Author Topic: SpaceX F9 : Starlink group 6-61 : CCSFS SLC-40 : 23 October 2024 (21:47 UTC) (Read 15999 times)

zubenelgenubi · « **on:** 09/26/2024 08:43 pm »

Thread for the Starlink Group 6-61 launch.

Launch 23 October 2024, at 21:47:00 UTC (5:47 pm EDT), from CCSFS SLC-40, on booster 1073-18. The first stage successfully landed aboard A Shortfall of Gravitas.

Payload 23 Starlink V2 Mini satellites to 43 degree inclination orbit on a southeastern trajectory. Initial orbit 284 x 292 km.

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

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

zubenelgenubi · « **Reply #1 on:** 09/26/2024 08:48 pm »

My bolds:

Quote from: Salo on 09/18/2024 06:37 pm

Ben Cooper's Launch Photography Viewing Guide, updated September 18:
Quote
The next SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch Crew-9 to the International Space Station from pad 40 on September 26 at 2:05 p.m. EDT. The first stage will land back at the Cape landing zone about eight minutes after launch. A Falcon 9 will launch a Starlink batch from pad 40. A Falcon 9 will launch the Hera asteroid rendezvous mission for the European Space Agency from pad 40 on October 7 at 10:52 a.m. EDT. The next Falcon Heavy will launch NASA's flagship Europa Clipper spacecraft to orbit around Jupiter from pad 39A on October 10 at 12:31 p.m. EDT. Upcoming launches include more Starlink batches from pad 40. A Falcon 9 will launch the Koreasat 6A communication satellite from pad 40 on October. A Falcon 9 will launch the CRS-31 Cargo Dragon resupply mission to the ISS from pad 40 on late October around 12 a.m. EDT.

This should be the first SLC-40 launch following Hera. ASDS turnaround is not a scheduling factor, as the two previous Florida Falcon launches are expendable.

I suppose a launch date has not yet been announced as it depends on when Hera launches in its launch window.

Quote from: Salo on 09/21/2024 09:19 pm

Ben Cooper's Launch Photography Viewing Guide, updated September 21:
Quote
The next SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch Crew-9 to the International Space Station from pad 40 on September 26 at 2:05 p.m. EDT. The first stage will land back at the Cape landing zone about eight minutes after launch. A Falcon 9 will launch a Starlink batch from pad 40. [dup/typo?]~~A Falcon 9 will launch a Starlink batch from pad 40.~~ A Falcon 9 will launch the Hera asteroid rendezvous mission for the European Space Agency from pad 40 on October 7 at 10:52 a.m. EDT. The next Falcon Heavy will launch NASA's flagship Europa Clipper spacecraft to orbit around Jupiter from pad 39A on October 10 at 12:31 p.m. EDT (Saturn V Center tickets, SOLD OUT as of September 21). Upcoming launches include more Starlink batches from pad 40. A Falcon 9 will launch the Koreasat 6A communication satellite from pad 40 on late October. A Falcon 9 will launch the CRS-31 Cargo Dragon resupply mission to the ISS from pad 40 on late October around 12 a.m. EDT.

The Koreasat 6A and SpX-31 launches follow.

GewoonLukas_ · « **Reply #2 on:** 09/26/2024 09:12 pm »

The launchdate probably won't hold due to Hera launching on October 7th, but it seems the next Starlink launch after Group 10-10 will be Starlink Group 6-61:

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

Quote

SPACEX STARLINK 6-61, CAPE CANAVERAL SFS, FL
PRIMARY: 10/5/24 0652Z-1123Z
BACKUP: 10/6/24 0625Z-1056Z
10/7/24 0559Z-1030Z

zubenelgenubi · « **Reply #3 on:** 09/26/2024 10:24 pm »

Quote from: GewoonLukas_ on 09/26/2024 09:12 pm

The launchdate probably won't hold due to Hera launching on October 7th, but it seems the next Starlink launch after Group 10-10 will be Starlink Group 6-61:

!!!
This is a reach-back.

The previous Starlink Group 6 launch was 6-64 on June 1.

Edit: My designation error in transcription. Thank you, gongora.

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

Falcon 9 first stages are now cleared for use up to forty times for non-crewed launches, although that number is apparently more restricted for Cargo Dragon or Cygnus than these other payloads.

Almost-new first stage 1085.2 is set aside for Crew-9.

1064.6 and 1065.6 are the Falcon Heavy side boosters for Europa Clipper.

1072.2 and 1086.2 are being converted to "single-sticks" after their recovery as the Falcon Heavy side boosters from the GOES-U launch.

