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SpaceX Vehicles and Missions => SpaceX Falcon Missions Section => Topic started by: Chris Bergin on 01/15/2018 12:14 pm

Title: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/15/2018 12:14 pm
UPDATE thread for GovSat-1 satellite launching on Falcon 9

NSF Threads for GovSat-1 : Discussion (http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=36807.0) / Updates (http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=44691.0) / L2 Coverage January-February (http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=44312.0)
NSF Articles for GovSat-1 :
   [Jan. 26, 2018] SpaceX static fire flight-proven booster for SES-16/GovSat1 mission (https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2018/01/spacex-static-fire-ses-16-govsat1-mission/)
   [Jan. 31, 2018]Falcon 9 launches GovSat-1 from SLC-40 – Booster survives water landing (https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2018/01/spacex-govsat-1-falcon-9-launch/)

Successful launch on January 31, 2018 at 1625 EST/2125 UTC on reused Falcon 9 (1032.2) from SLC-40 at Cape Canaveral.    The first stage landed intact in the ocean after testing a more aggressive landing burn.


First order for the company since the merger?

ORBITAL ATK’S GEOSTAR-3 SATELLITE PLATFORM GAINS TRACTION AMONG WORLD’S TOP SATELLITE OPERATORS
Quote
SES Selects Orbital ATK to Build SES-16/GovSat Satellite for Mid-2017 Delivery
Third GEOStar-3 Spacecraft Ordered Since 2014 Introduction


Dulles, Virginia, 16 February 2015 – Orbital ATK, Inc. (NYSE: OA), a global leader in aerospace and defense technologies, announced today it received a contract to build a communications satellite for LuxGovSat, a newly created joint venture between SES and the Luxembourg government. SES-16/GovSat will be used to provide military satellite bandwidth to governments and institutions. The Luxembourg government has pre-committed to a significant amount of capacity in support of its NATO obligations.

Based on Orbital ATK’s recently introduced GEOStar-3™ satellite platform, SES-16/GovSat is a multi-mission satellite using dedicated military frequencies (X-band and military Ka-band) to provide high-powered and fully steerable spot beams for multiple government-specific missions. It is Orbital ATK’s 40th GEOStar satellite sale, the third GEOStar-3 satellite purchased, and seventh GEOStar satellite to be built for SES.

“SES is one of the world’s most prominent satellite operators and this contract demonstrates a continued confidence in our GEOStar product line. As a customer-focused company known for innovation, reliability and affordability, we are pleased to provide LuxGovSat with a high-quality satellite that will meet expectations in cost, schedule and performance,” said Chris Richmond, VP and GM of the Commercial Satellite Division at Orbital ATK’s Space Systems Group. “Based on our exceptional record of delivering flight-proven satellites on time and on budget, Orbital ATK continues to be a partner that SES and the Government of Luxembourg can count on.”

Orbital ATK’s GEOStar satellite platform can accommodate all types of commercial communications payloads and is compatible with all major commercial launchers. The GEOStar design is optimized for satellite missions requiring up to eight kilowatts of payload power.

The company also offers a hybrid electric propulsion GEOStar-3 design that provides the benefits of higher power/higher payload capability while still maintaining advantageous launch costs.

Martin Halliwell, Chief Technology Officer of SES, commented, “The joint procurement of SES-16/GovSat opens a new chapter in the strategically important government business vertical and in the cooperation between SES and the Luxembourg government. SES-16/GovSat will ensure flexibility for the ever-changing missions of governments and institutions in the security, defense and civil arena and will allow for the deployment of integrated and smart end-to-end managed solutions for these demanding customers.”

SES-16/GovSat will be designed, manufactured and tested at Orbital ATK’s satellite manufacturing facility in Dulles, Virginia. It is slated for delivery in mid-2017. Once in orbit, it will be positioned on the European geostationary orbit arc with coverage areas over Europe, the Middle East and Africa. It will have a service life of 15 years.

Orbital ATK’s Space Systems Group (SSG) is an industry leader in satellite technology and advanced rated space systems providing a broad portfolio of products and services for commercial, military, civil government and international customers. The Group designs, manufactures and operates small to medium-class satellites for communication, imaging, science, human exploration and military operations. SSG also specializes in market-leading integrated thermal control systems, space components that power and enable satellites of all classes, satellite servicing technology and premier technical engineering services to government agencies and laboratories.

 

SES Upcoming Launches (https://www.ses.com/our-network/launches)
GovSat-1 on SES.com (https://www.ses.com/network/satellites/371) / GovSat-1 on Gunter's Space Page (http://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/ses-16.htm)



Other SpaceX resources on NASASpaceflight:
   SpaceX News Articles (Recent) (http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/tag/spacex/)  /   SpaceX News Articles from 2006 (Including numerous exclusive Elon interviews) (http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=21862.0)
   SpaceX Dragon Articles (http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/tag/dragon/)  /  SpaceX Missions Section (with Launch Manifest and info on past and future missions) (https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?board=55.0)
   L2 SpaceX Section (https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?board=60.0)
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 30. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/15/2018 12:16 pm
https://twitter.com/GovSatLu/status/952892618949758979

Quote
The #GovSat1 satellite will be launched soon at the @NASAKennedy, in Cape Canaveral, stay tuned for more information!
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 30. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Michael Baylor on 01/17/2018 08:51 pm
Quote
Looking forward to @GovSatLu 1st #satellite launch with @SpaceX. Following Zuma mission, our engineering staff have reviewed all relevant launch vehicle flight data following last Falcon-9 launcher mission. We are confident on SpaceX readiness & set for Govsat-1 launch late Jan!

https://twitter.com/SES_Satellites/status/953732417810034688
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 30. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 01/20/2018 05:37 am
New launch license attached.

Note this isn’t specific for GovSat-1, it’s for F9 GTO comms sat launches from LC-40. So GovSat-1 is the first launch it applies to. License is for 5 years, so should reduce future paperwork a bit!
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 30. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: ChrisGebhardt on 01/21/2018 04:31 pm
Per the 45th Space Wing confirming this morning that they cannot support static fire and launch ops during the U.S. government federation shutdown, it's worth noting that as of this moment, this doesn't significantly impact GovSat/SES-16 on 30 January just yet.  We're 9 days out from that launch (and about 4-5 days out from a needed static fire). 

