 115-17.00W, 01-19.00S 116-54.00W.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 201007Z JUN 24.

[OneSpeed]

NGA Space Debris notice that is effectively a Rocket Launching notice.

Maps from the NGA notices. ASDS 642km downrange, in an area identical to 8-7 and 8-8.

[zubenelgenubi]

Which first stage will be used for this launch?  (semi-rhetorical question)

Falcon 9 first stages are apparently now cleared for use up to twenty times for non-human spaceflight missions, although that number is apparently more restricted for Cargo Dragon and Cygnus than these other payloads.

Available first stages, with UTC date of most recent recovery:
1075.11   Mar 19
1082.5     May 10
1063.19   May 14
1071.17   May 22 (maybe)

I am interested in what has delayed the use of B1075.11.

Edit June 17: It's B1082.5, skipping over B1075.11 again.

Edited

[Martin_G]

https://www.fly.faa.gov/adv/adv_spt.jsp:

SPACEX STARLINK 9-1, VANDENBERG SFB, CA
PRIMARY:   06/14/24   0300-0731
BACKUP:      06/15/24   0300-0731
      06/16/24   0300-0731

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/haygenwarren/status/1800291593951519047

Falcon 9's busy launch cadence is expected to continue this week as SpaceX launches two Starlink missions and a television satellite for SES.

John Sharp (@ukspacebulletin) with this week's launch roundup ⬇️

https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2024/06/launch-roundup-061024/

[rsmath]

Very good opportunity for Southwestern U.S. launch visibility if it launches on its first opportunity.

[Ken the Bin]

All NGA notices are canceled TBD.

112344Z JUN 24
NAVAREA XII 417/24(21).
EASTERN NORTH PACIFIC.
MEXICO.
CANCEL NAVAREA XII 407/24 AND THIS MSG,
OPERATIONS POSTPONED.

112350Z JUN 24
NAVAREA XII 418/24(22).
EASTERN SOUTH PACIFIC.
CANCEL NAVAREA XII 408/24 AND THIS MSG,
OPERATIONS POSTPONED.

112350Z JUN 24
HYDROPAC 2020/24(22).
EASTERN SOUTH PACIFIC.
DNC 06, DNC 07.
CANCEL HYDROPAC 1983/24 AND THIS MSG,
OPERATIONS POSTPONED.

[Galactic Penguin SST]

All NGA notices are canceled TBD.

112344Z JUN 24
NAVAREA XII 417/24(21).
EASTERN NORTH PACIFIC.
MEXICO.
CANCEL NAVAREA XII 407/24 AND THIS MSG,
OPERATIONS POSTPONED.

112350Z JUN 24
NAVAREA XII 418/24(22).
EASTERN SOUTH PACIFIC.
CANCEL NAVAREA XII 408/24 AND THIS MSG,
OPERATIONS POSTPONED.

112350Z JUN 24
HYDROPAC 2020/24(22).
EASTERN SOUTH PACIFIC.
DNC 06, DNC 07.
CANCEL HYDROPAC 1983/24 AND THIS MSG,
OPERATIONS POSTPONED.

NOTAMs are still up as of this post, including a new one from Los Angeles FIR.

[Ken the Bin]

Not always correct, but the FAA ATCSCC Current Operations Plan Advisory now has this launch as June 19 UTC. Earlier today it was still June 14 UTC.

https://www.fly.faa.gov/adv/adv_spt.jsp

SPACEX STARLINK 9-1, VANDENBERG SFB, CA
PRIMARY:        06/19/24        0300-0731
BACKUP:         06/20/24        0300-0731
                06/21/24        0300-0731

[Ken the Bin]

Now that NGA notices are arriving again ...

An NGA Space Debris notice that is effectively a Rocket Launching notice.

140914Z JUN 24
NAVAREA XII 425/24(21).
EASTERN NORTH PACIFIC.
MEXICO.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, SPACE DEBRIS
   0300Z TO 0731Z DAILY 19 THRU 25 JUN
   IN AREA BOUND BY
   30-04.00N 116-28.00W, 29-42.00N 116-06.00W,
   29-18.00N 115-56.00W, 28-58.00N 116-22.00W,
   29-12.00N 116-48.00W, 29-32.00N 117-06.00W,
   30-35.00N 117-24.00W, 30-41.00N 117-23.00W,
   30-34.00N 117-10.00W.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 250831Z JUN 24.

NGA Space Debris notices (the same notice for two different Navigational Areas).

140843Z JUN 24
NAVAREA XII 424/24(22).
EASTERN SOUTH PACIFIC.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, SPACE DEBRIS
   0400Z TO 1200Z DAILY 19 THRU 28 JUN
   IN AREA BOUND BY
   34-20.00S 090-24.00W, 31-22.00S 090-24.00W,
   00-10.00S 115-17.00W, 01-19.00S 116-54.00W.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 281300Z JUN 24.

