NASASpaceFlight.com Forum
SpaceX Vehicles and Missions => SpaceX Falcon Missions Section => Topic started by: Chris Bergin on 12/12/2018 06:42 pm
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UPDATES ONLY Thread for GPS III mission. Note, I'm going to call this GPS III SV01, as the range has it GPS III-2 and the threads had it as GPS III-01. It's the first launch, and SV01 seems a good compromise.
Expanded note: GPS III-2 is the name on the range, as its the tail number of the spacecraft and not mission number. GPS III SV01 could be a good way to name this one. But we'll go with whatever SpaceX goes with (currently only "GPS III" per media accreditation).
NSF Threads for GPS III-1 : Discussion (https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=30912.0) / Updates (https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=46962.0)
NSF Articles for GPS III-1 : https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/?s=GPS (https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/?s=GPS)
Successful launch December 23, 2018 at 0851 EST (1351 UTC) on Falcon 9 (new booster 1054) from SLC-40 at CCAFS. The first stage was expended. The 4400kg satellite was sent to a MEO transfer orbit.
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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L2 has SpaceX Falcon 9 (Expendable) booster set for Static Fire test on Thursday - the window for the test on SLC-40 opens at 11 AM Eastern) ahead of the GPS III mission on December 18.
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SpaceX Mission 1376 GPS III-SV01 Launch Hazard Areas Map (https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?hl=en&mid=17sTdDuaLN-EJeuALqkvhM2hULM5lvIKZ&ll=31.59310088922636%2C-73.78796269051907&z=7) based on issued NOTMAR.
Primary launch day Dec 18 14:11 UTC. Backup launch day Dec 19 14:07 UTC.
Go Pursuit after a few months has already arrived to Port Canaveral and can be again ready for probable water recovery of Fairing 2.0 southeast Outer Banks.
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Static Fire complete (late nighter, missed the first window).
And the name is confirmed :)
https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1073448503097970693
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SpaceX - GPS III - Static Fire Test - Bonus CRS16 12-13-2018
USLaunchReport
Published on Dec 13, 2018
Sorry footage was not more clear. 10 miles through the fog. Extra footage of B1050 loading for transport.
https://youtu.be/0rUhw1Wf54c?t=001
https://youtu.be/0rUhw1Wf54c
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Launch weather forecast is 80% GO, although upper level winds are high:
Launch day probability of violating launch weather constraints: 20%
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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Airspace closure area and launch hazard area
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..and Stage-2 deorbit.
Eastern South Atlantic NOTMAR space debris area for upper stage of this mission (https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?hl=en&mid=17sTdDuaLN-EJeuALqkvhM2hULM5lvIKZ&ll=-5.059458754378524%2C-18.672519103229774&z=4).
Active in primary and backup launch day in window beginning T+05h44m to T+07h38m.
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L-3 launch weather forecast still 80% GO, upper level winds remain high:
Launch day probability of violating launch weather constraints: 20%
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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L-1 launch weather forecast now 90% GO, upper level winds hopefully will be 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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Press Kit:
LAUNCH AND SATELLITE DEPLOYMENT
00:01:04 Max Q (moment of peak mechanical stress on the rocket)
00:02:44 1st stage main engine cutoff (MECO)
00:02:48 1st and 2nd stages separate
00:02:50 2nd stage engine starts
00:03:22 Fairing deployment
00:08:16 2nd stage engine cutoff (SECO-1)
01:08:51 2nd stage engine restarts
01:09:37 2nd stage engine cutoff (SECO-2)
01:56:17 GPS III SV01 deployment
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Mission patch:
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https://twitter.com/nextspaceflight/status/1074742474059513858
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMtpVS0xM1c
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ARTICLE: SpaceX to close 2018 with GPS III & first contracted U.S. National Security mission -
https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2018/12/spacex-2018-gps-iii-first-national-security-mission/
- By Chris Gebhardt
F9 Photo: Micheal Baylor
https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/1074769390502113287
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Photo from SpaceX website
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Confirmation all still on track for tomorrow mornings launch:
https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1074825989723734018
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SpaceX patch (bigger version) plus two other patches.