If the shutdown doesn't drag on, this could still happen as scheduled.  If the shutdown drags on, however...
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 30. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Raul on 01/25/2018 01:04 pm
M1389 GovSat-1 Launch Hazard Areas (https://goo.gl/L9HXtj) visualization based on issued NOTMAR.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 30. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 01/25/2018 06:43 pm
Airspace closure area & launch hazard area
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 30. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: vaporcobra on 01/25/2018 07:59 pm
Booster is rolling out at LC-40, apparently. Rather bad air/image quality but I do see something that at least vaguely resembles F9 on the TEL.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWa-oRt3DIE
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 30. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: ZachS09 on 01/25/2018 08:09 pm
Quote
Next Falcon 9 launch is set to be expendable. Drone ship's next job will be to catch the center core of the Falcon Heavy.

https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/956612001287065601
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 30. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/26/2018 12:44 pm
Static Fire is NET today (although some say likely Saturday), but we still don't have a window.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 30. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 01/26/2018 01:09 pm
Quote
Local observers have #Falcon9 on SLC-40 ahead of static fire (likely today) for the #SES16 #GovSat1 mission on 30 Jan. #SpaceX

https://twitter.com/chrisg_nsf/status/956890956221108224Sorry
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 30. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 01/26/2018 02:34 pm
Static Fire is NET today (although some say likely Saturday), but we still don't have a window.

Ken Kramer posted two pics showing a shadowy out of focus sillouette showing the Falcon 9:

https://twitter.com/ken_kremer/status/956901349291184128
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 30. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 01/26/2018 02:49 pm
Launch weather forecast is 80% GO, but upper level winds at 120 kts would be an issue:

Quote
Launch day probability of violating launch weather constraints: 20%
Primary concern(s): Liftoff Winds
   
Delay day probability of violating launch weather constraints: 20%
Primary concern(s): Thick Cloud Layer Rule
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 30. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/26/2018 04:01 pm
https://twitter.com/Helodriver2004/status/956920341409992705

@NASASpaceflight the #SpaceX #Falcon9 is vertical on LC-40 minus it's payload fairing for static fire. No venting visible yet.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 30. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Elthiryel on 01/26/2018 04:03 pm
According to the forecast, launch window has been slightly adjusted, now it's 2125-2346 UTC (was 2123-2337 UTC).
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 30. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/26/2018 04:18 pm
Article for the Static Fire:

https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2018/01/spacex-static-fire-ses-16-govsat1-mission/

- by Chris Gebhardt.

Updated per the below confirmation of a good quick look review.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 30. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: tvg98 on 01/26/2018 04:28 pm
Quote
Static fire test of Falcon 9 complete—targeting January 30 launch of GovSat-1 from Pad 40 in Florida.
https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/956941584259411968 (https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/956941584259411968)
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 30. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: vaporcobra on 01/26/2018 06:31 pm
And the static fire! Looks to be around 6-8 seconds in duration.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7Xv2uO6Grg
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 30. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Nehkara on 01/26/2018 06:46 pm
I made a gfycat of this static fire.

https://gfycat.com/LongCheerfulFirebelliedtoad

Credit: US Launch Report

The Static Fire was 9.1 seconds long, +/- a tenth of a second.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 30. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Raul on 01/26/2018 07:01 pm
Launch weather forecast is 80% GO, but upper level winds at 120 kts would be an issue:

Launch weather forecast (http://www.patrick.af.mil/Portals/14/documents/Weather/L-4%20Forecast%2030%20Jan%20Launch.pdf?ver=2018-01-26-115605-960) is changed to 40% GO.
Quote
Vehicle: Falcon 9 GovSat-1
Issued: 26 Jan 2018/1200 EST(1700 UTC)
Valid: 30 Jan 2018/1625-1846 EST (2125-2346 UTC)

Launch day probability of violating launch weather constraints: 60%
Primary concern(s):   Liftoff Winds
Delay day probability of violating launch weather constraints: 20%
Primary concern(s): Thick Cloud Layer Rule
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 30. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 01/27/2018 03:25 pm
Quote
"2 Falcons Simultaneously Vertical on 2 Pads Launching by @SpaceX in Next 2 Weeks 1st time: Rocket Heaven at Florida’s Spaceport"
#SpaceX #FalconHeavy #Falcon9 @NASAKennedy @CapeCanaveralFL AFS .  @Ken_Kremer SpaceUpClose.com #SpaceUpClose
kenkremer.blogspot.com/2018/01/2-falc…

https://twitter.com/ken_kremer/status/957271776014237696 (https://twitter.com/ken_kremer/status/957271776014237696)
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 30. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 01/27/2018 05:06 pm
Launch weather forecast issued today is still 40% GO; upper level winds reduced slightly to 110 kts:

Quote
Launch day probability of violating launch weather constraints: 60%
Primary concern(s):   Liftoff Winds
Delay day probability of violating launch weather constraints: 20%
Primary concern(s): Thick Cloud Layer Rule
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 30. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: input~2 on 01/27/2018 06:57 pm
WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC.
FLORIDA.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING
302118Z TO 310037Z JAN, ALTERNATE
312118Z JAN TO 010037Z FEB IN AREAS BOUND BY:
A. 28-37N 080-38W, 28-38N 080-17W,
28-37N 079-49W, 28-34N 079-27W,
28-30N 079-27W, 28-28N 080-07W,
28-30N 080-33W, 28-31N 080-37W.
B. 28-25N 074-55W, 28-30N 072-05W,
28-15N 071-40W, 27-30N 071-50W,
28-00N 074-55W.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 010137Z FEB 18.//

Authority: EASTERN RANGE 221533Z JAN 18.

Date: 250525Z JAN 18
Cancel: 01013700 Feb 18
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 30. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Michael Baylor on 01/27/2018 07:53 pm
INTERESTING!

SpaceX recovery support ships Go Quest and Go Searcher have left Port Canaveral.

Possible fairing recovery test!
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 30. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Elthiryel on 01/28/2018 02:04 pm
A new weather forecast (L-2) has been issued.

Still 40% GO and 110 kts for upper level winds on the launch day.
90% GO on the delay day (was 80% before), upper level winds unchanged (100 kts).
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 30. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: vaporcobra on 01/28/2018 09:11 pm
INTERESTING!

