Each Starlink satellite weights approximately 260 kg and features a compact, flat-panel design that minimizes volume, allowing for a dense launch stack to take full advantage of Falcon 9’s launch capabilities. With four powerful phased array and two parabolic antennas on each satellite ... At end of their life cycle, the satellites will utilize their on-board propulsion system to deorbit over the course of a few months. In the unlikely event their propulsion system becomes inoperable, the satellites will burn up in Earth’s atmosphere within 1-5 years, significantly less than the hundreds or thousands of years required at higher altitudes. Further, Starlink components are designed for full demisability.Starlink is targeting service to near global coverage of the populated world by 2021. Additional information on the system can be found at starlink.com.
Is this the same as RF Mission 2-5?
https://fcc.report/ELS/Space-Exploration-Technologies-Corp-SpaceX/1423-EX-ST-2021Starlink Group 2-3 from Vandy NET October to 70 degrees[submitted September 1]
Six permits requested for Starlink flights from Vandenberg NET July, missions 1-5 through 6-5, with ASDS landing.0817-EX-ST-2021 1-50826-EX-ST-2021 2-50842-EX-ST-2021 3-5 [submitted May 25]0843-EX-ST-2021 4-50844-EX-ST-2021 5-50845-EX-ST-2021 6-5
My hypothesis is there are currently only enough SpaceX employees to handle one launch campaign at Vandenberg at a time.The rest are in Boca Chica working on the first Starship launch.Starlink 2-1 September 14 UTCStarlink 2-2 mid-OctoberDART November 24(Same situation in Florida for the duration.)
120908Z OCT 21NAVAREA XII 588/21(18,21).EASTERN NORTH PACIFIC.CALIFORNIA. 1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS 1522Z TO 2047Z DAILY 17 AND 18 OCT IN AREA BOUND BY 34-40N 120-43W, 34-40N 120-24W, 33-48N 119-57W, 30-14N 118-05W, 29-56N 117-39W, 28-33N 117-14W, 28-33N 117-28W, 29-29N 118-19W, 30-17N 118-19W. 2. CANCEL THIS MSG 182147Z OCT 21.
120917Z OCT 21HYDROPAC 2906/21(61,63).ARABIAN SEA. NORTHWESTERN INDIAN OCEAN. DNC 02, DNC 03, DNC 10. 1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS 1644Z TO 2120Z DAILY 17 AND 18 OCT IN AREA BOUND BY 10-21N 062-11E, 09-10N 065-06E, 00-23S 063-49E, 06-21S 059-42E, 05-22S 057-02E, 04-08N 058-09E.2. CANCEL THIS MSG 182220Z OCT 21.
122155Z OCT 21NAVAREA XII 590/21(18,21).EASTERN NORTH PACIFIC.CALIFORNIA.1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS 1649Z TO 1916Z DAILY 17 AND 18 OCT IN AREA BOUND BY 34-40N 120-43W, 34-40N 120-24W, 33-48N 119-57W, 30-14N 118-05W, 29-56N 117-39W, 28-33N 117-14W, 28-33N 117-28W, 29-29N 118-19W, 30-17N 118-19W.2. CANCEL NAVAREA XII 588/21.3. CANCEL THIS MSG 182016Z OCT 21.
122221Z OCT 21HYDROPAC 2915/21(61,63).ARABIAN SEA. NORTHWESTERN INDIAN OCEAN. DNC 02, DNC 03, DNC 10.1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS 1811Z TO 1949Z DAILY 17 AND 18 OCT IN AREA BOUND BY 10-21N 062-11E, 09-10N 065-06E, 00-23S 063-49E, 06-21S 059-42E, 05-22S 057-02E, 04-08N 058-09E.2. CANCEL HYDROPAC 2906/21.3. CANCEL THIS MSG 182049Z OCT 21.