credit: http://spacexpatchlist.space/
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From Ben Coopers Facebook page:
A new era in GPS is finally set to begin: The first block III Global Positioning System satellite is poised for liftoff for the US Air Force Tuesday morning at 9:11 a.m. EST aboard this Falcon 9 rocket. This will mark the 20th and final space launch from Cape Canaveral this year, the most since 1998.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10101611102824218&set=a.912747205518&type=3&theater
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December 17, 2018
MEDIA ADVISORY 018-21
Kennedy Space Center Traffic and Road Closures for December Launch Activities
Heavy traffic on and around the Kennedy Space Center and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is expected December 18 due to center activities surrounding the upcoming launch of SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Liftoff is planned to take place between 9:11 a.m. and 9:37 a.m. EDT.
PUBLIC ACCESS ROAD CLOSURES
Starting Tuesday, December 18, 2018, Kennedy Space Center Protective Services officers will be enforcing restricted access from the Kennedy Space Center boundary lines for the duration of the SpaceX launch attempt.
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Center will be open for business from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. EDT. If you are planning on visiting the visitor center, please inform the uniformed officers at the checkpoint. No thru traffic will be allowed.
- State Road 3 from the Gate 2 News Media Pass and Identification Building to State Road 405 (NASA Causeway) including Space Commerce Way will be closed to unauthorized vehicles. Access to the center, the visitor complex, Exploration Park and Blue Origin for authorized personnel will be granted. The roads will reopen after launch.
- NASA Causeway between U.S. 1 and the Kennedy Space Center’s Visitor Center will also experience restricted access. The roads will reopen after launch.
- The A. Max Brewer Causeway bridge on S.R. 406 in Titusville (north bridge) east to Playalinda Beach Road, Canaveral National Seashore will be restricted to all motor vehicle traffic. The Playalinda Beach park will be open until capacity is reached or 7:30 a.m., whichever comes first. If you are planning on visiting Playalinda Beach, please inform the uniformed officers at the checkpoint.
- State Road 3 North at US1 in Volusia County, south to Playalinda Beach will be open to all motor vehicle traffic until capacity is reached, or at 7:30 a.m., whichever comes first.
Please expect delays and plan accordingly.
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Current weather at the Causeway 3 miles form SLC-40 at T-1hr 11mins. Partly cloudy skies (high altitude cirrus clouds right now). Temp.: 54 F. Winds very light.
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Upper Level Winds are NO GO. New T0 of 09:34 EST (1434 UTC)
EDIT to add:
Good time to remind everyone that Falcon 9 launch weather forecasts DO NOT include Upper Level Winds - the limits of which are mission specific and analyzed by SpaceX, not the 45th Space Wing of the Air Force.
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Apparently, launch window has also been extended to 09:37 EST (1437 UTC) - so with our 09:34 EST (1434 UTC) new target launch time, that leaves 3mins of wiggle room for Falcon 9 today.
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Current Upper Level Winds over Cape.
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T-38 minutes. SpaceX Launch Director should be verifying go for propellant load.
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T-38 minutes. SpaceX Launch Director should be verifying go for propellant load.
No. We are still further out than that. We have about 6 more minutes to go before that.
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No. We are still further out than that. We have about 6 more minutes to go before that.
The SpaceX stream is showing launch at 14:24 UTC.
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No. We are still further out than that. We have about 6 more minutes to go before that.
The SpaceX stream is showing launch at 14:24 UTC.
No. Launch is 14:34 UTC.
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Here's the tweet confirming 14:34 UTC.
twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1075020725545689088
"New T-0 of 9:34 EST, 14:34 UTC, to account for upper level winds. Launch webcast will go live about 15 minutes before liftoff → http://spacex.com/webcast"
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T-40 minutes. SpaceX Launch Director should be verifying go for propellant load. (hopefully!)
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GO for propellant load!