SpaceX recovery support ships Go Quest and Go Searcher have left Port Canaveral.

Possible fairing recovery test!

Saw this yesterday.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bed0vNdlbNe/
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 30. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 01/29/2018 10:11 am
https://youtu.be/GYLXS3-yO0M (https://youtu.be/GYLXS3-yO0M)

Quote
GovSat
Published on 29 Jan 2018

Watch this video to see what our CEO, Patrick Biewer, has to say about the upcoming launch of GovSat-1 - the satellite that will set a new level of communications for governments and institutions worldwide.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 30. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 01/29/2018 01:27 pm
Launch weather forecast issued today, no change from forecast issued yesterday so still 40% GO; upper level winds still 110 kts:

Quote
Launch day probability of violating launch weather constraints: 60%
Primary concern(s):   Liftoff Winds
Delay day probability of violating launch weather constraints: 10%
Primary concern(s): Thick Cloud Layer Rule
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 30. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: stcks on 01/29/2018 09:09 pm
Presskit is up (http://www.spacex.com/sites/spacex/files/govsat1presskit.pdf)


Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 30. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 01/29/2018 09:22 pm
https://youtu.be/ScYUA51-POQ (https://youtu.be/ScYUA51-POQ)
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 30. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Lewis007 on 01/30/2018 06:56 am
GovSat launch patch
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 30. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: jacqmans on 01/30/2018 08:19 am
Today at 1:00 – 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time  – Representatives from the Luxembourg government and SES will host a pre-launch press conference at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex’s Debus Center. This is open to all media.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 30. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/30/2018 01:50 pm
FEATURE ARTICLE: SpaceX set to loft GovSat-1 via Falcon 9 launch -
https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2018/01/spacex-govsat-1-falcon-9-launch/

- By William Graham

And yes, that's Zuma's F9 in the lead photo for now as we're waiting for pad photos. Will replace when we have new ones. Media pad photos delayed due to the late arrival of the Luxembourg royal family.

(Pfft, that always happens. ) ;D
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 30. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 01/30/2018 02:07 pm
Picture from SpaceX website
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 30. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 01/30/2018 02:08 pm
Launch weather forecast attached. 40% GO but increasing to 60% through the window (in terms of liftoff winds). No change to upper level winds forecast.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 30. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/30/2018 02:20 pm
https://twitter.com/ChrisG_NSF/status/958358524253392897
Good morning from SLC-40 where #SpaceX is set to lunch a previously flown #Falcon9 w/ #SES16 / #GovSat1 for #Luxembourg this afternoon during a 2+ hr launch window that opens at 16:25 EST (21:25 UTC).  This mission will fly expendable due to mission/company requirements.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 30. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 01/30/2018 03:01 pm
Luxembourg PM tweet (2nd from left in photo):

Quote
#GovSat1 🛰🚀 is ready for the take off. Let’s cross fingers
@SpaceX @GovSatLu @SES_Satellites

https://twitter.com/xavier_bettel/status/958354189305905152

I think Prince Guillaume, heir to the Grand Duchy, is third from the right?

Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 30. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: ChrisGebhardt on 01/30/2018 05:19 pm
Per the wind conditions and limits for the forecast...

The forecast calls for sustained winds between 25-30 mph on the ground at the pad.

The public, available Falcon 9 launch commit criteria says that the ground wind limit for F9 is 35 mph sustained.
--

SCRUB:
https://twitter.com/ChrisG_NSF/status/958430788655165440
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 30. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 01/30/2018 07:13 pm
Quote
F9/GovSat1: SpaceX is scrubbing today's planned launch of a Falcon 9 rocket carrying the GovSat 1 satellite to replace a transducer of some sort; plan is to recycle for another try Wednesday with same window, opening at 4:25pm EST

https://twitter.com/cbs_spacenews/status/958431065248591874
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 01/30/2018 07:18 pm
https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/958433771493081088

"SpaceX
‏Verified account @SpaceX
56s seconds ago

Standing down for today. Team is going to replace a second stage sensor. Next available launch opportunity is tomorrow, January 31."
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Req on 01/30/2018 11:58 pm
https://www.instagram.com/p/BemBlnSAACd/

elonmusk
Falcon Heavy, launching Tuesday, in foreground and Falcon 9, launching tomorrow, in background
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 01/31/2018 02:43 pm
Latest forecast now over 90% GO for today. ULW still forecast at 100 kts, so hopefully ok.

Quote
Launch day probability of violating launch weather constraints: <10%
Primary concern(s): Thick Cloud Layer Rule
Delay day probability of violating launch weather constraints: 20%
Primary concern(s): Thick Cloud Layer Rule
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 01/31/2018 06:20 pm
Quote
Its a beautiful day to launch!#GovSat1 perched on @SpaceX #Falcon9 w picperfect skies,warm/virtually no winds-in contrast to Jan30 gloomy clouds/brisk threatening winds.@SES_Satellites #SES. Liftoff today Jan31 425 PM ET @ken_kremer SpaceUpClose.com kenkremer.com

https://twitter.com/ken_kremer/status/958758498254446592
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 01/31/2018 06:28 pm
Great flight proven booster close-ups:

Quote
Looking perfect for a launch today! In about an hour we will be heading to the causeway to get ready to photograph the launch follow @Teslarati #falcon9 #spacex #rocketlaunch #space #florida

https://twitter.com/_tomcross_/status/958770998282768389
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: ChrisGebhardt on 01/31/2018 07:01 pm
Spacecraft ready for prop load.

Hold fire checks in work.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: ChrisGebhardt on 01/31/2018 07:03 pm
Hold fire checks complete.  No issues.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: ChrisGebhardt on 01/31/2018 07:07 pm
Prop go/no go poll in work.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: ChrisGebhardt on 01/31/2018 07:12 pm
GO for propellant load AND launch!
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: ChrisGebhardt on 01/31/2018 07:15 pm
The launch auto-sequence has started, as has propellant loading of RP-1 into the Falcon 9.  Launch is scheduled for 16:25 EST (21:25 UTC)
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: RocketLover0119 on 01/31/2018 07:16 pm
confirmation everything is GO for launch!!

https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/958795648064630784
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: ChrisGebhardt on 01/31/2018 07:16 pm
Team is now being briefed on the abort sequence and what operators should do if there is an urgent and non-urgent need to abort the auto sequence.  This is a standard briefing.  All is well.  There are no issues being worked at this time.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: ChrisGebhardt on 01/31/2018 07:25 pm
60 minutes.  All is quiet on the LD loop.  RP-1 prop load is progressing without issue.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: ChrisGebhardt on 01/31/2018 07:40 pm
Loop continues to be VERY quiet.  Good sign.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: ChrisGebhardt on 01/31/2018 07:52 pm
All still quiet. 
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: ChrisGebhardt on 01/31/2018 08:01 pm
25mins.   All still quiet and good.  The security helicopter is patrolling for planes and boats.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: ChrisGebhardt on 01/31/2018 08:01 pm
A LOX VENT!!!!


