Author Topic: SpaceX F9 : Iridium NEXT 6 with GRACE-FO : NET May 22, 2018 - DISCUSSION  (Read 109533 times)

Online Jakusb

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Re: SpaceX F9 : Iridium NEXT 6 with GRACE-FO : late April, 2018
« Reply #60 on: 03/14/2018 07:58 am »
edit2:  For clarity, my belief is that SpaceX built them a legacy core (not Block 5) even if they had planned to be switched to full Block 5 production.  I won't be too surprised if the same is in progress for the Air Force's GPS-3 launch.  Though, they may have enough flight data by then to make that a non-issue.

If this is the case it must be 1047 or more unlikely 1048 to be a non-Block5 core.
Thing is, when I spoke (a while back) to an insider of McGregor, there was mention of the engines of 1047 to be @McGregor, but no mention them being older version then those for 1046. No explicit mention them being new either, but it would be more mention worthy if they had been older version...
Anyway, core 1047 is not yet seen, so expected to still be @Hawthorne, as is 1048.
Time is running out for them to be tested in time @McGregor to make a timely launch end of april.
I guess there are 2 weeks left +/- 1 week for these cores to arrive and be tested @McGregor.

My money is still on Block4 1043-2... They have reflown 9 cores without incident...
But time will tell. Will be interesting to see core 1047 @McGregor and if it is Block5 or not...

edit: added "a while back"
« Last Edit: 03/14/2018 08:00 am by Jakusb »

Offline vaporcobra

NET April 28. No mention of recovery ops in this particular STA. 

Offline gongora

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Re: SpaceX F9 : Iridium NEXT 6 with GRACE-FO : late April, 2018
« Reply #62 on: 03/19/2018 04:06 pm »
NET April 28. No mention of recovery ops in this particular STA.

Recovery ops would be a separate STA (and there isn't one  :) )

Offline vaporcobra

NET April 28. No mention of recovery ops in this particular STA.

Recovery ops would be a separate STA (and there isn't one  :) )

My memory may be failing me (apologies if this is a rehash), but looking through the current FCC license for seven Iridium launches from VAFB, it explicitly does not permit/mention booster landings at SLC-4's LZ, pretty much precluding any attempt at a land recovery until the license is updated/replaced.
https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ast/licenses_permits/media/LLS%2017-096B%20Rev%202.pdf

Offline gongora

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Re: SpaceX F9 : Iridium NEXT 6 with GRACE-FO : late April, 2018
« Reply #64 on: 03/20/2018 01:51 pm »
NET April 28. No mention of recovery ops in this particular STA.

Recovery ops would be a separate STA (and there isn't one  :) )

My memory may be failing me (apologies if this is a rehash), but looking through the current FCC license for seven Iridium launches from VAFB, it explicitly does not permit/mention booster landings at SLC-4's LZ, pretty much precluding any attempt at a land recovery until the license is updated/replaced.
https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ast/licenses_permits/media/LLS%2017-096B%20Rev%202.pdf

I forgot about that little detail on landing, but this flight also requires a new or amended FAA license anyway.  This flight isn't in the group of seven that is covered by the current license, it's the eighth contracted flight and has a different payload.

Offline Craig_VG

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Re: SpaceX F9 : Iridium NEXT 6 with GRACE-FO : late April, 2018
« Reply #65 on: 03/21/2018 08:51 pm »
This launch will be on a flight proven booster

Matt Desch is in discussions on this being Block 5, and if it is it will be a reflown Block 5
ahh I read that incorrectly

https://twitter.com/IridiumBoss/status/976575188614762496
« Last Edit: 03/21/2018 09:18 pm by Craig_VG »

Offline cppetrie

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Re: SpaceX F9 : Iridium NEXT 6 with GRACE-FO : late April, 2018
« Reply #66 on: 03/21/2018 08:59 pm »
Matt Desch is in discussions on this being Block 5, and if it is it will be a reflown Block 5


https://twitter.com/IridiumBoss/status/976575188614762496
Won’t be a block 5 if it’s reused. First block 5 will only have flown a couple of weeks prior and from the wrong coast.