Available first stages, with UTC date of most recent recovery:
1072.2 Jun 25 (maybe)
1086.2 Jun 25 (maybe)
~~1080.11 Aug 4~~ Starlink 10-10
1073.18 Aug 12
~~1076.17 Aug 15~~ Starlink 8-19
1069.19 Aug 31
1077.16 Sep 5
1083.5 Sep 10 (doubtful due to young age, perhaps reserved for SpX-31?)
1078.14 Sep 12
1067.23 Sep 17
1085.3 Sep 28 (maybe)

Edit October 22: It's B1073.18, skipping over B1072.2 and B1086.2.

Edited

Ken the Bin · « **Reply #4 on:** 09/29/2024 04:04 am »

FAA ATCSCC COPA now shows this launch as TBD.

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

Quote from: FAA

SPACEX STARLINK 6-61, CAPE CANAVERAL SFS, FL
PRIMARY:        TBD
BACKUP:         TBD

EFFECTIVE TIME: 290128 - 290959

Ken the Bin · « **Reply #5 on:** 10/01/2024 12:05 pm »

Here's an NGA Rocket Launching notice that appears to be Starlink from the cape. It is NOT a cancel-and-replace. The times do not align with the previously issued Rocket Launching notice for 10-10. Am I missing something obvious?

Quote from: NGA

010925Z OCT 24
NAVAREA IV 1194/24(11,26).
WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC.
FLORIDA.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING 
   050652Z TO 051123Z OCT, ALTERNATE 
   060625Z TO 061056Z, 070559Z TO 071030Z, 
   080533Z TO 081004Z, 090507Z TO 090938Z, 
   100441Z TO 100912Z, 110414Z TO 110845Z OCT
   IN AREAS BOUND BY:
   A. 28-39.00N 080-37.69W, 28-39.00N 080-28.00W,
      28-30.00N 080-10.00W, 28-24.00N 080-09.00W,
      28-21.00N 080-11.00W, 28-23.00N 080-19.00W,
      28-29.35N 080-32.49W.
   B. 26-19.00N 076-24.00W, 26-40.00N 076-24.00W,
      26-12.00N 075-07.00W, 25-36.00N 074-03.00W,
      25-23.00N 073-53.00W, 25-09.00N 074-01.00W,
      25-06.00N 074-16.00W, 25-08.00N 074-38.00W,
      25-18.00N 075-00.00W, 25-39.00N 075-45.00W.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 110945Z OCT 24.//

Galactic Penguin SST · « **Reply #6 on:** 10/01/2024 02:05 pm »

Quote from: Ken the Bin on 10/01/2024 12:05 pm

Here's an NGA Rocket Launching notice that appears to be Starlink from the cape. It is NOT a cancel-and-replace. The times do not align with the previously issued Rocket Launching notice for 10-10. Am I missing something obvious?

Quote from: NGA

010925Z OCT 24
NAVAREA IV 1194/24(11,26).
WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC.
FLORIDA.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING 
   050652Z TO 051123Z OCT, ALTERNATE 
   060625Z TO 061056Z, 070559Z TO 071030Z, 
   080533Z TO 081004Z, 090507Z TO 090938Z, 
   100441Z TO 100912Z, 110414Z TO 110845Z OCT
   IN AREAS BOUND BY:
   A. 28-39.00N 080-37.69W, 28-39.00N 080-28.00W,
      28-30.00N 080-10.00W, 28-24.00N 080-09.00W,
      28-21.00N 080-11.00W, 28-23.00N 080-19.00W,
      28-29.35N 080-32.49W.
   B. 26-19.00N 076-24.00W, 26-40.00N 076-24.00W,
      26-12.00N 075-07.00W, 25-36.00N 074-03.00W,
      25-23.00N 073-53.00W, 25-09.00N 074-01.00W,
      25-06.00N 074-16.00W, 25-08.00N 074-38.00W,
      25-18.00N 075-00.00W, 25-39.00N 075-45.00W.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 110945Z OCT 24.//

That's for Starlink 6-61 going SE:

Quote from: GewoonLukas_ on 09/26/2024 09:12 pm

The launchdate probably won't hold due to Hera launching on October 7th, but it seems the next Starlink launch after Group 10-10 will be Starlink Group 6-61:

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

Quote
SPACEX STARLINK 6-61, CAPE CANAVERAL SFS, FL
PRIMARY: 10/5/24 0652Z-1123Z
BACKUP: 10/6/24 0625Z-1056Z
10/7/24 0559Z-1030Z

I wonder if SpaceX is still thinking of which group to go up first.