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T-35min and COUNTING. RP-1 kerosene and Liquid Oxygen are now flowing into Falcon 9's fuel tanks.
Teams have received their standard "what to do in the case that an urgent need to abort the count - including Upper Level Winds breaching safety limits - arises."
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twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1075029153240408064
T-30 minutes until Falcon 9 launch of GPS III SV01. Launch webcast will go live in about 15 minutes → http://spacex.com/webcast
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LD loop quiet. All is going well with the autosequence and fueling.
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Stage 2 RP-1 load closed out.
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Big vent at expected T-20mins mark.
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Some funky music to start four launches in 24 hours!
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T-16 minutes. Second stage LOX loading should be starting now.
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Stage 2 LOX load underway.
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GPS III-SV01 is on internal power.
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Some funky music to start four launches in 24 hours!
Make that 3.......Blue Origin scrub for today with ground infrastructure issue.
GPS III SV-01
CSO 1
NROL 71
GSAT 7A
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Live coverage has started.
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And we're live:
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Our host. Talking about GPS and expendable launch.
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Some funky music to start four launches in 24 hours!
Make that 3.......Blue Origin scrub for today with ground infrastructure issue.
GPS III SV-01
CSO 1
NROL 71
GSAT 7A
CSO-1 is delayed 24 hours.
https://twitter.com/Arianespace/status/1075020170127728640
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T-12 minutes. Talking about Falcon 9. No fins and legs today.
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Guys. This is the update thread for GPS III-SV01 ONLY! Stop with the updates on other flights.
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T-11 minutes. Talking about fairing.
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T-10mins. Final fueling ops continue without issue.
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T-10 minutes.
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T-9 minutes. Second stage is fully fuelled.
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Range is GREEN. ULW trending positive.
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T-8 minutes. Upper level winds trending in a positive direction.
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HOLD!
First stage LOX approach thermal limits.
ABORT and SCRUB.
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Hold!
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T-11 minutes. Talking about fairing.
The host noted that this fairing has extra thermal protection on the tip, due to the increased heating on this launch trajectory.
Also, HOLD HOLD HOLD!
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Had an abort condition. Will update as soon as they get the information.
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24hr recycle.
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Clock back to T-15 minutes.
Scrub for today! 24 hour recycle.
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For those who missed it upstream, the abort was called when LOX loading was reaching thermal limits on Stage 1.
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Abort triggered by onboard launch computer. Next attempt tomorrow. Window opens at 14:07 UTC according to the press kit.
End of webcast.
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https://twitter.com/spacex/status/1075037745633001472
SpaceX team called a hold due to an out of family reading on first stage sensors. Vehicle and payload remain healthy; next launch attempt is tomorrow at 9:07 EST, 14:07 UTC.
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Abort with clear audio from countdown net
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2muxRz7f6U
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https://twitter.com/sandra_i_erwin/status/1075123106832924672
BREAKING: Air Force space launch commander at Cape Canaveral 'not confident' that the SpaceX GPS 3 launch will happen tomorrow https://spacenews.com/air-force-launch-commander-not-confident-gps-3-will-lift-off-as-scheduled/ …
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Revised forecast for tomorrow, still 80% GO with strong upper level winds:
Launch day probability of violating launch weather constraints: 20%
Primary concern(s): Thick Cloud Layer Rule
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The 26-minute launch window opens at 9:07 a.m. EST, or 14:07 UTC.
https://youtu.be/aVIrgayWlI0
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https://twitter.com/ExploreSpaceKSC/status/1075346741191434240
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Apparently tomorrow, but we really need SpaceX or an official source, like the customer, to say it.
It will be the case, but you all know the deal per "official".
https://twitter.com/ExploreSpaceKSC/status/1075350985185345536
(And they deleted that tweet shortly after, but the forum servers record the text).
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They heard me ;)
https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1075353149219717120
No new launch date at this time, however.