Online Jakusb

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Re: SpaceX F9 : Iridium NEXT 6 with GRACE-FO : late April, 2018
« Reply #67 on: 03/21/2018 09:34 pm »
I have been predicting this mission to fly on 1043-2 (Zuma core)... ;)
All is converging to this prediction now.. 8)

Offline gongora

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Re: SpaceX F9 : Iridium NEXT 6 with GRACE-FO : late April, 2018
« Reply #68 on: 03/28/2018 02:37 am »
The Spaceflight Now launch schedule has this slipping to NET May 10.

Offline deruch

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Re: SpaceX F9 : Iridium NEXT 6 with GRACE-FO : late April, 2018
« Reply #69 on: 03/29/2018 06:40 am »
NET April 28. No mention of recovery ops in this particular STA.

Recovery ops would be a separate STA (and there isn't one  :) )

My memory may be failing me (apologies if this is a rehash), but looking through the current FCC license for seven Iridium launches from VAFB, it explicitly does not permit/mention booster landings at SLC-4's LZ, pretty much precluding any attempt at a land recovery until the license is updated/replaced.
https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ast/licenses_permits/media/LLS%2017-096B%20Rev%202.pdf

The Iridium FAA Launch License has been updated to add Iridium-6/GRACE-FO [.pdf warning] on March 22nd!  (also attached for posterity)

List of relevant changes:
1. Changes usage of "Falcon 9 Version 1.2" to just "Falcon 9" throughout.  [this has also been done for other recent F9 licenses]
2. Changes licensed number of flights from 7 to 8 in all instances.
3. Adds one launch of 5 Iridium NEXT payloads and 2 GRACE-FO payloads.
4. Expands allowable flight azimuths from "175 to 180 degrees" to "175 to 182 degrees".
5. Increased Govt. Property Insurance policy requirement for pre-flight activities from $1M to $2M.

Unchanged:  Still specifically calls out landing the stages on ASDS or in the ocean.  RTLS not allowed with this license. 
« Last Edit: 03/29/2018 07:46 am by deruch »
Shouldn't reality posts be in "Advanced concepts"?  --Nomadd

Offline vaporcobra

NET May 10 per Vandenberg launch alert emails.

Offline Chris Bergin

Iridium Announces Target Launch Date for the Iridium-6/GRACE-FO Mission

Unique “Rideshare” Mission will Deploy Two Sets of Satellites in Two Separate Orbits

MCLEAN, Va. – April 9, 2018 – Iridium Communications Inc. (NASDAQ: IRDM) announced today that the Iridium-6/GRACE-FO rideshare mission, the sixth Iridium® NEXT launch overall, has been targeted for launch by SpaceX from Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB) in California for May 19, 2018 at approximately 1:03 PM PDT (20:03 UTC). An exact instantaneous launch window time will be available closer to launch. The second of four Iridium launches planned for 2018, this mission will deliver five Iridium NEXT satellites to orbit, alongside the twin satellites for the NASA/German Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ) Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Follow-On (GRACE-FO) mission. Collaboratively chosen by all parties and considering range availability, this launch date maintains scheduled completion of the Iridium NEXT manifest in 2018.

This unique “rideshare” launch, will first deploy the twin GRACE-FO spacecraft, after which the Falcon 9 second stage will continue onward to the deployment orbit for the five Iridium NEXT satellites. Upon completion, the Iridium-6/GRACE-FO mission will increase the total number of Iridium NEXT satellites in space to 55, leaving just two launches, of 10 satellites each, remaining.  Iridium NEXT satellites are scheduled to begin shipping to the launch site this week while the twin GRACE-FO spacecraft are already onsite at the VAFB Harris Corporation facility, and have been stacked, attached to their dispenser and are preparing for transfer to the SpaceX launch complex.

For this mission, all five Iridium NEXT satellites will be delivered to orbital plane six. The Iridium network is comprised of six polar orbiting planes, each containing 11 operational crosslinked satellites, for a total of 66 satellites in the active constellation. The 2018 Iridium NEXT launch series will bring a total of 35 new satellites to space, completing the constellation of 66 operational satellites and 9 in-orbit spares. In total, 81 new satellites are being built, with the six remaining satellites serving as ground spares.