Ken the Bin · « **Reply #7 on:** 10/01/2024 03:22 pm »

Quote from: Galactic Penguin SST on 10/01/2024 02:05 pm

Quote from: Ken the Bin on 10/01/2024 12:05 pm
Here's an NGA Rocket Launching notice that appears to be Starlink from the cape. It is NOT a cancel-and-replace. The times do not align with the previously issued Rocket Launching notice for 10-10. Am I missing something obvious?

Quote from: NGA
010925Z OCT 24
NAVAREA IV 1194/24(11,26).
WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC.
FLORIDA.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING 
   050652Z TO 051123Z OCT, ALTERNATE 
   060625Z TO 061056Z, 070559Z TO 071030Z, 
   080533Z TO 081004Z, 090507Z TO 090938Z, 
   100441Z TO 100912Z, 110414Z TO 110845Z OCT
   IN AREAS BOUND BY:
   A. 28-39.00N 080-37.69W, 28-39.00N 080-28.00W,
      28-30.00N 080-10.00W, 28-24.00N 080-09.00W,
      28-21.00N 080-11.00W, 28-23.00N 080-19.00W,
      28-29.35N 080-32.49W.
   B. 26-19.00N 076-24.00W, 26-40.00N 076-24.00W,
      26-12.00N 075-07.00W, 25-36.00N 074-03.00W,
      25-23.00N 073-53.00W, 25-09.00N 074-01.00W,
      25-06.00N 074-16.00W, 25-08.00N 074-38.00W,
      25-18.00N 075-00.00W, 25-39.00N 075-45.00W.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 110945Z OCT 24.//
That's for Starlink 6-61 going SE:
Quote from: GewoonLukas_ on 09/26/2024 09:12 pm
The launchdate probably won't hold due to Hera launching on October 7th, but it seems the next Starlink launch after Group 10-10 will be Starlink Group 6-61:

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

Quote
SPACEX STARLINK 6-61, CAPE CANAVERAL SFS, FL
PRIMARY: 10/5/24 0652Z-1123Z
BACKUP: 10/6/24 0625Z-1056Z
10/7/24 0559Z-1030Z
I wonder if SpaceX is still thinking of which group to go up first.

6-61 is on my master schedule but somehow I missed it. My only excuse is that I've been up since around 1:00am my local time so I'm not running on all cylinders. 😴

raptorx2 · « **Reply #8 on:** 10/01/2024 03:59 pm »

Seems as though SpaceX is, given regulatory delays with Direct 2 Cell, moving back to launching Starlinks with V Band as the milestone "to bring into service" is mid. November for their original V-Band 2018 V-Band Authorization.

OneSpeed · « **Reply #9 on:** 10/02/2024 12:48 am »

Quote from: Ken the Bin on 10/01/2024 12:05 pm

Here's an NGA Rocket Launching notice that appears to be Starlink from the cape. ...

Maps from this and previous similar notices. ASDS some 600km downrange.

Ken the Bin · « **Reply #10 on:** 10/02/2024 03:28 pm »

Postponed TBD per this NGA cancellation notice.

Launching 6-61 on October 5 followed by Hera on October 7 never seemed very likely.

Quote from: NGA

021410Z OCT 24
NAVAREA IV 1202/24(11,26).
WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC.
FLORIDA.
CANCEL NAVAREA IV 1194/24 AND THIS MSG,
OPERATIONS POSTPONED.

zubenelgenubi · « **Reply #11 on:** 10/03/2024 09:34 pm »

If I recall correctly, NASA LSP launches and all USA-based crewed launches (not commercial cargo to ISS) require ~48 hours spacing between launches using the same model (ex. Falcon 9/Falcon Heavy) to allow post-flight launch vehicle performance analysis.

So, no Falcon 9 launches within 48 hours before Falcon Heavy/Europa Clipper.

See the Starlink 6-22 launch with respect to Psyche last year.

Seeking correction or clarification.

Perhaps:
Starlink 6-61 will be the first Florida Falcon 9 launch after Europa Clipper? ASDS turnaround will not be a factor, and a Hera launch on 7 October would give almost 4 days to turnaround SLC-40 before the first available launch window. NET 11 October 04:14 to 08:14 UTC?

