NASASpaceFlight.com Forum
SpaceX Vehicles and Missions => SpaceX Falcon Missions Section => Topic started by: Chris Bergin on 01/15/2018 12:14 pm
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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
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)
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https://twitter.com/GovSatLu/status/952892618949758979
The #GovSat1 satellite will be launched soon at the @NASAKennedy, in Cape Canaveral, stay tuned for more information!
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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
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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!
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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...
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M1389 GovSat-1 Launch Hazard Areas (https://goo.gl/L9HXtj) visualization based on issued NOTMAR.
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Airspace closure area & launch hazard area
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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
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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
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Static Fire is NET today (although some say likely Saturday), but we still don't have a window.
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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
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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
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Launch weather forecast is 80% GO, but upper level winds at 120 kts would be an issue:
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
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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.
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According to the forecast, launch window has been slightly adjusted, now it's 2125-2346 UTC (was 2123-2337 UTC).
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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.
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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)
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And the static fire! Looks to be around 6-8 seconds in duration.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7Xv2uO6Grg
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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.
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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.
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
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"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)
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Launch weather forecast issued today is still 40% GO; upper level winds reduced slightly to 110 kts:
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
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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
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INTERESTING!
SpaceX recovery support ships Go Quest and Go Searcher have left Port Canaveral.
Possible fairing recovery test!
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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).
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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/
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https://youtu.be/GYLXS3-yO0M (https://youtu.be/GYLXS3-yO0M)
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.
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Launch weather forecast issued today, no change from forecast issued yesterday so still 40% GO; upper level winds still 110 kts:
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
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Presskit is up (http://www.spacex.com/sites/spacex/files/govsat1presskit.pdf)
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https://youtu.be/ScYUA51-POQ (https://youtu.be/ScYUA51-POQ)
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GovSat launch patch
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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.
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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
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Picture from SpaceX website
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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.
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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.
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Luxembourg PM tweet (2nd from left in photo):
#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?
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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.
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SCRUB:
https://twitter.com/ChrisG_NSF/status/958430788655165440
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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
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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."
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https://www.instagram.com/p/BemBlnSAACd/
elonmusk
Falcon Heavy, launching Tuesday, in foreground and Falcon 9, launching tomorrow, in background
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Latest forecast now over 90% GO for today. ULW still forecast at 100 kts, so hopefully ok.
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
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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
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Great flight proven booster close-ups:
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
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Spacecraft ready for prop load.
Hold fire checks in work.
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Hold fire checks complete. No issues.
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Prop go/no go poll in work.
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GO for propellant load AND launch!
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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)
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confirmation everything is GO for launch!!
https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/958795648064630784
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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.
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60 minutes. All is quiet on the LD loop. RP-1 prop load is progressing without issue.
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Loop continues to be VERY quiet. Good sign.
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All still quiet.
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25mins. All still quiet and good. The security helicopter is patrolling for planes and boats.
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A LOX VENT!!!!
A BIG vent, too!
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Wow. This vent us STILL happening. But all is well!
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SpaceX FM has begun.
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Its funky music time!
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'Test Shot Starfish - Flight Proven' on the webcast. Things are picking up!
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Spacecraft on internal power and GO FOR LAUNCH
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Webcast has started.
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T-11 minutes. Have another opportunity tomorrow at same time.
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T-10 minutes. Talking about flight proven booster.
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T-9 minutes.
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T-8 minutes. Venting from top of second stage.
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T-7 minutes. Engine chill should be starting now. Weather is go.
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T-6 minutes. Welcoming Luxembourg delegation.
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T-5 minutes. GovSat 1 promo.
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T-4 minutes. Helium has finished loading.
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Have just finished helium load in s1 and 2, LOX load almost done.
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T-3 minutes. Stage 1 LOX load has closed out.
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T-2 minutes. Stage 2 LOX load has closed out.
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T-1 minute. AFTS is ready for launch.
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Liftoff!
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LAUNCH!!
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T+1 minute.
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MaxQ
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T+2 minutes.
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Separation.
T+3 minutes.
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Fairing separation.
T+4 minutes.
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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.
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T+5 minutes.
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T+6 minutes. Looking to 1000s of reuses in long term.
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Call-out of stage 1 entry burn
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Stage 1 entry burn.
T+7 minutes.
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T+8 minutes.
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Stage 1 splashdown and SECO.
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Landing burn only 10 seconds. Definitely a 3 engine burn - a normal one-engine burn lasts 30 seconds.
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Video is back.
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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
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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...
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S1 splashdown...
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View of payload.
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T+15 minutes. Across the Atlantic.
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T+20 minutes. Heading towards the jungles of Africa.
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Past 25 min, coming up on S2 startup in a few mins.
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T+25 minutes. Over the Gulf of Guinea. Ignition in 1 minute and 40 seconds.
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Ignition!
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Cutoff. Good orbit insertion.
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Nozzle has cooled down.
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T+30 minutes. Back over Africa again. Separation in 2 minutes 19 seconds.