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Weather not good for an attempt tomorrow, only 20% GO but bit better Friday and 80% GO Saturday:
Launch day probability of violating launch weather constraints: 80%
Primary concern(s): Electric Field, Cumulus/Thick Cloud, Disturbed Weather
24-Hour delay probability of violating launch weather constraints: 60%
Primary concern(s): Cumulus Cloud Rule, Liftoff Winds
48-Hour delay probability of violating launch weather constraints: 20%
Primary concern(s): Thick Cloud Layer Rule, Liftoff Winds
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https://twitter.com/spacex/status/1075572307018596355
Team is working toward launch of GPS III SV01 tomorrow, December 20. Weather remains a challenge; currently forecasted at 20% favorable during the 26-minute launch window which opens at 9:03 a.m. EST, 14:03 UTC.
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https://twitter.com/ChrisG_NSF/status/1075719824670625793
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Wow. So SpaceX sent out the LD loop call-in number. I'm monitoring, but the are actually going to try for this.
EDIT: Current weather. All of that is moving toward the Cape.
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Still going for it!
https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1075735106109591552
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https://twitter.com/nextspaceflight/status/1075736451734757383
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Tornado Watch just issued for Brevard Country and Cape Canaveral.
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New launch time of 09:29 EST (1429 UTC). Weather.
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I see an alert associated with Tstorms on the West coast, and I see an alert off-shore north at St Augustine.
The tornado alert is localized and will follow the storm; not an 'area' thing but specific to the storm.
But the Winds Aloft look crazy.
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SCRUB. Weather, obvious.
24hr recycle to tomorrow at 08:59 EST (1359 UTC)
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Doesn't look good!
https://science.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/countdown/video/chan1large.jpg
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Official announcement of scrub.
https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1075745493324451840
"Standing down today due to weather. Vehicle and payload remain in good health. Working toward the next best launch opportunity; will announce a new launch date once confirmed on the Range."
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Latest weather forecast, tomorrow looking as bad as today - 40% GO but very high upper level winds. Saturday though looking good (if range is available):
Launch day probability of violating launch weather constraints: 60%
Primary concern(s): Cumulus Cloud Rule, Liftoff Winds
24-Hour delay probability of violating launch weather constraints: 20%
Primary concern(s): Liftoff Winds
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It looks like GPS III SV01 is going to be the first flight with new COPVs in both stages.
https://twitter.com/Free_Space/status/1075777466323460103
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And the launch is now NET December 22!
https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1075778452064632838
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It looks like GPS III SV01 is going to be the first flight with new COPVs in both stages.
https://twitter.com/Free_Space/status/1075777466323460103
I thought Hans already said this back on Dec. 5th when CRS-16 launched, no? Why is this sticking in my head that this isn't new information?
Also, Hans said at the CRS-16 post-flight presser that the previous 2 flights DO count toward NASA's 7, so this flight would be the 3rd.
(Posting in the update thread as I'm not certain this is an update vs. a publication of information we were told 2 weeks ago.)
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Also, Hans said at the CRS-16 post-flight presser that the previous 2 flights DO count toward NASA's 7, so this flight would be the 3rd.
(Posting in the update thread as I'm not certain this is an update vs. a publication of information we were told 2 weeks ago.)
For context, the confirmation of S2-only COPV flights counting was initially fuzzy:
Tim Fernholz, Quartz: And will that count towards the seven demonstrations that SpaceX needs to do to be certified to fly astronauts next year?
Hans Koenigsmann, SpaceX: I think it does.
Then in a later answer it was more solidly asserted.
Hans Koenigsmann, SpaceX: So on the COPV front, we basically had a modification of the COPV for crew. And these COPV are phased in, slowly. And all I said in the earlier answer was that the second stage contained the new upgraded COPV, and it does count toward a demonstration of seven flights prior to demo.
(full transcript) (https://gist.github.com/theinternetftw/a6e5bec64f6dc8c3084a38f3c5788f4c)
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Updated weather forecast is now available!
Launch day probability of violating launch weather constraints: 10%
Primary concern(s): Liftoff Winds
Maximum upper-level winds will be from the northwest at 95 knots near 40,000 feet.
