SpaceX Manifest Discussion Thread

[Starship_SpaceX]

Are polar trajectories actually allowed from LC-39A? I thought it was SLC-40 only (at least for now).

[scr00chy]

Are polar trajectories actually allowed from LC-39A? I thought it was SLC-40 only (at least for now).

Which document is this from? Context matters.

[Starship_SpaceX]

Are polar trajectories actually allowed from LC-39A? I thought it was SLC-40 only (at least for now).

Which document is this from? Context matters.

https://www.faa.gov/space/environmental/nepa_docs/media/SpaceX_Falcon_Program_Final_EA_and_FONSI.pdf
40 pages

[Redclaws]

Are polar trajectories actually allowed from LC-39A? I thought it was SLC-40 only (at least for now).

Which document is this from? Context matters.

https://www.faa.gov/space/environmental/nepa_docs/media/SpaceX_Falcon_Program_Final_EA_and_FONSI.pdf
40 pages

The sentence quoted also doesn’t necessarily say polar launches are allowed from LC-39A.  It can be read to be broadly inclusive of all options rather than tightly applied to both sites.

Still that doesn’t seem like a restriction with much good reason to stick around - do we know why it’s present?

[oldAtlas_Eguy]

Are polar trajectories actually allowed from LC-39A? I thought it was SLC-40 only (at least for now).

Which document is this from? Context matters.

https://www.faa.gov/space/environmental/nepa_docs/media/SpaceX_Falcon_Program_Final_EA_and_FONSI.pdf
40 pages

The sentence quoted also doesn’t necessarily say polar launches are allowed from LC-39A.  It can be read to be broadly inclusive of all options rather than tightly applied to both sites.

Still that doesn’t seem like a restriction with much good reason to stick around - do we know why it’s present?

For the same launch inclination. A SSO launch from LC-40 goes out over water almost immediately. But a launch from LC-39A almost directly overflies the Atlas V pad before going also over LC-40 to get out over the water. Take a look at the maps of the pads and coastline.

[Comga]

SpaceX has done a record 35 successful launches within the past 12 months.
(This remains true for only a day, but it is a new record.)
They just set a record at 30 back on April 7.

Midyear graph
SpaceX has now done a new record of 36 successful launches within the past 12 months.
This remains true for only 24 minutes, before the exact anniversary of the launch of GPS-III-2, but it is a new record.
The pace of the past ten launches is above 40 per year.

[Jansen]

I’m hearing that the Eastern Range is entering a stand down period. Also known as recapitalization, this is so that critical maintenance and upgrade work can be performed on Range assets.

[Jansen]

https://spaceflightnow.com/2021/06/30/spacex-rocket-hauls-88-small-satellites-to-orbit/

SpaceX had 26 launches last year, the most in the company’s history. If its near-term launch manifest remains on schedule, SpaceX could reach the 26-launch mark by late August or September.

Looks like SFN is expecting at least 4-5 Starlink launches in the next couple of months.

[gongora]

SpaceX rideshare schedule was updated through 2023

[wannamoonbase]

Are they only going to ride shares to SSO?

Previously there were only a few launches a year to SSO now they are going to deliver a few hundred satellites a year to SSO.

[Jansen]

Are they only going to ride shares to SSO?

Previously there were only a few launches a year to SSO now they are going to deliver a few hundred satellites a year to SSO.

There are still rideshare opportunities for mid inclination Starlink launches.

[crandles57]

Are they only going to ride shares to SSO?

Previously there were only a few launches a year to SSO now they are going to deliver a few hundred satellites a year to SSO.

There are still rideshare opportunities for mid inclination Starlink launches.

But these aren't shown past 2021 because they don't know whether they will be Falcon 9 or starship?

[scr00chy]

I suspect there isn't that much interest in the Starlink rideshares, so they've stopped listing them on the website but they're probably still offered off-the-menu if anyone wants to utilize them.

[Jansen]

Are they only going to ride shares to SSO?

Previously there were only a few launches a year to SSO now they are going to deliver a few hundred satellites a year to SSO.

There are still rideshare opportunities for mid inclination Starlink launches.

But these aren't shown past 2021 because they don't know whether they will be Falcon 9 or starship?

I can confirm that there are rideshare opportunities going beyond 2021, but can’t provide details. However, SpaceX specifically states on their rideshare page:

Affordable rates also available to Mid-Inclination LEO, GTO, and TLI.

SSO missions approximately every 4 months. Frequent launches to mid-inclination. Inquire for other orbits.

[gongora]

I don't believe for a second that Astranis is on this flight.  The slide deck that Jansen posted is not for the EELV/NSSL program.

And you would be correct. According to https://spacenews.com/first-astranis-satellite-in-final-phase-of-assembly/ it will be flying on F9. I'm wondering if it's flying with a kick stage or just a expended F9 for direct GEO (if it even has the propellant margins still for the long coast).

Could it hitch a ride with IM-1?

That would be an interesting combination.  I'm going to wait for another source before 100% believing the Space News story since it contradicts the FCC filing.

[scr00chy]

I don't believe for a second that Astranis is on this flight.  The slide deck that Jansen posted is not for the EELV/NSSL program.

And you would be correct. According to https://spacenews.com/first-astranis-satellite-in-final-phase-of-assembly/ it will be flying on F9. I'm wondering if it's flying with a kick stage or just a expended F9 for direct GEO (if it even has the propellant margins still for the long coast).

Could it hitch a ride with IM-1?

That would be an interesting combination.  I'm going to wait for another source before 100% believing the Space News story since it contradicts the FCC filing.

Which part of the article contradicts the filing?

[gongora]

That would be an interesting combination.  I'm going to wait for another source before 100% believing the Space News story since it contradicts the FCC filing.

Which part of the article contradicts the filing?

F9.  Astranis FCC filing said FH secondary payload.  Plans may have changed, we'll see.  I like to find multiple sources when we see contradictions like that, reporter could have been working off old information for that part, or they could be right.

[scr00chy]

1080-EX-ST-2021  NET August

This application uses information from previous grant 0156-EX-ST-2021. This STA is necessary to authorize launch vehicle communications for Starlink RF Mission 6-7 from Cape Canaveral FL at LC-40 CCAFS or LC-39a at KSC, and the experimental recovery operation following the Falcon 9 launch. Includes sub-orbital first stage, and orbital second stage. Trajectory data will be provided directly to NTIA, USAF, and NASA. All downrange Earth stations are receive-only. The recovery portion is limited to two functions: 1) pre-launch checkout test of the command uplink from an onshore station at launch site, and 2) command of landed stage from recovery boat. Launch licensing authority is FAA Office of Commercial Space Transportation.

Droneship position would suggest the 53.2deg shell: North  32  34  42   West  75  53  21

Is this the next Starlink mission from Florida, or could there still be another before this one?

[gongora]

There are a bunch of permits already filed for Florida

[Jansen]

Is this the next Starlink mission from Florida, or could there still be another before this one?

Recapitalization of range assets is underway. It depends on when it will be completed.

The lack of a TFR indicates the 12 July launch is pushed back.