The NGA notices that I posted above have been cancel-and-replaced with new notices (still just generic Hazardous Operations) with narrower time periods.Quote from: NGA122155Z OCT 21NAVAREA XII 590/21(18,21).EASTERN NORTH PACIFIC.CALIFORNIA.1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS 1649Z TO 1916Z DAILY 17 AND 18 OCT IN AREA BOUND BY 34-40N 120-43W, 34-40N 120-24W, 33-48N 119-57W, 30-14N 118-05W, 29-56N 117-39W, 28-33N 117-14W, 28-33N 117-28W, 29-29N 118-19W, 30-17N 118-19W.2. CANCEL NAVAREA XII 588/21.3. CANCEL THIS MSG 182016Z OCT 21.Quote from: NGA122221Z OCT 21HYDROPAC 2915/21(61,63).ARABIAN SEA. NORTHWESTERN INDIAN OCEAN. DNC 02, DNC 03, DNC 10.1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS 1811Z TO 1949Z DAILY 17 AND 18 OCT IN AREA BOUND BY 10-21N 062-11E, 09-10N 065-06E, 00-23S 063-49E, 06-21S 059-42E, 05-22S 057-02E, 04-08N 058-09E.2. CANCEL HYDROPAC 2906/21.3. CANCEL THIS MSG 182049Z OCT 21.
What is record minimum time from announcement of date of launch to launch date (excluding after recycle/scrub)?4.5 days for this one seems low?
Quote from: crandles57 on 10/13/2021 12:58 amWhat is record minimum time from announcement of date of launch to launch date (excluding after recycle/scrub)?4.5 days for this one seems low?Many launches were not announced until AFTER they were in orbit, so zero or negative days.
Expect Falcon booster B1051 to fly the upcoming Starlink mission from Vandenberg – setting a new SpaceX reuse record at 11 flights.
OCISLY has turned around and appears to be heading back home to the Port of Long Beach. The droneship departed yesterday [October 13] for the upcoming Starlink mission out of Vandenberg.
142203Z OCT 21NAVAREA XII 597/21(18,21).EASTERN NORTH PACIFIC.CALIFORNIA.CANCEL NAVAREA XII 590/21 AND THIS MSG,OPERATIONS POSTPONED.
142222Z OCT 21HYDROPAC 2935/21(61,63).ARABIAN SEA. NORTHWESTERN INDIAN OCEAN. DNC 02, DNC 03, DNC 10.CANCEL HYDROPAC 2915/21 AND THIS MSG,OPERATIONS POSTPONED.
Per these NGA notices, the marine hazard warnings are canceled, so the launch is postponed indefinitely.
Quote from: Ken the Bin on 10/14/2021 10:32 pmPer these NGA notices, the marine hazard warnings are canceled, so the launch is postponed indefinitely.Indefinitely meaning we don't know when it's rescheduled to, not necessarily a long time.
Has that happened for previous Starlink missions (sudden droneship turn-around)?
Sorry work has been super busy this week but I am hearing the issue is not with the rocket. I do not have anymore information than that.
I see that the thread subject has changed from Starlink Group 2-2 to Starlink Group 2-3.The same change has been made in the SpaceX Manifest Updates thread, but I don't seea post that explains the change.
Quote from: cwr on 10/17/2021 02:14 amI see that the thread subject has changed from Starlink Group 2-2 to Starlink Group 2-3.The same change has been made in the SpaceX Manifest Updates thread, but I don't seea post that explains the change.2-2 was a guess on my part. Apparently it's actually 2-3. As for why it's 2-3, I'm really not sure, but it's not the first time I've been confused by SpaceX numbering.
Quote from: scr00chy on 09/14/2021 05:14 amSpaceflight Now reports "Starlink launches from Florida’s Space Coast are expected to resume as soon as October".What I'd like to know:1. Will it be called Starlink 2-2, Starlink 3-1 or something else?2. Will it be launching to 53.2° or 97.6° inclination?Is it possible for Florida Starlink launches to the 70 deg inclination? Launch last night was 2-1, and next FCC filing for SLC-4E states mission 2-3 (https://fcc.report/ELS/Space-Exploration-Technologies-Corp-SpaceX/1423-EX-ST-2021), skipping 2-2. Could they alternate launches from both coasts and complete the 70 deg shell faster? Logistically in space it makes sense for sats to be raising at the same inclination, no?
Spaceflight Now reports "Starlink launches from Florida’s Space Coast are expected to resume as soon as October".What I'd like to know:1. Will it be called Starlink 2-2, Starlink 3-1 or something else?2. Will it be launching to 53.2° or 97.6° inclination?
This could be the reason?
Quote from: Gav Cornwell tweetOCISLY has turned around and appears to be heading back home to the Port of Long Beach. The droneship departed yesterday [October 13] for the upcoming Starlink mission out of Vandenberg.