A BIG vent, too!
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: ChrisGebhardt on 01/31/2018 08:04 pm
Wow.  This vent us STILL happening.  But all is well!
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/31/2018 08:07 pm
SpaceX FM has begun.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 01/31/2018 08:08 pm
Its funky music time!
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: andrewsdanj on 01/31/2018 08:08 pm
'Test Shot Starfish - Flight Proven' on the webcast. Things are picking up!
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: ChrisGebhardt on 01/31/2018 08:10 pm
Spacecraft on internal power and GO FOR LAUNCH
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 01/31/2018 08:13 pm
Webcast has started.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 01/31/2018 08:14 pm
T-11 minutes. Have another opportunity tomorrow at same time.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 01/31/2018 08:15 pm
T-10 minutes. Talking about flight proven booster.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 01/31/2018 08:16 pm
T-9 minutes.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 01/31/2018 08:17 pm
T-8 minutes. Venting from top of second stage.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 01/31/2018 08:18 pm
T-7 minutes. Engine chill should be starting now. Weather is go.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 01/31/2018 08:19 pm
T-6 minutes. Welcoming Luxembourg delegation.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 01/31/2018 08:20 pm
T-5 minutes. GovSat 1 promo.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 01/31/2018 08:21 pm
T-4 minutes. Helium has finished loading.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: RocketLover0119 on 01/31/2018 08:21 pm
Have just finished helium load in s1 and 2, LOX load almost done.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 01/31/2018 08:22 pm
T-3 minutes. Stage 1 LOX load has closed out.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 01/31/2018 08:23 pm
T-2 minutes. Stage 2 LOX load has closed out.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 01/31/2018 08:24 pm
T-1 minute. AFTS is ready for launch.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 01/31/2018 08:25 pm
Liftoff!
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/31/2018 08:26 pm
LAUNCH!!
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 01/31/2018 08:26 pm
T+1 minute.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/31/2018 08:26 pm
MaxQ
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 01/31/2018 08:27 pm
T+2 minutes.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 01/31/2018 08:28 pm
Separation.

T+3 minutes.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 01/31/2018 08:29 pm
Fairing separation.

T+4 minutes.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Craftyatom on 01/31/2018 08:30 pm
Note that the call "Recovery vessel has AOS" was made over the net shortly before stage separation.  No first stage recovery on this one, so this is either a dry run or something else.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 01/31/2018 08:30 pm
T+5 minutes.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 01/31/2018 08:31 pm
T+6 minutes. Looking to 1000s of reuses in long term.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Joffan on 01/31/2018 08:32 pm
Call-out of stage 1 entry burn
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 01/31/2018 08:32 pm
Stage 1 entry burn.

T+7 minutes.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 01/31/2018 08:33 pm
T+8 minutes.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 01/31/2018 08:34 pm
Stage 1 splashdown and SECO.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: LouScheffer on 01/31/2018 08:34 pm
Landing burn only 10 seconds.   Definitely a 3 engine burn - a normal one-engine burn lasts 30 seconds.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 01/31/2018 08:35 pm
Video is back.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 01/31/2018 08:36 pm
T+10 minutes. Upcoming events.

00:26:40 2nd stage engine restarts
00:27:48 2nd stage engine cutoff (SECO-2)
00:32:19 GovSat-1 satellite deploy
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Lar on 01/31/2018 08:36 pm
Reminder, this is an updates thread. Questions and comments should go to the discussion thread http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=36807
Also please hold your congrats till after successful payload deploy...
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Rocket Science on 01/31/2018 08:37 pm
S1 splashdown...
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 01/31/2018 08:37 pm
View of payload.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 01/31/2018 08:40 pm
T+15 minutes. Across the Atlantic.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 01/31/2018 08:45 pm
T+20 minutes. Heading towards the jungles of Africa.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: IanThePineapple on 01/31/2018 08:50 pm
Past 25 min, coming up on S2 startup in a few mins.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 01/31/2018 08:51 pm
T+25 minutes. Over the Gulf of Guinea. Ignition in 1 minute and 40 seconds.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 01/31/2018 08:52 pm
Ignition!
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 01/31/2018 08:53 pm
Cutoff. Good orbit insertion.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 01/31/2018 08:54 pm
Nozzle has cooled down.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 01/31/2018 08:56 pm
T+30 minutes. Back over Africa again. Separation in 2 minutes 19 seconds.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 01/31/2018 08:58 pm
Separation! Just the way we like it.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Mapperuo on 01/31/2018 08:58 pm
Congratulations SpaceX and SES!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjGgKH6nHCc
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/31/2018 08:59 pm
Job done!

Great work from Steven, Chris G and all with the coverage.

Article from William Graham updated:
https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2018/01/spacex-govsat-1-falcon-9-launch/ (Chris G with the lead photo).

One post each of congrats, per the rules.

Replies, general comments, use the other threads! :)
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: EspenU on 01/31/2018 08:59 pm
Beautiful launch. Congratulations to SpaceX, SES, and Luxemburg.
Now on to FH!
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Craig_VG on 01/31/2018 08:59 pm
Congrats SpaceX!

Great to see Sooty's brother fly

Now on to heavy! Can't wait to be back at the Cape
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: AncientU on 01/31/2018 08:59 pm
Looks easy -- know it's not.
Great job to all.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 01/31/2018 08:59 pm
End of coverage.