24-Hour delay probability of violating launch weather constraints: <5%
Primary concern(s): Liftoff Winds
Maximum upper-level winds will be from the west at 85 knots near 40,000 feet.
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https://twitter.com/wmfeorlando/status/1076195223817064450
As Shutdown Looms, More Than Half Of Kennedy Space Center Federal Employees Could Be Furloughed wmfe.org/as-shutdown-lo…
https://twitter.com/spacebrendan/status/1076195608875159552
A @SpaceX launch Saturday will NOT be affected, and the KSC Visitor Complex @ExploreSpaceKSC will remain open (including bus tours!)
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https://twitter.com/nextspaceflight/status/1076238123909169153
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https://twitter.com/spacexfleet/status/1076435704870330369
Rough seas and high winds look to be the cause of cancelled fairing retrieval by GO Pursuit for today's launch. Waves up to 6m high and wind gusts of 70km/h in the recovery zone!
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Watching Upper Level Winds.
https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1076453815543463936
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New T0 is 09:21 EST (1421 UTC).
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https://twitter.com/spacex/status/1076463374102220800
Continue to monitor upper level winds. Pushing T-0 to 9:21 a.m. EST, 14:21 UTC → spacex.com/webcast
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Polling.
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T-38 minutes. SpaceX Launch Director should be verifying go for propellant load.
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GO to proceed with propellant load!
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T-35 minutes. First and second stage RP-1 and second stage LOX loading should be starting now.
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T-35mins. Launch auto has started. Fueling has begun.
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OK. Upper Level Winds are STILL a concern. FINAL Upper Level Wind determination will be at T-30 SECONDS.
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twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1076475370784735233
T-30 minutes until Falcon 9 launch of GPS III SV01. Launch webcast will go live about 15 minutes before liftoff → http://spacex.com/webcast
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LD loop is quiet. All is proceeding well with the Launch Auto sequence and fueling. No issues.
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Stage 2 RP-1 fueling closed out.
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Oh yeah. Its funky music time!
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Webcast is live, link below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVIrgayWlI0
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Stage 2 LOX load has started.
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T-16 minutes. Second stage LOX loading should be starting now.
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GPS III on internal power.
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We're yellow!
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Winds are still concerning.
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T-11 minutes. Upper level winds still a concern.
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T-10 minutes. No fairing recovery today.
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T-9 minutes.
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T-8 minutes. Talking about payload.
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T-7 minutes. Engine chill should be starting now. Showing USAF video on GPS III.
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Fueling closeouts for launch have commenced.
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T-6 minutes.
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webcast started. promo video
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NO GO Upper Level Winds.
Count continuing to T-30sec for data collection ONLY>
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T-5 minutes.
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T-4 minutes. Not launching due to upper level winds.
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SCRUB confirmed.
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scrubbed, try again tomorrow
Countdown net still active, they are taking the count to the edge but not releasing
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T-3 minutes. Still going through the count, but not launching.
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Stage 2 LOX load closed out.
F9 on internal power.
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T-2 minutes. Stage 2 LOX closed out.
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Falcon 9 in start up.
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CUT OFF.
Recycling. Launch Auto aborted.
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T-1 minute. Falcon 9 is in startup.
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Hold. Hold. Hold.
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Official hold and scrub, 24 hour turnaround
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End of webcast. Trying again tomorrow.
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Next attempt tomorrow, 8:51 AM Eastern time, they got within 29 seconds for test purposes
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Summary with audio from countdown net
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0zpOmkmfhY
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Forecast for tomorrow largely unchanged, 95+% GO, upper level winds still high but lower than was forecast for today:
Launch day probability of violating launch weather constraints: <5%
Primary concern(s): Liftoff Winds
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SpaceX has updated a webcast link for today.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRiLPoy_Mzc
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https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1076821727210921984 (https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1076821727210921984)
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https://twitter.com/45thSpaceWing/status/1076823058684493826 (https://twitter.com/45thSpaceWing/status/1076823058684493826)
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Technical poll complete. Go to proceed to propellant load poll.