Quote from: Gav Cornwell tweetThe current West Coast support ship Adele Elise has set a destination for Louisiana, paving the way for OG former East Coast ship GO Quest to become the new support vessel in California. GO Quest crossed through the Panama Canal yesterday [October 19]...
The current West Coast support ship Adele Elise has set a destination for Louisiana, paving the way for OG former East Coast ship GO Quest to become the new support vessel in California. GO Quest crossed through the Panama Canal yesterday [October 19]...
It appears GO Quest is just replacing the other ship, period. The other ship leaving already does seem to suggest there isn't a launch imminent.
GO Quest has a loooong way to go to reach its new home in Los Angeles. Should arrive around November 2nd. Don't expect that postponed Starlink launch to happen anytime soon. [October 22]
Quote from: wannamoonbase on 11/13/2021 12:55 pmCongratulations SpaceX on what appears to be a flawless flight and a return of east coast Starlink flights. The rest of the 2021 Manifest looks like it could finish strong. Hopefully there can be 1 or two more Starlink flights before 12/31<snip> Been meaning to do this for awhile but per Elon's tweet that SpaceX plans to launch 80t in Q4, that will definitely require at least a few more Starlink launches. Based on him saying that SpaceX launched 41t in Q3, I'll ballpark that as 13t for Inspiration4, 14t for CRS-23, and 14t for Starlink 2-1. In Q4, we have two launches behind us and five more confirmed missions on the manifest:QuoteCrew-3 (13t)Starlink 4-1 (15t)DART (0.7t)IXPE (0.4t)CSG-2 (2.2t)Turksat 5B (4.5t)CRS-24 (14t)Altogether, that's about 50t, leaving room for two more Starlink launches to reach Elon's 80t prediction. I'd personally guess that that means one more Starlink launch from each coast before the end of the year.
Congratulations SpaceX on what appears to be a flawless flight and a return of east coast Starlink flights. The rest of the 2021 Manifest looks like it could finish strong. Hopefully there can be 1 or two more Starlink flights before 12/31
Crew-3 (13t)Starlink 4-1 (15t)DART (0.7t)IXPE (0.4t)CSG-2 (2.2t)Turksat 5B (4.5t)CRS-24 (14t)
I can confirm this is Group 2-3 as gongora pointed out. 2-2 is flying from Florida
Not a big surprise, but I appreciate them reaching the same conclusions as us.(This is beyond the Florida Starlink launch confirmed for December 1.)SFN, SpaceX is about to break its own annual launch record, dated November 17QuoteThe schedule in December could have room for two more Starlink launches — one from California and one from Florida. But SpaceX typically does not reveal schedules for its Starlink missions until weeks, or even days, before the launch date.
The schedule in December could have room for two more Starlink launches — one from California and one from Florida. But SpaceX typically does not reveal schedules for its Starlink missions until weeks, or even days, before the launch date.
2021 Launched:№ – Date - Satellite(s) - Rocket - Launch Site - Time (UTC)December 18 late summer? NET Aug Sept NET Oct mid 17 TBD NET Nov NET Dec NET 17 17 - Starlink 4-4 2-2 2-3 (x52 x51) (flight 33? 31 TBD/high-inclination flight 2) [v1.5 L4? v2.0 L2 L-TBD] - Falcon 9-132 127? TBD 134? (1051.11? 1051.11? 1049.11? S) - Vandenberg SLC-4E - 12:41:40 ~15:30 ~17:00 17:34 TBD ~08:30 to 14:10 ~08:40 to 14:10 09:46:20 09:24:40 or(mid-inclination Starlink: launch 20-22 minutes earlier/day)2022 Scheduled:№ – Date - Satellite(s) - Rocket - Launch Site - Time (UTC)NET mid January NET Sept 2021 Oct 2021 NET Nov 2021 NET Dec 2021 - Starlink TBD 2-3 2-TBD (x51?) (flight TBD/polar flight 1? high-inclination flight 3) [v1.5 TBD v2.0 L3 L-TBD] - Falcon 9 (1051.12? 