Congratulations to SpaceX, SES and Luxembourg for the successful launch!
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Ben the Space Brit on 01/31/2018 08:59 pm
Smooth, untroubled and routine. A good job by SpaceX, the Eastern Range and SES! Now awaiting word that the spacecraft is healthy and operating well in independent flight mode.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: ZachS09 on 01/31/2018 08:59 pm
Congrats to SpaceX, LuxGovSat, and SES World Skies on succeeding in another Falcon 9 mission!

Two down, 27 more to go for SpaceX in the year of 2018 (according to my launch cadence predictions).
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: abaddon on 01/31/2018 09:00 pm
Congratulations to SES and SpaceX on another successful mission!  Great looking launch, smooth as silk.

Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: IanThePineapple on 01/31/2018 09:00 pm
Another success, SpaceX does not disapoint!

Well, the S1 footage might have been good...  ;)
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: northenarc on 01/31/2018 09:00 pm
 Congrats to SpaceX once again. It seems odd they didn't try to recover the stage, since they had the ship out there, the legs on, and conducted the burn, I don't get it, but I'm sure they have their reasons.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Craftyatom on 01/31/2018 09:00 pm
No fuss, nice and smooth.  A good palate-cleanser after all of the drama with ZUMA (and the Ariane V).  No landing is always a bit sad, but we should have more than enough landings coming up to sate that desire.

Congratulations to everyone involved in today's launch!  Here's hoping we get to see another, slightly heavier one soon.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: pb2000 on 01/31/2018 09:00 pm
Congrats to SpaceX, SES and the fine folks from Luxembourg!

Now on to the big show next week!
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: docmordrid on 01/31/2018 09:01 pm
Big congrats to SpaceX, SES and GovSat.  May their relationship live long & prosper.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Rocket Science on 01/31/2018 09:01 pm
Sep... Congrats to all the teams, well done! :) Thanks for the great coverage NSF... Bring-on the Heavy! 8)
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: mn on 01/31/2018 09:02 pm
Congratulations to SpaceX, SES, Luxembourg and all others involved.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Jarnis on 01/31/2018 09:02 pm
In the sprit of re-use, I'd like to re-use my congratulations to SpaceX, SES and anyone else involved for a picture-perfect launch.

...and now, it is Falcon Heavy time!
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: cscott on 01/31/2018 09:02 pm
Congratulations SpaceX for defying the rule of 3 with a perfectly nominal launch. On to Heavy!
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: moralec on 01/31/2018 09:03 pm
Congrats Space X!!! Another one in the bag! And the best of luck in the upcoming Falcon Heavy debut!
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Joffan on 01/31/2018 09:03 pm
Looked great, smooth and undramatic. Congrats on a great job done by SpaceX, and enjoy your new satellite Luxembourg.

With thanks as ever to NSF for coverage and camaraderie.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Hauerg on 01/31/2018 09:04 pm
Congrats.
For the successfull launch.
Also for surprising me again. By bolting legs to an expendable stage.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Silmfeanor on 01/31/2018 09:04 pm
Congratulations to SpaceX and SES.

Thanks to all supporting this launch, such as the range, the working payload adapter and the correctly entered azimuth.  ;D
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: ZachF on 01/31/2018 09:07 pm
Congrats to SpaceX, SES, and Luxembourg!

...now on to heavier things!  8)
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: WindnWar on 01/31/2018 09:09 pm
Congratulations to SpaceX on another successful launch and a payload in orbit. Looking forward to Falcon Heavy.

Rest up pad crews, you have a busy year ahead of you!

Congrats to SES for the payload and the Eastern Range for another successful day.

See you all there for the Heavy!
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: CeeJayDugan on 01/31/2018 09:10 pm
Congrats SpaceX! I had half my office watching and cheering along hoping for a smooth trip uphill. On to FH!
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: wannamoonbase on 01/31/2018 09:10 pm
Congrats SES and SpaceX

Next up FH!! 😮😮😮😮
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Lar on 01/31/2018 09:11 pm
Making it look routine. So odd not to watch a first stage recovery but OK. Congrats to SpaceX, SES, Luxembourg, and all involved, and thanks to the NSF stalwarts who did such a nice job of coverage. Lovely pics, Chris G!
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 01/31/2018 09:12 pm
Yes, congratulations to SpaceX, SES and Luxembourg  8). These F9 launches really do feel routine now.

Felt sorry for the booster. Do you think it’s kinder to not tell it in advance that there won’t be an ASDS there to meet it ...

Most of all I feel pleased to get this launch done, so we can all move on the next week’s excitement!
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Davp99 on 01/31/2018 09:14 pm
Great Launch SpaceX, Farewell Stage 1, we barely knew ya ...and Thanks as Always to NSF & Steve & Chris
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: ehb on 01/31/2018 09:15 pm
Congrats SES, SpaceX and all personnel in support of this mission.
Hoping the S1 landing data will be useful for more excellent landings ...
and 3 landings with FH next up! 
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: StuffOfInterest on 01/31/2018 09:22 pm
Wonderfully dull launch.  Congratulations to all involved.  On to next week!
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Rik ISS-fan on 01/31/2018 09:26 pm
Congratulations to SpaceX, the Eastern Range, SES and Luxembourg on what looks to be a successful launch of SES-16 / GovSat-1. I get that it's boring to wait until AOS, and after that system checkout, so let's assume it's a successful launch.
But to be fair SpaceX had a anomaly yesterday that needs to be worked upon. Most likely weather would have prohibited launch yesterday. But if SpaceX wants to reach higher launch rates, they can't waist launch days on system anomalies. Yes I'm harsh here, but it's the hard truth.
Good luck keeping improving the Falcon launch system. The best of luck with the maiden Falcon Heavy launch.
I really would like my pessimistic view on re-usability to be proven wrong.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Elmar Moelzer on 01/31/2018 09:28 pm
 Congrats to SpaceX, another routine launch! Way to go!
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: deruch on 01/31/2018 09:33 pm
Congratulations to SpaceX, SES, and Luxembourg on a nice, smooth launch!

