It is LVOS day for the next #AtlasV, 531-configuration rocket with three side-mounted boosters for the commercial launch of #SES20 and #SES21 into near-geosynchronous orbits. From there, the payloads will require minimal orbit raising to reach their operational stations in space.
September 24th
Upcoming in #AtlasV stacking work, three GEM 63 solid rocket boosters and the Centaur upper stage featuring an RL10C-1-1 engine will be hoisted into place, followed by #SES20 and #SES21 payload attachment. Liftoff is planned in the coming weeks.
Lockheed Martin would have only booked the launch with ULA. It was ULA who did all the work to launch the rocket. So I think Echostar XIX counts as a previous commercial launch, as it is a commercial satellite owned by Hughes Network Systems.
I don't know why there was this (formal) separation. Lockheed Martin Commercial Launch Services was dissolved sometime in 2018. Up to that time commercial Atlas V launches were not conducted by the ULA.
Was the booster AV# determined for this flight yet?
Quote from: TJL on 09/03/2022 10:51 pmWas the booster AV# determined for this flight yet?Read up-thread.We have no news of the launch vehicle delivery.The first stage and a single engine Centaur on-site could have been re-purposed from a delayed payload's launch.Thus my speculation that the first stage delivered for Starliner CFT has been re-purposed for this launch.IDK about the Centaur. IIRC, the "AV" designation derives from the Centaur. So, the AV designation would not be AV-085?
Quote from: zubenelgenubi on 09/04/2022 04:36 pmQuote from: TJL on 09/03/2022 10:51 pmWas the booster AV# determined for this flight yet?Read up-thread.We have no news of the launch vehicle delivery.The first stage and a single engine Centaur on-site could have been re-purposed from a delayed payload's launch.Thus my speculation that the first stage delivered for Starliner CFT has been re-purposed for this launch.IDK about the Centaur. IIRC, the "AV" designation derives from the Centaur. So, the AV designation would not be AV-085?This is AV-099JPSS is AV-098Crew is AV-085USSF-51 is AV-101As usual, when more than a few months out, they can change.
Intelsat License LLC (“Intelsat”) herein requests 30 days of Special Temporary Authority (“STA”), commencing September 30, 2022, to use its Castle Rock, Colorado C-band earth station, Call Sign E040174, to provide launch and early orbit phase (“LEOP”) services for the SES-20 and SES-21 satellites. SES-20 and SES-21 are expected to launch on September 30, 2022. Intelsat expects the LEOP period to last approximately 30 days.
#SES20 & #SES21 are on track to launch!🚀 The almost identical satellites are part of our accelerated C-band clearing plan in the U.S.👀Here's a #BTS of the satellites being stacked, mated & prepared for launch vehicle integration at Cape Canaveral!👉 ow.ly/lb7150KI0Zf
Cape Canaveral/Kennedy Space Center, FL temporary restriction:From September 16, 2022 at 0047 UTC to To September 16, 2022 at 0201 UTCAltitude: From the surface up to and including 18,000fthttps://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_2_7947.htmlLikely:SES-20 & SES-21 (https://rocketlaunch.live/launch/ses-20-ses-21)https://twitter.com/SpaceTfrs/status/1570412160240570370
Two commercial satellites, #SES20 #SES21, which will relay television channels to millions of homes across America, are aboard their ULA #AtlasV rocket at Cape Canaveral, Florida, for launch into near-geosynchronous orbit.Read more in the blog: https://blog.ulalaunch.com/blog/ses-20/21-commercial-satellite-tandem-stacked-atop-atlas-v