140843Z JUN 24
HYDROPAC 2055/24(22).
EASTERN SOUTH PACIFIC.
DNC 06, DNC 07.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, SPACE DEBRIS
   0400Z TO 1200Z DAILY 19 THRU 28 JUN
   IN AREA BOUND BY
   34-20.00S 090-24.00W, 31-22.00S 090-24.00W,
   00-10.00S 115-17.00W, 01-19.00S 116-54.00W.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 281300Z JUN 24.

[Ron Lee]

Very good opportunity for Southwestern U.S. launch visibility if it launches on its first opportunity.

Good heads up.   

For the Los Angeles area here are the sun events for 18 June 2024:

Sunset:  8:07 PM PDT
Civil twilight:  8:37 PM PDT
Nautical twilight:  9:13 PM PDT
Astronomical twilight:  9:52 PM PDT

As a rough starting point, a launch at civil twilight may allow the ground observer to have adequately dark skies to see the plume.  It would be much better (darker sky on the ground) as the launch gets later. At some point, the second stage would no longer be sunlit.  That time is unknown to me but let us assume about 9:35 PM PDT.

Here is a positive.  For a given launch time that has the second stage in sunlight, the further east you go the darker the skies are on the ground, which would make a better visual experience.

To illustrate that, here are the sun events for Artesia, NM where the launch jellyfish has been seen:

Sunset:   8:08 PM MDT
Civil twilight:  8:37 PM MDT
Nautical twilight:  9:12 PM MDT
Astronomical twilight:  9:50 PM MDT

An 8:00 PM PDT launch is 9:00 PM MDT in Artesia which is almost nautical twilight.  Much better viewing conditions (darker sky) in this more eastern area. 

I use https://www.sunrisesunset.com/ to determine sun events (sunset/twilight) for various locations.  Use the "Search USA" link on the left to input your location and select months and year.  Then after it creates a calendar go back to the bottom left and select "Modify Settings" and scroll down to choose whichever twilight settings you want and again scroll down and select "Make Calendar."

[realnouns]

Lindsay C + OCISLY departed PoLB on Jun 17 @ 12:23pm PT / 3:23pm ET

[realnouns]

Go Beyond departed PoLB on Jun 17 @ 5:25pm PT / 8:25pm ET

[GewoonLukas_]

Booster B1082-5

SpaceX is targeting Tuesday, June 18 for a Falcon 9 launch of 20 Starlink satellites, including 13 with Direct to Cell capabilities, to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Station in California. Liftoff is targeted for 8:00 p.m. PT, with backup opportunities available until 12:00 a.m. PT on Wednesday, June 19. If needed, additional opportunities are also available on Thursday, June 19 starting at 8:00 p.m. ET.

A live webcast of this mission will begin on X @SpaceX about five minutes prior to liftoff. Watch live.

This is the fifth flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched USSF-62, and three Starlink missions. Following stage separation, the first stage will land on the Of Course I Still Love You droneship, which will be stationed in the Pacific Ocean.

Twitter/X Webcast URL: https://x.com/i/broadcasts/1OwxWYYrYNWGQ

https://www.spacex.com/launches/mission/?missionId=sl-9-1

[raptorx2]

Group 7 launched to 53 degree inclination from Vandenberg = 22 V2.0Mini's
Group 9 launched to 53 degree inclination from Vandenberg = 20 Starlinks.

[Steven Pietrobon]

Group 7 launched to 53 degree inclination from Vandenberg = 22 V2.0Mini's
Group 9 launched to 53 degree inclination from Vandenberg = 20 Starlinks.

The reduction by two satellites is due to the 13 direct-to-cell Starlinks (unofficial name v2d) being carried, which are a little heavier than the standard mini's (unofficial name v2m). 24 v2m's were launched with 17,500 kg payload [1]. That gives a v2m mass of 729 kg. Solving 22*v2m = 7*v2m+13*v2d, gives a v2d mass of (22-7)*v2m/13 = 841 kg.

[1] https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1762019803630563800

Here's the pdf of the online press kit.

[zubenelgenubi]

SpaceX is targeting Tuesday, June 18 for a Falcon 9 launch of 20 Starlink satellites, including 13 with Direct to Cell capabilities, to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Station in California. Liftoff is targeted for 8:00 p.m. PT, with backup opportunities available until 12:00 a.m. PT on Wednesday, June 19. If needed, additional opportunities are also available on Thursday, June 19 starting at 8:00 p.m. ET.

https://www.spacex.com/launches/mission/?missionId=sl-9-1

https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1802825844647448745

Later that night, Falcon 9 will launch 20 @Starlink satellites to orbit from California →