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Separation! Just the way we like it.
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Congratulations SpaceX and SES!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjGgKH6nHCc
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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! :)
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Beautiful launch. Congratulations to SpaceX, SES, and Luxemburg.
Now on to FH!
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Congrats SpaceX!
Great to see Sooty's brother fly
Now on to heavy! Can't wait to be back at the Cape
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Looks easy -- know it's not.
Great job to all.
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End of coverage.
Congratulations to SpaceX, SES and Luxembourg for the successful launch!
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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.
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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).
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Congratulations to SES and SpaceX on another successful mission! Great looking launch, smooth as silk.
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Another success, SpaceX does not disapoint!
Well, the S1 footage might have been good... ;)
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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.
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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.
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Congrats to SpaceX, SES and the fine folks from Luxembourg!
Now on to the big show next week!
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Big congrats to SpaceX, SES and GovSat. May their relationship live long & prosper.
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Sep... Congrats to all the teams, well done! :) Thanks for the great coverage NSF... Bring-on the Heavy! 8)
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Congratulations to SpaceX, SES, Luxembourg and all others involved.
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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!
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Congratulations SpaceX for defying the rule of 3 with a perfectly nominal launch. On to Heavy!
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Congrats Space X!!! Another one in the bag! And the best of luck in the upcoming Falcon Heavy debut!
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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.
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Congrats.
For the successfull launch.
Also for surprising me again. By bolting legs to an expendable stage.
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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
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Congrats to SpaceX, SES, and Luxembourg!
...now on to heavier things! 8)
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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!
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Congrats SpaceX! I had half my office watching and cheering along hoping for a smooth trip uphill. On to FH!
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Congrats SES and SpaceX
Next up FH!! 😮😮😮😮
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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!
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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!
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Great Launch SpaceX, Farewell Stage 1, we barely knew ya ...and Thanks as Always to NSF & Steve & Chris
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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!
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Wonderfully dull launch. Congratulations to all involved. On to next week!
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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.
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Congrats to SpaceX, another routine launch! Way to go!
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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.
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Another boring and uneventful launch. :)
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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
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Luxembourg PM:
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
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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.
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First launch photo released by SpaceX
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Congratulations to all concerned in this launch.
Next up the very big brother.
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Congrats to SpaceX, SES, and Luxembourg! Now on to Falcon Heavy!
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Congratulations to all indeed!
Next up the very big brother.
And that's the only Big Brother I long and care to see ;)
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Wow, update from Elon https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/958847818583584768
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.
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Uhhh guys? The rocket lived!!
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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
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Congratulations to SpaceX and GovSat! Now get ready for Falcon Heavy.....
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Can we say congrats on the recovery now or do we need to wait 'til she gets back to port? 8)
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Well SpaceX is now recovering expendable boosters..
Go SpaceX Go..
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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?
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More SpaceX launch images
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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!
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Completely amazing. Congrats SpaceX!!
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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!
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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 !
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Congratulations to SpaceX
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Congrats to SpaceX and all involved. I would love to see the booster survive the tow to land.
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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!
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Congratulations to everyone involved in another successful launch.
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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!
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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
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Swimming Falcons! I love it. Congrats to all involved!
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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".
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Congrats SpaceX... Amazing indeed.
Wonder if SpaceX will release the video of the landing?
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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...
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Haha they landed it AND it didn't blow up after tipping over. Congrats!
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A happy customer:
#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.
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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!
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Congrats to SpaceX !
The next step is to inadvertently recover a second stage. :P
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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.
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Congrats SpaceX! :)
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Congratulations to SpaceX and all those involved.
That thing just don't want to die, incredible.
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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.
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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
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATAhFbx8Eyk
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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.
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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.
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Conagratualations to SpaceX!!!! Someone mentioned "gravy' to get extra data from the soft-landing. What a bonanza!!!
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You can't keep a good rocket down!
Congratulations to all involved!
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Yet more images from SpaceX
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Hmm... no orbital data published
43178 SES-16/GOVSAT-1 2018-013A PAYLOAD
43179 FALCON 9 R/B 2018-013B ROCKET BODY
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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
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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.
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Go Quest is now in the port, a few hundred metres from usual SpaceX berth
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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.
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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
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Do we have any intelligence assets in the Bahamas that can get us some VisInt?
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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
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Go Searcher now tracking from onshore Cape AIS receivers at vesselfinder:
https://www.vesselfinder.com/?imo=9591648
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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.
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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... ;)
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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
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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/
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Confirmed. It was destroyed. There was no safe way to tow it back without risk to land, sea, and people.
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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.
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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
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Well, it seems that we have some contradictory reports now.
https://twitter.com/EmreKelly/status/962079238361894914
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.”
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It broke apart on its own.
https://twitter.com/EmreKelly/status/962089727871643649
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.”
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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/
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.
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Tweet from Etienne Schneider (https://twitter.com/EtienneSchneide/status/964547273970601984):
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):
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
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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)