Quote from: MazenHesham on 01/25/2018 07:25 pmLaunch & Landing FCC permits for TESS Just came out confirming March 20th launch date ..... AndIt will be a drone ship landing but much closer than the usual landing site for GTO Sats (similar to FH's center core landing site)https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/els/reports/STA_Print.cfm?mode=current&application_seq=82387&RequestTimeout=1000https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/els/reports/STA_Print.cfm?mode=current&application_seq=82383&RequestTimeout=1000And it's 39-A, I was wondering about that.(As with all of these FCC permits, probably need the standard disclaimer that they don't actually name the payload. Sure does look like it would be TESS.)edit: will be interesting to see whether CRS-14 stays at SLC-40 now or switches back to 39-A. Those TESS/Bangabandhu/CRS-14 dates wouldn't work any other way unless CRS-14 slips more.
Launch & Landing FCC permits for TESS Just came out confirming March 20th launch date ..... AndIt will be a drone ship landing but much closer than the usual landing site for GTO Sats (similar to FH's center core landing site)https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/els/reports/STA_Print.cfm?mode=current&application_seq=82387&RequestTimeout=1000https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/els/reports/STA_Print.cfm?mode=current&application_seq=82383&RequestTimeout=1000
Quote from: MazenHesham on 01/25/2018 07:25 pmLaunch & Landing FCC permits for TESS Just came out confirming March 20th launch date ..... AndIt will be a drone ship landing but much closer than the usual landing site for GTO Sats (similar to FH's center core landing site)https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/els/reports/STA_Print.cfm?mode=current&application_seq=82387&RequestTimeout=1000https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/els/reports/STA_Print.cfm?mode=current&application_seq=82383&RequestTimeout=1000How are you reading these as being related to TESS? They're not.1. TESS was contracted by NASA's LSP as a NASA Launch Services mission. Which means that the licensing authority isn't the FAA because this isn't a "commercial launch". 2. Because TESS is a LSP launch, SpaceX doesn't need an STA for radio emissions from the FCC. They will get spectrum coverage direct from the NTIA via NASA. Again, this is only possible for non-commercial launches. 3. TESS is light enough (less than 400kg) that I'll be surprised if it isn't a RTLS mission, even with it being launched to HEO. Also, only semi-related: "Operations Start Date" isn't the planned launch date. It's when they can start doing the testing and pre-launch checkouts on the radio systems. If you look back at other recent missions that kept a pretty firm launch date and check their STAs you'll see that they don't plan on launching the first day of the "operations period". EDIT: I refuse to totally discount the possibility, as government oversight and regulation can sometimes result in weird/ridiculous applications, but I suppose it's possible that they could be forced to get an STA for any recovery operations, as it's theoretically possible to consider that as being separate from the launch operations contracted by NASA. But these STAs aren't that, as they clearly cover a commercial launch+recovery and include the 2nd stage.
They had these permits for DSCOVR, NROL-76, OTV-5
Experimental ocean recovery operation downrange of Cape Canaveral, following DoD-authorized launch. This STA request is limited to the TC uplink, transmitting from the commercial boat/barge. The link will also be checked-out prior to launch, at Complex 40, Cape Canaveral AFS. Launch vehicle flight communications for this mission are covered by a separate RFA.
I understand why SpaceX shouldn't need an FCC launch permit for this flight, but it makes no sense to me that anything else would launch from 39A around the date TESS is supposed to launch.
We are getting ready to ship @NASA_TESS to @NASAKennedy for launch! #TESS https://t.co/NS57SlCgpo
Okay back to our regularly scheduled programming, which today means wrapping our brains around where the .@NASA_TESS/@TESSatMIT planets will come from. Solange Ramirez's attempt to diagram it out is breaking my brain. Anything we left out, @sleeplessinmit, @mrtommyb? https://t.co/ChO6RhqGNX
Will likely visit KSC on March 20th. When will we know for certain if it's 39A or SLC-40? Only reason is the bus tour. I would skip if it 39A is off-limits on that day.
unless cadence requirements explode.
Quote from: wolfpack on 02/08/2018 07:53 pmWill likely visit KSC on March 20th. When will we know for certain if it's 39A or SLC-40? Only reason is the bus tour. I would skip if it 39A is off-limits on that day.SLC-40, almost without a doubt. I don't think 39A is going to be used for anything other than Crew and Heavy launches for the foreseeable future, unless cadence requirements explode.
Quote from: vaporcobra on 02/08/2018 09:01 pmQuote from: wolfpack on 02/08/2018 07:53 pmWill likely visit KSC on March 20th. When will we know for certain if it's 39A or SLC-40? Only reason is the bus tour. I would skip if it 39A is off-limits on that day.SLC-40, almost without a doubt. I don't think 39A is going to be used for anything other than Crew and Heavy launches for the foreseeable future, unless cadence requirements explode.There is a F9 scheduled for LC-39A at that time.