1063.4? S) - Vandenberg SLC-4EFebruary NET Jun 2021/NLT Dec 2021 NET 2022 Feb ~Feb 2 - NROL-87 - Falcon 9 (1063.4? L?) - Vandenberg SLC-4ETBD NET May 2021 late 2021 NET Dec 2021 NET Jan 31, 2022 late Jan - ALS mission 1: Carbonite 4 (CBNT 4), GENESIS-G & J, QUBIK-3/4/5/6, Sapling-1, Spinnaker 3 - Firefly Alpha (FLTA002) - Vandenberg SLC-2WChanges on November 19th, 2020Changes on December 23, 2020Changes on March 2ndChanges on May 17thChanges on May 26thChanges on May 27thChanges on May 28thChanges on June 15thChanges on June 29thChanges on July 23rdChanges on July 27thChanges on August 15thChanges on August 24thChanges on August 29thChanges on September 1stChanges on September 7thChanges on September 11thChanges on October 6thChanges on October 12thChanges on October 13thChanges on October 14thChanges on October 22ndChanges on November 3rdChanges on November 5thChanges on November 24thChanges on December 3rdChanges on December 9thChanges on December 10thChanges on December 12thChanges on December 14thChanges on December 15thChanges on December 16thChanges on December 17thChanges on December 18thChanges on December 30thChanges on January 10thzubenelgenubi
Will there be a Static Fire before the Starlink 2-3 Starlink 2-2 launch from Vandenberg?[First stage] is 1051.11.If it's yet another booster [not 1049 nor 1063], transported from elsewhere, then I expect [a Static Fire] to ensure its proper function after said transport.Edit: 1051 arrived at VSFB circa September 1.I could be wrong about a static fire as a SpaceX SOP after cross-country road transport.
I wonder when this will launch--limiting parameter is turning around the recovery fleet after DART, or turning around the launch complex?
Quote from: zubenelgenubi on 11/24/2021 05:57 amI wonder when this will launch--limiting parameter is turning around the recovery fleet after DART, or turning around the launch complex?SpaceX's fastest SLC-4E turnaround is 36 days, so the NET for this launch without setting a new record is already December 30th! If everything is relatively normal (i.e. no surprise trip to Mexico), recovery fleet turnaround should take no more than a week or two. I'd put the realistic NET firmly in the last full week of December.
SpaceX is expected to launch an average of one Starlink mission per month from Vandenberg over the next year
These two NOTMARs seems to be for this launch - the closure areas and timing seems right for Starlink’s orbit:
NextSpaceFlighthttps://nextspaceflight.com/launches/?search=SpaceXreports launch time 08:24UTC
Quote from: crandles57 on 12/13/2021 12:12 pmNextSpaceFlighthttps://nextspaceflight.com/launches/?search=SpaceXreports launch time 08:24UTCSince I was the one who set it…it’s a NET time based on the marine space closure zones I posted, and the actual time should be some hours later given the window set is 6 hours long.
Quote from: Galactic Penguin SST on 12/13/2021 12:14 pmQuote from: crandles57 on 12/13/2021 12:12 pmNextSpaceFlighthttps://nextspaceflight.com/launches/?search=SpaceXreports launch time 08:24UTCSince I was the one who set it…it’s a NET time based on the marine space closure zones I posted, and the actual time should be some hours later given the window set is 6 hours long.When in the window set exactly? I'm trying to look at other NOTAMs listed for previous launches in order to determine a trend between them.
Quote from: ZachS09 on 12/13/2021 12:54 pmQuote from: Galactic Penguin SST on 12/13/2021 12:14 pmQuote from: crandles57 on 12/13/2021 12:12 pmNextSpaceFlighthttps://nextspaceflight.com/launches/?search=SpaceXreports launch time 08:24UTCSince I was the one who set it…it’s a NET time based on the marine space closure zones I posted, and the actual time should be some hours later given the window set is 6 hours long.When in the window set exactly? I'm trying to look at other NOTAMs listed for previous launches in order to determine a trend between them.Good luck with that. I've been trying for a long time. The amount of time from the beginning of the hazard window to the targeted launch time can vary from zero minutes up to 1.5 hours. And it's not necessarily consistent even for the same kind of launch from the same launch pad. Edit: To clarify, I'm referring to NGA marine hazard notices (NOTMARs), not NOTAMs.
BOLO (Be On the LookOut) for a possible SF (Static Fire).(I know, the geography makes it much more difficult than at Canaveral.)
