Seems now that the 11th object is real - still getting TLEs today for all 11.In SpaceTrack as objects A to K and object M (which I think is just a mistake, should be L). At some point they will identify them, and possibly before then they will fill in a radar cross section value of 'Large', 'Medium' or 'Small'.If it's Large, then it's the second stage; if Small, then just a piece of debris. So stay tuned for a few more days
Now I am wondering about that fairing separation. This still from the technical webcast shows only one fairing half. A bit later two halves are visible, but it isn't immediately clear to me right now that they separated simultaneously.
So do I understand correctly that the 2nd Stage has re-entered but there are 11 objects in orbit? If that is so, do we have insight as to what the 11th may be?
My first instinct would be a Microsat for CommX tests, but didn't they plan to launch them in pairs?
Quote from: docmordrid on 01/17/2017 07:07 amMy first instinct would be a Microsat for CommX tests, but didn't they plan to launch them in pairs?I think it was pointed out earlier in this thread that this would need a licence (eg if SpaceX wanted to do some comms testing with it) and no such licence has been granted.
Does anyone have a valid reason to think that the two parts of the dispenser are not bolted together and the whole thing is not bolted to the second stage? If not, could we stop talking about it?
Space Intel Report: SpaceX's return to flight removes Iridium's Sword of DamoclesQuote...Desch said the 10 satellites launched on Jan. 14 will be sent into Iridium’s plane 6. Eight will stay there; the two others will be drifted over to Plane 5.That will fill the most glaring hole in Iridium’s coverage. “For our next launch, in April, we’ll launch into Plane 3 — that’s the other hole,” Desch said. “Every launch provides resilience and redundancy to the existing network.”...“The way I look at it, even if they only get 10 launches off I think I have a good shot at getting my five” because of the less-crowded manifest at Vandenberg, Desch said. “We have 20 or more satellites in the factory and ready — enough for two launches. We are really only gated now by the rockets.”...So it sounds like Iridium expects at least 5 launches this year, and any two flights (after the second one) could be as little as 45 days apart.
...Desch said the 10 satellites launched on Jan. 14 will be sent into Iridium’s plane 6. Eight will stay there; the two others will be drifted over to Plane 5.That will fill the most glaring hole in Iridium’s coverage. “For our next launch, in April, we’ll launch into Plane 3 — that’s the other hole,” Desch said. “Every launch provides resilience and redundancy to the existing network.”...“The way I look at it, even if they only get 10 launches off I think I have a good shot at getting my five” because of the less-crowded manifest at Vandenberg, Desch said. “We have 20 or more satellites in the factory and ready — enough for two launches. We are really only gated now by the rockets.”...
...or simply deorbit burn was done and that stage will be up for days/weeks, not years...
What do you mean by that? Did they really sell the core to Iridium with rights to use it in subsequent launches? I haven't seen them consider doing this, but I don't get to read every thread. I thought they only sell the service and once completed the core is SX's to keep and do whatever.
Quote from: Stefan.Christoff.19 on 01/17/2017 06:58 pmWhat do you mean by that? Did they really sell the core to Iridium with rights to use it in subsequent launches? I haven't seen them consider doing this, but I don't get to read every thread. I thought they only sell the service and once completed the core is SX's to keep and do whatever.The core belongs to SpaceX, and Iridium has said repeatedly that they are using new cores.
Quote from: Bynaus on 01/16/2017 04:57 pmSatellite dispenser?Why would that come off? Logical conclusion is the 11th object is the stage
Satellite dispenser?
and the 2nd stage is only good for one re-start,