Thanks to Steven and the Chrises (G. & B.) for your coverage.  I couldn't watch the video of the ascent live and had to follow via your posts then go back to watch during the coast.  Much appreciated. 
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Zed_Noir on 01/31/2018 09:36 pm
Another boring and uneventful launch.  :)
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 01/31/2018 09:39 pm
Quote
Another pre-flown Falcon 9 booster makes its way to space, this time it was for Luxembourg’s SES16/GovSat1! #falcon9 #spacex @Teslarati @SpaceX

https://twitter.com/_tomcross_/status/958818578530267136

Edit to add: more shots from https://twitter.com/_tomcross_/status/958824995899281408
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 01/31/2018 09:49 pm
Luxembourg PM:

Quote
Impressive to finally see 🛰 #GovSat1 on its way to orbit🚀. This is the beginning of a new experience for 🇱🇺. @GovSat is strengthening the position of Luxembourg as a key player in the space sector and contributes to a diversification of our economy.

https://twitter.com/govsatlu/status/958819189262835712
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Llian Rhydderch on 01/31/2018 09:51 pm
Congrats to SpaceX, and all of your vendors you buy services from (LOX, RP-1, helium, Range services, FCC and FAA regulatory (required) "services".  Thanks for the vision, and execution, to get this rocket designed, built, and into mainstreamed reusable-booster launches!!!!

Best wishes to SES and Luxembourg gmvt GovSat-1 peeps as you begin your multi-year flight hanging around the Clarke Belt.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 01/31/2018 09:51 pm
First launch photo released by SpaceX
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Star One on 01/31/2018 09:58 pm
Congratulations to all concerned in this launch.

Next up the very big brother.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: cartman on 01/31/2018 10:03 pm
Congrats to SpaceX, SES, and Luxembourg! Now on to Falcon Heavy!
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: ValmirGP on 01/31/2018 10:32 pm
Congratulations to all indeed!

Next up the very big brother.

And that's the only Big Brother I long and care to see  ;)
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Joffan on 01/31/2018 10:43 pm
Wow, update from Elon https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/958847818583584768

Quote
This rocket was meant to test very high retrothrust landing in water so it didn’t hurt the droneship, but amazingly it has survived. We will try to tow it back to shore.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Craig_VG on 01/31/2018 10:43 pm
Uhhh guys? The rocket lived!!
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: docmordrid on 01/31/2018 10:44 pm
Uhhh guys? The rocket lived!!

Elon Musk ✔ @elonmusk
This rocket was meant to test very high retrothrust landing in water so it didn’t hurt the droneship, but amazingly it has survived. We will try to tow it back to shore.
6:41 PM - Jan 31, 2018
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Bubbinski on 01/31/2018 11:00 pm
Congratulations to SpaceX and GovSat! Now get ready for Falcon Heavy.....
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: FlokiViking on 01/31/2018 11:02 pm
Can we say congrats on the recovery now or do we need to wait 'til she gets back to port?  8)
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: sauerkraut on 01/31/2018 11:04 pm
Well SpaceX is now recovering expendable boosters..

Go SpaceX Go..
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: intrepidpursuit on 01/31/2018 11:12 pm
Congrats to SpaceX. Despite the Falcon Heavy looming a few miles away, they gave GovSat the attention it deserved and it came off beautifully.

So, how do we handle landing bingo for the whole atlantic ocean?
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 01/31/2018 11:34 pm
More SpaceX launch images
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: lonestriker on 01/31/2018 11:43 pm
Congrats for the successful launch and successfully soft water landing! We'll consider it a successful recovery if it makes port more or less intact  ;D.

Onward to Falcon Heavy!
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: punder on 01/31/2018 11:45 pm
Completely amazing. Congrats SpaceX!!
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Perchlorate on 01/31/2018 11:49 pm
I'd love to see a graph of the decline in number of congratulatory posts.   The price of The Amazing become The Routine, I suppose.

Anyway, "Great job, SpaceX 45th Space Wing and NSF!!"

Now let's get crackin' on Tuesday and release the Kraken!
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: macpacheco on 01/31/2018 11:52 pm
I was going to say another run of the mill, make it look easy launch.
But... The rocket survived the splashdown... On a super duper kamikaze landing ! SpaceX just managed to up the game once more.
Glad to see that they haven't settled down, but are conservative enough to try to keep the ASDS away from a dangerous landing and succeed !
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: marshal on 01/31/2018 11:54 pm
Congratulations to SpaceX
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: todd5ski on 02/01/2018 12:05 am
Congrats to SpaceX and all involved. I would love to see the booster survive the tow to land.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: tleski on 02/01/2018 12:09 am
Congrats to SpaceX, SES, the range and everybody involved! Many thanks to NSF for coverage.
Great launch and unexpectedly successful landing. Let's hope we will see B1032 again!

Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Rebel44 on 02/01/2018 12:17 am
Congratulations to everyone involved in another successful launch.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Robotbeat on 02/01/2018 12:21 am
Wow, finally a splashdown recovery! Vindication since the first attempts at first stage recovery on Falcon 1 over a decade ago!

That really puts a smile on my face. :)

Congrats, the steamroller continues!
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: catdlr on 02/01/2018 12:22 am
other videos of the launch.

SpaceX Falcon 9 Launches GovSat-1 (60fps)

AmericaSpace
Published on Jan 31, 2018

https://youtu.be/_YWrwbuWy3o?t=001

https://youtu.be/_YWrwbuWy3o
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Ronpur50 on 02/01/2018 12:23 am
Swimming Falcons!  I love it.  Congrats to all involved!
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: wesley on 02/01/2018 12:29 am
Congratulations to SpaceX! Even the expendable boosters are recoverable!

I think it was like "Huh, they won't get me a droneship because of that Falcon Heavy? Fine, I'll swim back myself".
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: fishbait on 02/01/2018 12:31 am
Congrats SpaceX... Amazing indeed.

Wonder if SpaceX will release the video of the landing?
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Johnnyhinbos on 02/01/2018 12:34 am
Wow - space, SpaceX, and the ocean. That’s like, my perfect trifecta!

Now - if someone would only add a twist to the Tesla-launching Falcon Heavy debut. Oh wait, never mind...
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: burningsheep on 02/01/2018 12:39 am
Haha they landed it AND it didn't blow up after tipping over. Congrats!
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 02/01/2018 12:40 am
A happy customer:

Quote
#GovSat1 is successfully launched. And we are so pleased! @SpaceX @OrbitalATK - govsat.lu/news/govsat-1-…

https://twitter.com/govsatlu/status/958873330140024833

Press release attached.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: chad1011 on 02/01/2018 12:57 am
Congratulations SpaceX, NSF, SES, Luxembourg and everyone else involved.  I see that Elon thought it would be quicker to dunk the first stage in the ocean to wash off the soot and get some test data in the process!
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: friendly3 on 02/01/2018 01:08 am
Congrats to SpaceX !
The next step is to inadvertently recover a second stage. :P
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: deadman719 on 02/01/2018 01:22 am
Congrats to SpaceX and the entire team on another successful launch. Unfortunately I missed the launch due to being at work but knew I could come here to find the best launch play by play!