0839 to 1414 UTC Daily starting December 17 and ending December 21.
Quote from: Ken the Bin on 12/13/2021 01:23 pmQuote from: ZachS09 on 12/13/2021 12:54 pmQuote from: Galactic Penguin SST on 12/13/2021 12:14 pmQuote from: crandles57 on 12/13/2021 12:12 pmNextSpaceFlighthttps://nextspaceflight.com/launches/?search=SpaceXreports launch time 08:24UTCSince I was the one who set it…it’s a NET time based on the marine space closure zones I posted, and the actual time should be some hours later given the window set is 6 hours long.When in the window set exactly? I'm trying to look at other NOTAMs listed for previous launches in order to determine a trend between them.Good luck with that. I've been trying for a long time. The amount of time from the beginning of the hazard window to the targeted launch time can vary from zero minutes up to 1.5 hours. And it's not necessarily consistent even for the same kind of launch from the same launch pad. Edit: To clarify, I'm referring to NGA marine hazard notices (NOTMARs), not NOTAMs.Also, let's remember that although NOTMARS and NOTAMS are multi-hour, the launch window for Starlink missions are unique, so SpaceX only has one launch opportunity and that makes guessing the launch time and minute a bit more difficult.
There could be two or more launch windows within the NOTAM/NOTMARS temporal boundaries.This early in the process of filling the polar orbital planes (polar flight 2), one argument of perigee could be as useful as another?
CelesTrak has pre-launch SupTLEs for #Starlink Group 4-4, which is set to launch 2021-12-17 09:46:20 UTC on a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg AFB, California. Deployment of 52 satellites occurs just over 15 minutes later at 10:01:56.540 UTC: https://celestrak.com/NORAD/elements/supplemental/.
Airspace Definition: Region bounded by: Latitude: Longitude: FRD: From: 34º38'34"N 120º31'23"W To: 34º24'38"N 120º19'13"W To: 34º25'01"N 120º15'36"W To: 34º30'00"N 120º15'36"W To: 34º36'19"N 120º27'24"W To: 34º35'47"N 120º28'14"W Altitude: From the surface up to and including 500 feet AGLEffective Date(s): In UTC: 0839 to 1414 UTC Daily starting December 17 and ending December 21.
Kelso is showing this launch to 53.2 degrees. Which would be surprising. But ever since the water tower got legs, I've tried to keep an open mind about SpaceX activities.
https://twitter.com/StephenClark1/status/1470783838058078208QuoteAt Euroconsult’s World Satellite Business Week, SpaceX’s Jonathan Hofeller says launches into the Starlink network’s polar orbital shell will begin “in a month or so.”Dedicated Starlink missions so far have targeted the 53-degree, 53.2-degree, and 70-degree inclination shells.
At Euroconsult’s World Satellite Business Week, SpaceX’s Jonathan Hofeller says launches into the Starlink network’s polar orbital shell will begin “in a month or so.”Dedicated Starlink missions so far have targeted the 53-degree, 53.2-degree, and 70-degree inclination shells.
Just to add to the confusion, there is an additional TFR for the exact same time frame, but a different location (mostly over land), and up to an altitude of 500 feet AGL.
A non-polar Starlink launch this month would track with polar Starlink launches beginning next month.
So that VSFB launch back in October... was that supposed to be Starlink 2-3 launching to 70°, which then got cancelled and replaced with 4-4 to 53.2°? Or has it always been 4-4 launching to 53.2° and it just got delayed by 2 months, and we just incorrectly thought it was called 2-3 and launching to 70°?
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA-VANDENBERG AFB-HAZARDOUS OPERATIONSHazardous operations will be conducted from Vandenberg AFB, CA starting at 12:24am on 17 Dec 21 until 6:14am on 18 Dec 21. Hazardous operation areas are bounded by the following coordinates:34-34-00N 120-39-00W34-40-00N 120-39-00W34-28-00N 120-12-00W34-08-00N 119-52-00W33-16-00N 119-16-00W30-54-00N 117-23-00W30-40-00N 117-00-00W29-16-00N 115-56-00W29-05-00N 116-14-00W29-53-00N 117-05-00W30-42-00N 117-30-00W33-03-00N 119-19-00W34-23-00N 120-34-00WMariners are advised to remain clear of these areas for the duration of operations. For more details or comments contact Vandenberg AFB at 805-606-8825.