Iridium NEXT is the company's $3 billion, next-generation, mobile, global satellite network scheduled for completion in 2018.  Iridium NEXT will replace the company's existing global constellation in one of the largest technology upgrades ever completed in space.  It represents the evolution of critical communications infrastructure that governments and organizations worldwide rely on to drive business, enable connectivity, empower disaster relief efforts and more.

For more information about Iridium NEXT, please visit www.IridiumNEXT.com
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Online FutureSpaceTourist

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Re: SpaceX F9 : Iridium NEXT 6 with GRACE-FO : NET May 19, 2018
« Reply #72 on: 04/09/2018 02:57 pm »
Iridium shipping starts this week:

Quote
Launch date for Iridium-6/GRACE-FO mission now set: Saturday, May 19th at approximately 1:03 pm PDT (20:03 UTC).  May 20th backup. Five more Iridium NEXT satellites will start shipping this week to VAFB; the 2 GRACE-FO sats are already at the base.  #RidesharingMakesSense!

https://twitter.com/iridiumboss/status/983357276852453377

Online FutureSpaceTourist

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Offline Ultrafamicom

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Re: SpaceX F9 : Iridium NEXT 6 with GRACE-FO : NET May 19, 2018
« Reply #74 on: 04/10/2018 11:08 am »
I’m a bit confused about this mission profile ???

Iridium satellites (5)
   Payload Mass: 860kg per satellite plus 500kg for dispenser.
   Launch orbit: 625km, 86.66 degrees

GRACE-FO satellites (2)
   Payload Mass: 580kg per satellite plus dispenser.
   Orbit: 490km, 89 degrees

According to the topic post, the Iridium and GRACE-FO will be launched into orbits with different inclinations and altitudes. So even assuming a direct orbit insertion to one of the target orbits, it still requires 3 restarts of S2 in order to deliver the payloads to target orbit and then deorbit. While M1Ds on the S1 have performed multiple 4 burn RTLS and ASDS missions, have S2 and M1D Vac been verified for such mission?

And besides, given the different inclinations,a plane changing maneuver in LEO is required, which is very unefficient (about 370m/s for 2.6 degrees), perhaps it would be better to deliver the heavier Iridiums first and then maneuver for GRACE-FO?
« Last Edit: 04/10/2018 11:10 am by Ultrafamicom »

Offline woods170

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Re: SpaceX F9 : Iridium NEXT 6 with GRACE-FO : NET May 19, 2018
« Reply #75 on: 04/10/2018 11:38 am »
I’m a bit confused about this mission profile ???

Iridium satellites (5)
   Payload Mass: 860kg per satellite plus 500kg for dispenser.
   Launch orbit: 625km, 86.66 degrees

GRACE-FO satellites (2)
   Payload Mass: 580kg per satellite plus dispenser.
   Orbit: 490km, 89 degrees

According to the topic post, the Iridium and GRACE-FO will be launched into orbits with different inclinations and altitudes. So even assuming a direct orbit insertion to one of the target orbits, it still requires 3 restarts of S2 in order to deliver the payloads to target orbit and then deorbit. While M1Ds on the S1 have performed multiple 4 burn RTLS and ASDS missions, have S2 and M1D Vac been verified for such mission?

And besides, given the different inclinations,a plane changing maneuver in LEO is required, which is very unefficient (about 370m/s for 2.6 degrees), perhaps it would be better to deliver the heavier Iridiums first and then maneuver for GRACE-FO?

Please note the rather significant difference in orbital altitude between GRACE-FO and the Iridium sats and than remember that neither GRACE-FO, nor the Iridium sats have circularisation capabilities.
« Last Edit: 04/10/2018 11:39 am by woods170 »

Offline OneSpeed

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Re: SpaceX F9 : Iridium NEXT 6 with GRACE-FO : NET May 19, 2018
« Reply #76 on: 04/10/2018 12:09 pm »
I’m a bit confused about this mission profile ???