I'm blown away by the fact the booster survived the water landing! Guess 1032 refused to go gently into the good night! Assuming the booster makes it back to port, this is the first recovered expendable booster...another first.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: gregpet on 02/01/2018 02:39 am
Congrats SpaceX! :)

Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Giovanni DS on 02/01/2018 05:22 am
Congratulations to SpaceX and all those involved.

That thing just don't want to die, incredible.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: ppb on 02/01/2018 06:23 am
SpaceX ups the ante again.
They should christen it "The Unsinkable Molly Brown III"
Maybe landing with 3 engines somehow reduced the tipover rate in the water.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 02/01/2018 06:52 am
Quote
Flame detail on a silhouetted Falcon, @elonmusk @SpaceX love the dynamic range here, outstanding launch! shotdetails: instagram.com/p/BeooW-gB7dF/

https://twitter.com/timelapsejunkie/status/958892483240497152
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: ugordan on 02/01/2018 07:33 am
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATAhFbx8Eyk
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Ekramer on 02/01/2018 10:55 am
Congratulations to SpaceX and all involved.  Seeing B1032 floating in the ocean brought a tear to my eye.  Godspeed to the team as they attempt the daunting task of rescuing the little rocket that could.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: jacqmans on 02/01/2018 03:48 pm
Orbital ATK-Built GovSat-1 Multi-Mission Satellite Successfully Launched

Initial On-Orbit Testing Shows Satellite Performing Nominally

Dulles, Virginia 1 February 2018 – Orbital ATK (NYSE: OA), a global leader in aerospace and defense technologies, today announced the successful launch of the GovSat-1 multi-mission satellite. Orbital ATK built the satellite for GovSat, a public-private partnership between the Government of Luxembourg and world-leading satellite operator SES. GovSat-1 launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and marks the second GEOStar-3 satellite built by Orbital ATK to launch this month. It will be used to provide service to governmental and institutional customers.

Liftoff occurred on January 31 at 4:25 p.m. EST from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. The satellite separated successfully from the launch vehicle approximately 32 minutes into the mission after reaching its targeted orbit. Orbital ATK completed the satellite’s initial post-launch health check and configuration in preparation for 16 days of orbit-raising procedures and in-orbit tests. Once testing has been completed, operational control of GovSat-1 will be handed over to GovSat.
 
“Our initial testing of GovSat-1 shows the satellite is performing nominally,” said Amer Khouri, Vice President of the Commercial Satellite business at Orbital ATK. “The company has previously delivered six GEOStar satellites to SES, one of GovSat’s shareholders. GovSat-1 demonstrates continued confidence in the company’s GEOStar products.”

GovSat-1 was built in Orbital ATK’s satellite manufacturing facility in Dulles, Virginia. It is an X-band and military Ka-band satellite that provides high-powered and fully steerable spot beams for multiple government missions. The satellite will be positioned on the European geostationary orbit arc and provide coverage to Europe, the Middle East and Africa, along with extensive maritime coverage over the Mediterranean and Baltic seas, and the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.

The GEOStar-3 platform is the newest, highest power and most advanced platform in the flight-proven GEOStar product line. The spacecraft bus features an increase in both battery capacity and solar array power. An additional GEOStar-3 satellite is planned for launch this year.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: AC in NC on 02/01/2018 04:23 pm
Conagratualations to SpaceX!!!!  Someone mentioned "gravy' to get extra data from the soft-landing.  What a bonanza!!! 
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: pmenstrom on 02/01/2018 05:58 pm
You can't keep a good rocket down!

Congratulations to all involved!
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 02/01/2018 09:51 pm
Yet more images from SpaceX
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Targeteer on 02/02/2018 12:52 am
Hmm... no orbital data published

43178   SES-16/GOVSAT-1   2018-013A           PAYLOAD   
43179   FALCON 9 R/B           2018-013B           ROCKET BODY
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: catdlr on 02/02/2018 05:02 am
4K video of SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launching the GovSat1 satellite.


AmericaSpace
Published on Feb 1, 2018

https://youtu.be/lvP2-fB3BUk?t=001

https://youtu.be/lvP2-fB3BUk
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 02/03/2018 06:10 am
According to MarineTraffic.com Go Quest is currently about 9 NM east of Port Canaveral doing a bit over 7 kts. So won’t be long before we know whether the booster the refused to be expended has made it back or not.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 02/03/2018 07:27 am
Go Quest is now in the port, a few hundred metres from usual SpaceX berth
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Req on 02/05/2018 05:57 am
https://twitter.com/CowboyDanPaasch/status/960385808086822913

@CowboyDanPaasch
Re-enforcement's on site, off the Bahamas, per #SpaceX's very likely tow of a spent, but unexpectedly survived, 30-ton rocket core back to port. #GovSat1 #SpaceX

Go Searcher has been moving very slowly toward the Bahamas, and it looks to be meeting up with a larger ship about 70 miles from Marsh Harbor now.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Req on 02/05/2018 10:44 pm
Update on Go Searcher - After the rendezvous with the other ship it has been making a normal 7 knots toward Port Canaveral.

Edit: The tug Manisee appears to have met up with Go Searcher and is arriving near Marsh Harbor now at 7.5 knots.  Does 7.5 knots seem too fast for a successful recovery?

https://twitter.com/CowboyDanPaasch/status/960663935962755072

https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/home/shipid:442006/zoom:10
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Lar on 02/06/2018 12:17 am
Do we have any intelligence assets in the Bahamas that can get us some VisInt?
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: CraigLieb on 02/06/2018 03:13 am
Do we have any intelligence assets in the Bahamas that can get us some VisInt?
Find out if any cruise ships are in Bahamas port and have cams on them
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Req on 02/06/2018 05:31 am
Go Searcher now tracking from onshore Cape AIS receivers at vesselfinder:

https://www.vesselfinder.com/?imo=9591648
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Ben the Space Brit on 02/06/2018 06:31 am
Edit: The tug Manisee appears to have met up with Go Searcher and is arriving near Marsh Harbor now at 7.5 knots.  Does 7.5 knots seem too fast for a successful recovery?