I guess someone crunched numbers and saw that the 53.2 degree shells have more revenue.
Quote from: wannamoonbase on 12/15/2021 02:37 pmI guess someone crunched numbers and saw that the 53.2 degree shells have more revenue.Do we know for certain they have the inter satellite links sorted? They could be waiting for improvements before filling the polar orbits.
Quote from: Barley on 12/16/2021 01:15 amQuote from: wannamoonbase on 12/15/2021 02:37 pmI guess someone crunched numbers and saw that the 53.2 degree shells have more revenue.Do we know for certain they have the inter satellite links sorted? They could be waiting for improvements before filling the polar orbits.Yes, otherwise they would be launching more satellites and not just 52.
I just noticed the article athttps://www.noozhawk.com/article/spacex_rocket_ready_to_launch_vandenberg_sfbs_second_starlink_missionwhich says that this launch has slipped to early Saturday morning but I've not seen itreported anywhere else.can anybody confirm or deny this report?Carl
A mariner’s notice issued recently advised boaters to remain out of the area of SLC-4 between 1:16 a.m. and 5:33 a.m. Friday. However, early Thursday morning, the notice was revised to note the delay and new date, with the launch now sete to occur between 12:54 a.m. and 5:11 a.m.
Quote from: soltasto on 12/16/2021 01:53 pmQuote from: Barley on 12/16/2021 01:15 amQuote from: wannamoonbase on 12/15/2021 02:37 pmI guess someone crunched numbers and saw that the 53.2 degree shells have more revenue.Do we know for certain they have the inter satellite links sorted? They could be waiting for improvements before filling the polar orbits.Yes, otherwise they would be launching more satellites and not just 52.I just noticed the article athttps://www.noozhawk.com/article/spacex_rocket_ready_to_launch_vandenberg_sfbs_second_starlink_missionwhich says that this launch has slipped to early Saturday morning but I've not seen itreported anywhere else.can anybody confirm or deny this report?Carl
Quote from: cwr on 12/16/2021 07:25 pmI just noticed the article athttps://www.noozhawk.com/article/spacex_rocket_ready_to_launch_vandenberg_sfbs_second_starlink_missionwhich says that this launch has slipped to early Saturday morning but I've not seen itreported anywhere else.can anybody confirm or deny this report?CarlNexSpaceFlight also has the launch for Saturday at 09:24 UTC.
!CARF 12/141 ZLA AIRSPACE DCC 2 ROPS AIROP D0-2118 STNR ALTRESERVATION WI AN AREA DEFINED AS 343800N1203100W TO 335100N1194500WTO 320000N1181600W TO 315600N1182500W TO 332100N1193500W TO341800N1202400W TO 343800N1204000W TO POINT OF ORIGIN SFC-UNL2112170839-2112171414( Cancel Date UTC: 12/16/2021 1619 )
162339Z DEC 21NAVAREA XII 705/21(19).EASTERN NORTH PACIFIC.CALIFORNIA.1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS 0818Z TO 1352Z DAILY 18 THRU 20 DEC IN AREA BOUND BY 34-34N 120-39W, 34-40N 120-39W, 34-28N 120-12W, 34-08N 119-52W, 33-16N 119-16W, 30-54N 117-23W, 30-40N 117-00W, 29-16N 115-56W, 29-05N 116-14W, 29-53N 117-05W, 30-42N 117-30W, 33-03N 119-19W, 34-23N 120-34W.2. CANCEL NAVAREA XII 696/21.3. CANCEL THIS MSG 201452Z DEC 21.
162356Z DEC 21NAVAREA XII 706/21(16,19).NORTH PACIFIC.BEARING SEA.ALASKA.1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS 1017Z TO 1450Z DAILY 18 THRU 20 DEC IN AREA BOUND BY 49-00N 179-00W, 51-38N 175-30W, 51-45N 171-45W, 47-00N 159-00W, 35-00N 141-00W, 32-00N 146-00W.2. CANCEL NAVAREA XII 697/21.3. CANCEL THIS MSG 201550Z DEC 21.
SpaceX has a backup launch opportunity available at 7:41 a.m. EST (4:41 a.m. EST; 1241 GMT) for the mission, named Starlink 4-4 in the company’s launch schedule.