Edited

Galactic Penguin SST · « **Reply #12 on:** 10/13/2024 11:13 pm »

Starlink Group 6-61 is back with the 2nd stage de-orbit NOTAM early on October 20, implying an evening October 19 launch:

F3809/24 NOTAMN Q) YMMM/QWMLW/IV/BO/W/000/999/1547S08300E680 A) YMMM B) 2410200122 C) 2410260339 D) 2410200122 TO 2410200616 2410210056 TO 2410210550 2410220030 TO 2410220524 2410230004 TO 2410230458 2410232337 TO 2410240431 2410242311 TO 2410250405 2410252245 TO 2410260339 E) ROCKET LAUNCH WILL TAKE PLACE FLW RECEIVED FROM GOVERNMENT OF UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: HAZARDOUS OPS WILL BE CONDUCTED FOR ATMOSPHERIC RE-ENTRY AND SPLASHDOWN OF SPACEX STARLINK 6-61 WI THE FOLLOWING AREAS: 2033S 07500E 0746S 08927E 0853S 09228E 2422S 07500E TO BEGINNING F) SFC G) UNL

Ken the Bin · « **Reply #13 on:** 10/15/2024 04:08 am »

NGA Rocket Launching notice for October 20 (expected launch window 23:06-03:06 UTC).

Quote from: NGA

140010Z OCT 24
NAVAREA IV 1276/24(11,26).
WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC.
FLORIDA.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING 
   202306Z TO 210337Z, ALTERNATE
   212240Z TO 220311Z, 222214Z TO 230245Z,
   232147Z TO 240218Z, 242121Z TO 250152Z
   AND 252055Z TO 260125Z
   IN AREAS BOUND BY:
   A. 28-39.00N 080-37.69W, 28-39.00N 080-28.00W,
      28-30.00N 080-10.00W, 28-24.00N 080-09.00W,
      28-21.00N 080-11.00W, 28-23.00N 080-19.00W,
      28-29.35N 080-29.49W.
   B. 26-19.00N 076-24.00W, 26-40.00N 076-24.00W,
      26-12.00N 075-07.00W, 25-36.00N 074-03.00W,
      25-23.00N 073-53.00W, 25-09.00N 074-01.00W,
      25-06.00N 074-16.00W, 25-08.00N 074-38.00W,
      25-18.00N 075-00.00W, 25-39.00N 075-45.00W.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 260225Z OCT 24.

Ken the Bin · « **Reply #14 on:** 10/16/2024 05:03 pm »

The NGA hasn't been issuing many Space Debris notices for Starlink launches from the cape, just Rocket Launching notices.

But these two multi-launch Space Debris notices for October 19 to November 18 have just come out (the same notice for two different Navigational Areas).

Quote from: NGA

161623Z OCT 24
HYDROPAC 3269/24(57,61,71).
EASTERN SOUTH ATLANTIC.
INDIAN OCEAN.
DNC 01, DNC 02, DNC 03.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, SPACE DEBRIS
   19 OCT THRU 18 NOV IN AREA BOUND BY
   08-53.00S 092-28.00E, 07-46.00S 089-27.00E,
   30-12.00S 061-09.00E, 40-45.00S 002-21.00W,
   42-56.00S 002-24.00W, 32-16.00S 063-10.00E.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 190001Z NOV 24.

Quote from: NGA

161623Z OCT 24
HYDROLANT 2185/24(57,61,71).
EASTERN SOUTH ATLANTIC.
INDIAN OCEAN.
DNC 01, DNC 02, DNC 03.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, SPACE DEBRIS
   19 OCT THRU 18 NOV IN AREA BOUND BY
   08-53.00S 092-28.00E, 07-46.00S 089-27.00E,
   30-12.00S 061-09.00E, 40-45.00S 002-21.00W,
   42-56.00S 002-24.00W, 32-16.00S 063-10.00E.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 190001Z NOV 24.

Ken the Bin · « **Reply #15 on:** 10/17/2024 05:08 pm »

Postponed per this cancel-and-replace NGA Rocket Launching notice to October 21 (expected launch window 22:40-02:40).

Quote from: NGA

171633Z OCT 24
NAVAREA IV 1287/24(11,26).
WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC.
FLORIDA.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING 
   212240Z TO 220311Z OCT, ALTERNATE
   222214Z TO 230245Z, 232147Z TO 240218Z,
   242121Z TO 250152Z, 252055Z TO 260126Z,
   262029Z TO 270100Z AND 272003Z TO 280034Z OCT 
   IN AREAS BOUND BY:
   A. 28-39.00N 080-37.69W, 28-39.00N 080-28.00W,
      28-30.00N 080-10.00W, 28-24.00N 080-09.00W,
      28-21.00N 080-11.00W, 28-23.00N 080-19.00W,
      28-29.35N 080-29.49W.
   B. 26-19.00N 076-24.00W, 26-40.00N 076-24.00W,
      26-12.00N 075-07.00W, 25-36.00N 074-03.00W,
      25-23.00N 073-53.00W, 25-09.00N 074-01.00W,
      25-06.00N 074-16.00W, 25-08.00N 074-38.00W,
      25-18.00N 075-00.00W, 25-39.00N 075-45.00W.
2. CANCEL NAVAREA IV 1276/24.
3. CANCEL THIS MSG 280134Z OCT 24.