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T-38 minutes. SpaceX Launch Director should be verifying go for propellant load.
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GO for propellant load!
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T-35 minutes. First and second stage RP-1 and second stage LOX loading should be starting now.
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T-35mins
Launch auto has started. Fueling has begun.
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T-25mins
Launch auto continues with no issues. Fueling continues.
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Stage 2 RP-1 fueling closed out.
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T-16mins
Stage 2 LOX load has started.
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T-16 minutes. Second stage LOX loading should be starting now.
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Time to get down with some funky music!
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GPS III-SV01 is on internal power and GO for launch.
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Webcast started
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T-10mins
NO issues. Launch auto proceeding.
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T-7 minutes. Engine chill should be starting.
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Stage 1 fuel load closed out.
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Livestream has started.
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T-5mins
No issues.
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Tanks pressing for strongback retract.
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T-5 minutes. Weather is good for today. Not tracking any constraints.
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T-4 minutes. LOX nearly full on second stage.
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T-3 minutes. Stage 1 LOX load closed out.
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T-2 minutes. Stage 2 LOX load closed out.
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T-1 minute. Falcon 9 is in startup. Go for launch!
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Liftoff!
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LAUNCH!
https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/1076837839994793988
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T+1 minute.
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T+2 minutes.
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First stage separation.
T+3 minutes.
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gobabygo
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MECO at 2650m/s. They're really giving S2 a good push.
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Fairing separation.
T+4 minutes.
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T+5 minutes.
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T+6 minutes.
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Insulation sliding and getting caught on top of the second stage's M-1D nozzle ducting?
EDIT: Pinned there by the acceleration forces. Was hoping to see them spring and bounce free at SECO-1: but the camera cut away just before that happened! Saw a great big chunk of what looked like ice break away from a vent a few moments after SECO-1.
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T+7 minutes. Talking about second coast phase.
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T+8 minutes.
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SECO1. Nominal orbit insertion.
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T+9 minutes. Back in 57 minutes for the second burn, which is for about 1 minute.
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T+10 minutes. Upcoming events.
01:08:51 2nd stage engine restarts
01:09:37 2nd stage engine cutoff (SECO-2)
01:56:17 GPS III SV01 deployment
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The usual ice monster:
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Expected LOS Bermuda.
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Expected LOS ?. AOS ?. Hard to hear the callouts over the music.
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T+20 minutes. Over Great Britain.
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Expected LOS Goonhilly.
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AOS Dubai.
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T+30 minutes. Over the middle east.
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https://twitter.com/cygnusx112/status/1076842127131320320
https://twitter.com/johnkrausphotos/status/1076839910676533248
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AOS Diego Garcia.
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T+40 minutes. Over the Indian Ocean.
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Expected LOS Dubai.
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T+50 minutes. AOS Western Australia.
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Launch photo from SpaceX website
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LOS Mauritius.
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T+1 hour.
AOS Tasmania.
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5 minutes to second ignition.
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Commentators are back. Second ignition at T+1:08:52
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2 minutes to second ignition.
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1 minute to second ignition.
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webcast back
Promo vid: over 250 subs in 29 states.. So lots and lots of... stuff to spread around
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Second ignition. Altitude is only 1200 km.
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Cutoff! Nominal orbit insertion.
Expected LOS Western Australia. AOS ?
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Commentators coming back in 47 minutes.
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View of the satellite.
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T+1 hour 20 minutes.
Expected LOS Tasmania.
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That big chunk of LOX ice just broke away.
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Looks like its resting on the turbine exhaust pipe.
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Looks like its just hanging there.
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Hmm. Maybe this is another piece of LOX ice at the tip of another vent.
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T+1 hour 30 minutes. AOS ?. Expected LOS ?
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AOS ?
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Stage 1 landing site just popped into view.
AOS South Texas.
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T+1 hour 40 minutes.
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That LOX ice buildup has broken away.
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AOS Cape (Canaveral).
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AOS New Hampshire.
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Small divergence in predicted paths. Have merged back.
AOS Bermuda.