Iridium satellites (5)
   Payload Mass: 860kg per satellite plus 500kg for dispenser.
   Launch orbit: 625km, 86.66 degrees

GRACE-FO satellites (2)
   Payload Mass: 580kg per satellite plus dispenser.
   Orbit: 490km, 89 degrees

According to the topic post, the Iridium and GRACE-FO will be launched into orbits with different inclinations and altitudes. So even assuming a direct orbit insertion to one of the target orbits, it still requires 3 restarts of S2 in order to deliver the payloads to target orbit and then deorbit. While M1Ds on the S1 have performed multiple 4 burn RTLS and ASDS missions, have S2 and M1D Vac been verified for such mission?

For the Falcon Heavy Demo mission, S2 performed three burns. The first to 166 x 200kms, the second to 200 x 7000kms, and the third after a nearly 6 hour coast to heliocentric orbit.

And besides, given the different inclinations,a plane changing maneuver in LEO is required, which is very unefficient (about 370m/s for 2.6 degrees), perhaps it would be better to deliver the heavier Iridiums first and then maneuver for GRACE-FO?

This unique “rideshare” launch, will first deploy the twin GRACE-FO spacecraft, after which the Falcon 9 second stage will continue onward to the deployment orbit for the five Iridium NEXT satellites.

Please note the rather significant difference in orbital altitude between GRACE-FO and the Iridium sats and than remember that neither GRACE-FO, nor the Iridium sats have circularisation capabilities.

I see what Ultrafamicom is getting at, but if you deploy the Iridium satellites first, you then require the same plane change (admittedly of less mass), combined with the additional ∆V of a reduction in perigee, a circularisation at 490kms before deployment of the GRACE-FO satellites, and ultimately a de-orbit burn. So, four S2 burns, and probably a higher ∆V requirement.

Offline ZachS09

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Re: SpaceX F9 : Iridium NEXT 6 with GRACE-FO : NET May 19, 2018
« Reply #77 on: 04/10/2018 01:15 pm »
I'm predicting that the second stage will directly insert itself into the GRACE-FO orbit (490 km, inclined 89 degrees) before the second burn increases the apogee and lowers the inclination while the third burn circularizes the Iridium-NEXT orbit (625 km, inclined 86.66 degrees).
Liftoff for St. Jude's! Go Dragon, Go Falcon, Godspeed Inspiration4!

Offline woods170

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Re: SpaceX F9 : Iridium NEXT 6 with GRACE-FO : NET May 19, 2018
« Reply #78 on: 04/10/2018 01:22 pm »
Please note the rather significant difference in orbital altitude between GRACE-FO and the Iridium sats and than remember that neither GRACE-FO, nor the Iridium sats have circularisation capabilities.

I see what Ultrafamicom is getting at, but if you deploy the Iridium satellites first, you then require the same plane change (admittedly of less mass), combined with the additional ∆V of a reduction in perigee, a circularisation at 490kms before deployment of the GRACE-FO satellites, and ultimately a de-orbit burn. So, four S2 burns, and probably a higher ∆V requirement.

Indeed. And although an F9 S2 is quite capable it does make sense to do things as efficiently as possible. Which precludes dropping off the Iridium sats first.

Online Semmel

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Re: SpaceX F9 : Iridium NEXT 6 with GRACE-FO : NET May 19, 2018
« Reply #79 on: 04/10/2018 01:53 pm »
Please note the rather significant difference in orbital altitude between GRACE-FO and the Iridium sats and than remember that neither GRACE-FO, nor the Iridium sats have circularisation capabilities.

I see what Ultrafamicom is getting at, but if you deploy the Iridium satellites first, you then require the same plane change (admittedly of less mass), combined with the additional ∆V of a reduction in perigee, a circularisation at 490kms before deployment of the GRACE-FO satellites, and ultimately a de-orbit burn. So, four S2 burns, and probably a higher ∆V requirement.

Indeed. And although an F9 S2 is quite capable it does make sense to do things as efficiently as possible. Which precludes dropping off the Iridium sats first.

Also, for structural reasons, it makes sense to put the heavier sats below the light sats. Otherwise the payload would be quite top heavy in comparison..

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