Ken the Bin · « **Reply #16 on:** 10/19/2024 04:22 am »

CelesTrak preliminary information.

https://celestrak.org/NORAD/elements/supplemental/

Quote from: CelesTrak

Starlink G6-61 Pre-Launch
Derived from a pre-launch Starlink-G6-61 state vector, provided by SpaceX. SupGP data is provided for the entire stack, as well as one for a single satellite.
Launch: 2024-10-21 22:40:00 UTC.
Deploy: 2024-10-21 23:45:23.000 UTC.
Launch window: 2024-10-21 22:40:00 UTC to 2024-10-22 02:40:00 UTC.

FutureSpaceTourist · « **Reply #17 on:** 10/19/2024 07:17 pm »

https://twitter.com/spaceoffshore/status/1847700681886400784

Quote

A Shortfall of Gravitas droneship is on the move from Port Canaveral to support Starlink 6-61 NET Monday. nsf.live/spacecoast

Ken the Bin · « **Reply #18 on:** 10/19/2024 09:02 pm »

Primary launch opportunity = 2024-10-21 22:58:00 UTC per CelesTrak.

https://twitter.com/TSKelso/status/1847733165949145178

Quote from: T.S. Kelso

CelesTrak has pre-launch SupGP data for the @Starlink Group 6-61 launch from Cape Canaveral on 2024-10-21 at 22:58:00 UTC: https://celestrak.org/NORAD/elements/supplemental/table.php?FILE=starlink-g6-61. Deployment of 23 satellites is at 2024-10-22 at 00:03:23.000 UTC. Data for 18 backup launch opportunities is also provided: https://celestrak.org/NORAD/elements/supplemental/.

https://celestrak.org/NORAD/elements/supplemental/

Launch: 2024-10-21 22:58:00 UTC. Deploy: 2024-10-22 00:03:23.000 UTC.
Launch: 2024-10-21 23:04:00 UTC. Deploy: 2024-10-22 00:09:23.000 UTC.
Launch: 2024-10-21 23:10:00 UTC. Deploy: 2024-10-22 00:15:23.000 UTC.
Launch: 2024-10-21 23:22:00 UTC. Deploy: 2024-10-22 00:27:23.000 UTC.
Launch: 2024-10-21 23:32:00 UTC. Deploy: 2024-10-22 00:37:23.000 UTC.
Launch: 2024-10-21 23:38:00 UTC. Deploy: 2024-10-22 00:43:23.000 UTC.
Launch: 2024-10-22 00:14:00 UTC. Deploy: 2024-10-22 01:19:23.000 UTC.
Launch: 2024-10-22 00:36:00 UTC. Deploy: 2024-10-22 01:41:23.000 UTC.
Launch: 2024-10-22 00:42:00 UTC. Deploy: 2024-10-22 01:47:23.000 UTC.
Launch: 2024-10-22 00:48:00 UTC. Deploy: 2024-10-22 01:53:23.000 UTC.
Launch: 2024-10-22 00:56:00 UTC. Deploy: 2024-10-22 02:01:23.000 UTC.
Launch: 2024-10-22 01:06:00 UTC. Deploy: 2024-10-22 02:11:23.000 UTC.
Launch: 2024-10-22 01:12:00 UTC. Deploy: 2024-10-22 02:17:23.000 UTC.
Launch: 2024-10-22 01:18:00 UTC. Deploy: 2024-10-22 02:23:23.000 UTC.
Launch: 2024-10-22 02:06:00 UTC. Deploy: 2024-10-22 03:11:23.000 UTC.
Launch: 2024-10-22 02:12:00 UTC. Deploy: 2024-10-22 03:17:23.000 UTC.
Launch: 2024-10-22 02:18:00 UTC. Deploy: 2024-10-22 03:23:23.000 UTC.
Launch: 2024-10-22 02:24:00 UTC. Deploy: 2024-10-22 03:29:23.000 UTC.
Launch: 2024-10-22 02:40:00 UTC. Deploy: 2024-10-22 03:45:23.000 UTC.

StraumliBlight · « **Reply #19 on:** 10/20/2024 12:56 am »

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