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T+1 hour 50 minutes.
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5 minutes to separation.
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2 minutes to separation.
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1 minute to separation.
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Scheduled separation should be happening now. Looks like its a little later.
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Now saying separation is in one minute.
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30 seconds to sep.
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Separation!
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S/C Sep!
Thanks to Steven, Chris G and all for the coverage!
S/C Sep! GPS III SV01 deploys after successful Falcon 9 launch.
ARTICLE:
https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2018/12/spacex-2018-gps-iii-first-national-security-mission/ …
- By Chris Gebhardt (@ChrisG_NSF)
Photo by @thejackbeyer
https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/1076867654579822592
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Some wacky fast fliers zooming past right in the background as the space vehicle drifts away right after deploy.
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End of webcast. Next launch is Iridium 8 on 7 January.
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Recap:
launch
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wsBWS3r4H4
GPS III SV01 deployment
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6M2EG07bZ8
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https://twitter.com/LockheedMartin/status/1076869125706825728 (https://twitter.com/LockheedMartin/status/1076869125706825728)
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https://twitter.com/_tomcross_/status/1076845518477840385
@SpaceX closed out 2018 with a picture perfect day for the GPS III satellite launch. This booster was a devolved version - it had no legs or gridfins because it was expendable due to mission requirements. 21 successful launches in 2018 🚀 #spacex #falcon9 #block5 @Teslarati
https://twitter.com/spiel2001/status/1076873719170125825
Liftoff of @SpaceX #Falcon9#Block5 for #GPSIII this morning at #SLC40
Full Flickr album is here: flic.kr/s/aHsmoW5UVS
#space #rocketry #photography
@elonmusk @SpaceXUpdates @AsgardiaSpace
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New cataloged object of this mission:
2018-109A 2018-12-23 15:32 UTC - 1193/20200km/55.01°
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https://twitter.com/johnkrausphotos/status/1076907918421827584
🔥 🔥 🔥
SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket put on a powerful show this morning, delivering the U.S. Air Force’s newest GPS satellite — SV01, dubbed “Vespucci” — to orbit.
Edit to add:
https://twitter.com/marcuscotephoto/status/1076907948109111296
Nine furious Merlin 1D engines simultaneously perform beneath a legless variant of #Falcon9. Here a telephoto image from my sound-activated camera at SLC-40. (Marcus Cote/ Space Coast Times) #SpaceX #GPSIII
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Images posted by Kennedy Space Center on social media
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Would this be the de-orbit burn?
EDIT: as suggested in the discussion thread, this may be the 2nd burn, not deorbit, regardless, this is a stunning shot
https://twitter.com/unitambo/status/1076943678533296128
"Possible SpaceX second stage booster over S.E Australia. Sighting also reported from Tasmania, seen in http://Nth.sky . Pic below taken overhead from Bairnsdale in East Vic. Sighted SSW of Omeo, travelling N.Easterly. @elonmusk @SpaceX #SpaceX"
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More launch photos from SpaceX
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SpaceX - GPS-3 - 18 In Optical Track Into Space 12-23-2018
USLaunchReport
Published on Dec 23, 2018
After several attempts, SpaceX launches the first of 6 GPS missions for the Air Force. Follow Ed Geiger's 18in telescope 100 miles up and several hundred miles down range.
https://youtu.be/O_3uVMdw5HY?t=001
https://youtu.be/O_3uVMdw5HY
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SpaceX photo
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News Release Issued: Dec 23, 2018 (11:07am EST)
First Lockheed Martin-Built Next Generation GPS III Satellite Responding to Commands
Launch of the first GPS III satellite begins the modernization of the GPS constellation
DENVER, Dec. 23, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- At approximately 12,550 miles (20,200 km) up... turn left. You have arrived at a new era for the Global Positioning System (GPS).
The U.S. Air Force's first Lockheed Martin built-GPS III satellite was launched on Dec. 23.
A major milestone in the U.S. Air Force's plan to bring new technology and capabilities to the GPS constellation, the first Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT)-built GPS III satellite began "talking" with engineers and operators from ground control, as planned, following its successful launch this morning.