During the webcast the presenter said that this was the third flight for one of the fairing halves an the fourth flight for another one.
Not sure if I'm missing something but is there any reason why SpaceX decided to launch this Starlink mission from the West coast (not going into polar orbit) impacting the payload capability it would have had launching from KSC? Thank you.
Launch time to the second or millisecond?
Historical question re: today's launch descending node launch to a 53.2 deg inclination orbit, grazing the Pacific coast of Baja California:Is this a new use of available launch azimuths from Vandenberg? Any similar launches from NASA or Air Force history?
Liftoff of SpaceX Falcon 9 B1051.11, the first ever 11th flight of a booster, carrying the Starlink 4-4 group into orbit on a rare crystal clear night at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. @NASASpaceflight
The @SpaceX Starlink mission successfully launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base at 4:41 a.m today. The mission launched on a Falcon 9 rocket and will add 52 satellites to the Starlink satellite constellation. Job well done #TeamV!
Quote from: TJL on 12/18/2021 02:47 pmNot sure if I'm missing something but is there any reason why SpaceX decided to launch this Starlink mission from the West coast (not going into polar orbit) impacting the payload capability it would have had launching from KSC? Thank you.I think because it was the only pad left for Starlink. The other two east coast pads are launching this weekend too. (Turksat 5B - SLC-40 and Spx-24 - 39A)
Quote from: ulm_atms on 12/18/2021 03:08 pmQuote from: TJL on 12/18/2021 02:47 pmNot sure if I'm missing something but is there any reason why SpaceX decided to launch this Starlink mission from the West coast (not going into polar orbit) impacting the payload capability it would have had launching from KSC? Thank you.I think because it was the only pad left for Starlink. The other two east coast pads are launching this weekend too. (Turksat 5B - SLC-40 and Spx-24 - 39A)I think the question is not "Why did they launch from the Western Range?" but "Why did they launch into the 53.2 deg shell?"By my calculations SpaceX needs 24 launches to fill the 70 deg and 97.6 deg shells and 30 launches to fill the 53.2 deg shell. But the higher launch cadence possible from the Eastern Range should cause the 53.2 deg shell to be filled much sooner than the higher-inclination shells.Launching this flight into the 70 deg shell should have helped balance things out, making the question "Why didn't they do that?" Does anyone here know?
Watching the landing on the broadcast, I noticed the displayed stage 1 velocity was still 263 kph when the altitude reach 0.0 km, and was still 183 kph when the altitude flipped from 0.0 km to -0.0 km, which presumable meant effectively 0 m. Since the video had cut out (as usual) I found this telemetry disconcerting.
I think the question is not "Why did they launch from the Western Range?" but "Why did they launch into the 53.2 deg shell?"By my calculations SpaceX needs 24 launches to fill the 70 deg and 97.6 deg shells and 30 launches to fill the 53.2 deg shell. But the higher launch cadence possible from the Eastern Range should cause the 53.2 deg shell to be filled much sooner than the higher-inclination shells.Launching this flight into the 70 deg shell should have helped balance things out, making the question "Why didn't they do that?" Does anyone here know?
So for Starlink's commercial viability, it's much better to fill up the 53.x° shells than the higher-inclination orbits
In watching the launch after the fact, I see we got a short glimpse of the LOX dregs in the second stage during the rocketcam step-throughs via Punta Arenas at mission elapsed time +28:57.
Quote from: zubenelgenubi on 12/18/2021 03:31 pmIn watching the launch after the fact, I see we got a short glimpse of the LOX dregs in the second stage during the rocketcam step-throughs via Punta Arenas at mission elapsed time +28:57.Doesn't look like much was left in the tank.
This was the shortest launch turnaround at SLC-4E, just 24 days since the DART launch.
https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1472598324377051136QuoteTwo Falcon 9 launches completed in ~15 hours
Two Falcon 9 launches completed in ~15 hours
QuoteThis was the shortest launch turnaround at SLC-4E, just 24 days since the DART launch.Wow, I didn't notice that!Previous record: 35d 23h 56m (PAZ -> Iridium-5) - long time ago in SpaceX terms, March 2018!New record: 24d 06h 20m (DART -> Starlink Group 4-4)