The presence of a second vessel does suggest to me that they are towing something; whether or not it's intact is another issue altogether.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: John Alan on 02/06/2018 08:34 am
GO Searcher just averaged 6 knots down the length of the channel in Port Canaveral...  ???

Later add
And has just (4:45 EST) come to a full stop pier-side NW of where OCISLY is parked on her days off...  ;)
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: cscott on 02/06/2018 03:05 pm
And still sitting there.  So no role in FH, apparently.  I guess not terribly surprising there's no fairing recovery attempt this mission.

NSF eyes on Go Searcher:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=44587.msg1783364.msg#1783364
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Demidrol on 02/08/2018 11:07 am
Quote
Whatever the case, trusted anonymous sources have confirmed to AmericaSpace that the U.S. Air Force carried out an air strike to blow up the floating booster.
http://www.americaspace.com/2018/02/08/air-force-strike-takes-out-spacexs-floating-govsat-booster/
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: ChrisGebhardt on 02/08/2018 02:25 pm
Confirmed.  It was destroyed.  There was no safe way to tow it back without risk to land, sea, and people.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: cscott on 02/08/2018 07:20 pm
Confirmed.  It was destroyed.  There was no safe way to tow it back without risk to land, sea, and people.
Did you confirm the "it was destroyed" part or the "USAF air strike" part?  The latter is the sensational part of this story.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Star One on 02/08/2018 08:12 pm
Confirmed.  It was destroyed.  There was no safe way to tow it back without risk to land, sea, and people.
Did you confirm the "it was destroyed" part or the "USAF air strike" part?  The latter is the sensational part of this story.

ChrisG goes into more detail here.

https://mobile.twitter.com/ChrisG_NSF/status/961622795900866561
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Elthiryel on 02/09/2018 09:00 pm
Well, it seems that we have some contradictory reports now.

https://twitter.com/EmreKelly/status/962079238361894914
Quote
Emre Kelly‏ @EmreKelly

Statement from SpaceX on reports surrounding #GovSat1 booster:

“Reports that the Air Force was involved in SpaceX’s recovery efforts are categorically false.”
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Nehkara on 02/09/2018 09:26 pm
It broke apart on its own.

https://twitter.com/EmreKelly/status/962089727871643649

Quote
Full SpaceX statement on #GovSat1: “While the Falcon 9 first stage for the GovSat-1 mission was expendable, it initially survived splashdown in the Atlantic Ocean. However, the stage broke apart before we could complete an unplanned recovery effort for this mission.”
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: Raul on 02/10/2018 10:18 am
SpaceX Hired Company to Destroy Floating GovSat Booster, Not USAF
http://www.americaspace.com/2018/02/09/spacex-hired-company-to-destroy-floating-govsat-booster-not-usaf/
Quote
AmericaSpace has since learned that the Air Force was, instead, initially considered to take care of the job, but a commercial company of demolition specialists was eventually hired to safely destroy the hazardous booster.

Again, not the USAF; no strike by the U.S. military was carried out on the Falcon 9.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: gongora on 02/16/2018 04:26 pm
Tweet from Etienne Schneider (https://twitter.com/EtienneSchneide/status/964547273970601984):
Quote
News update from @GovSatLu after the successful launch on Jan 31, 2018 at Cape Canaveral: GovSat-1mission executes nominally. Solar array and antennas deployed. Satellite will reach final position within the next days where extensive testing will be conducted

Tweet from Jonathan McDowell (https://twitter.com/planet4589/status/964250637914529800):
Quote
Congrats to @cgbassa and @Marco_Langbroek for locating the secret Luxembourg GovSat-1 satellite in GEO at 22.6E
https://sattrackcam.blogspot.nl/2018/02/unid-galore-locating-govsat-1.html
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - UPDATES
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 03/19/2018 08:15 am
Quote
GovSat-1 Satellite Goes Operational
19/03/2018

GovSat-1 provides highly secure and advanced communication capabilities to enable critical missions for governments and institutions

Luxembourg, 19 March 2018 – GovSat-1 enters operational service today, to provide secure communications to governmental and institutional users. GovSat-1 is the first satellite of GovSat, a public private partnership between the Government of Luxembourg and the world-leading satellite operator SES. The satellite was launched into space on 31 January on board a flight-proven SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, and has since undergone extensive testing.

The multi-mission satellite is operated by GovSat from the Secure Mission Operations Centre in Luxembourg. The highly flexible and resilient GovSat-1 payload uses dedicated frequencies in X-band and military Ka-band. It enables an array of applications such as connectivity for theatres of operation, interconnection of institutional or defence sites, border control, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), as well as various types of communications on the move for land and maritime missions.

GovSat-1 is located at the 21.5 degrees East orbital slot, which allows it to support missions over Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, as well as providing extensive maritime coverage over the Mediterranean and Baltic seas, and the Atlantic and Indian oceans. Dedicated entirely to governmental and institutional users, GovSat-1 features high-powered fully-steerable spot beams, an X-band Global beam and a total of sixty-eight transponder equivalent units.

Étienne Schneider, Luxembourg Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of the Economy and Minister of Defence said: “I would like to thank all the members of the GovSat team for their hard work and commitment to bring the GovSat-1 spacecraft into operational service. This was the next major step in our public-private partnership with SES. GovSat-1 will further enhance Luxembourg's excellent reputation in the global satellite communications market. The satellite will enable Luxembourg to meet its expanding obligations in European defence and to further diversify the national economy in a key technology sector.”

“GovSat-1 is a real game-changer when it comes to providing secure satellite communications to governments and institutions. The satellite’s X-band capacity is the most powerful and flexible available,” said Patrick Biewer, Chief Executive Officer of GovSat. “GovSat-1, coupled with our Secure Mission Operations Centre, forms one of the most reliable, cost efficient and secure satellite communications capabilities on the market, and we are delighted to announce that it has entered into operational service.”

More information on GovSat-1 is available here

https://www.govsat.lu/news/govsat-1-satellite-goes-operational (https://www.govsat.lu/news/govsat-1-satellite-goes-operational)