GPS III Space Vehicle 01 (GPS III SV01) is now receiving and responding to commands from Lockheed Martin's Launch and Checkout Center at the company's Denver facility. Air Force and company engineers declared satellite control signal acquisition and rocket booster separation about 119 minutes after GPS III SV01's launch. The satellite lifted off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket at 8:51 a.m. EST.
GPS III SV01 is the first of an entirely new, next generation GPS satellite designed to modernize the GPS constellation. GPS III has three times better accuracy and up to eight times improved anti-jamming capabilities. Spacecraft life will extend to 15 years, 25 percent longer than any of the GPS satellites on-orbit today. GPS III's new L1C civil signal will also make it the first GPS satellite broadcasting a compatible signal with other international global navigation satellite systems, like Europe's Galileo, improving connectivity for civilian users.
Once declared operational, GPS III SV01 is expected to take its place in today's 31 satellite strong GPS constellation, which provides positioning, navigation and timing services to more than four billion civil, commercial and military users. The Air Force nicknamed the satellite "Vespucci" after Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci.
"In the coming days, GPS III SV01 will use its liquid apogee engines to climb into its operational orbit about 12,550 miles above the earth. We will then send it commands to deploy its solar arrays and antennas, and begin on-orbit checkout and tests, including extensive signals testing with our advanced navigation payload provided by Harris Corporation," said Johnathon Caldwell, Lockheed Martin's Vice President for Navigation Systems.
Air Force and Lockheed Martin engineers are controlling GPS III SV01's launch and checkout test using elements of the GPS Next Generation Operational Control System (OCX) Block 0. Satellite control and operations are expected to shift to the Air Force's current Operational Control Segment when GPS III Contingency Operations upgrades are fully implemented later this year.
"This is the Air Force's first GPS III, so we are excited to begin on-orbit test and demonstrate its capabilities," Caldwell said. "By this time next year, we expect to also have a second GPS III on orbit and users should be receiving signals from this first satellite."
Lockheed Martin developed GPS III and manufactured GPS III SV01 at its advanced $128-million GPS III Processing Facility near Denver. In September 2017, the Air Force declared the satellite "Available for Launch" (AFL) and had the company place it into storage. Last summer the Air Force "called up" the satellite for launch and Lockheed Martin delivered it to Florida on Aug. 20. On Dec. 8, GPS III SV01 completed pre-launch processing, fueling and encapsulation at Astrotech Space Operations, in Titusville, Florida.
GPS III SV01 is the first of 10 GPS III satellites originally ordered by the Air Force. GPS III SV03-08 are now in various stages of assembly and test. In August, the Air Force declared the second GPS III "AFL" and, in November, called GPS III SV02 up for a 2019 launch.
In September, the Air Force selected Lockheed Martin for the GPS III Follow On (GPS IIIF) program, an estimated $7.2 billion opportunity to build up to 22 additional GPS IIIF satellites with additional capabilities. GPS IIIF builds off Lockheed Martin's existing modular GPS III, which was designed to evolve with new technology and changing mission needs. On Sept. 26, the Air Force awarded Lockheed Martin a $1.4 billion contract for support to start up the program and to contract the 11th and 12th GPS III satellite.
Lockheed Martin is proud to be a part of the Air Force's GPS III team. The GPS III team is led by the Global Positioning Systems Directorate at the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center. Air Force Space Command's 2nd Space Operations Squadron (2SOPS), based at Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado, manages and operates the GPS constellation for both civil and military users.
For additional GPS III information, photos and video visit: www.lockheedmartin.com/gps.
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https://www.gpsworld.com/first-gps-iii-satellite-now-available/
The U.S. Air Force Second Space Operations Squadron (2 SOPS) has issued a statement that the first GPS III satellite is available for backup. While occupying the same plane as SV-68, the new satellite is broadcasting healthy, usable signals and is an active part of the constellation in the vicinity of slot F3 near SV-68.