If S2 needs a power source for longer endurance, why not attach solar panels to the surface if the stage, like on the trunk of Dragon2?
Direct GEO insertion, probably.
The vehicle does not check to see if it is in the right orbit before releasing the spacecraft. It releases the spacecraft based on a time from the end of the last burn.
There is no commanding of the second stage and no need for it.The spacecraft are going to be released in the off nominal orbit. The customer has their assets set up for release at a scheduled time. There isn't enough time to react to those type of issues. A S2 shut down "wrongly" is because it is terminally ill. There is no reason for a commanded shutdown other than meeting the burn parameters. If the stage shuts down earlier, it is due to propellant depletion or engine failure.The vehicle does not check to see if it is in the right orbit before releasing the spacecraft. It releases the spacecraft based on a time from the end of the last burn.
IRDM CEO(2): The 1st Iridium Next sat is now in full service, filling a hole in our coverage. 8 more to be in service by mid-April.
6 years ago today, at 9:54:39am Vandenberg, I was sure I was having "The Big One" during the first launch of Iridium NEXT. It was the RTF after the last F9 failure and my team and friends at @SpaceX were likely feeling the same way (now ~167 ago!). How time has flown!