NASASpaceFlight.com Forum
SpaceX Vehicles and Missions => SpaceX Falcon Missions Section => Topic started by: Chris Bergin on 05/01/2017 11:08 pm
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UPDATE ONLY THREAD FOR SPACEX FALCON 9 Inmarsat 5 F4 mission from 39A at KSC.
NSF Threads for Inmarsat 5 F4 : Discussion (https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=41560.0) / Updates (http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=42846.0) / L2 Coverage May-June (http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=42839.0) / ASDS (https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?board=66.0) / Party (http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=42585.0)
NSF Articles for Inmarsat 5 F4 :
NET May 15, 2017 on Falcon 9 (new first stage 1034?) from LC-39A at Cape Canaveral. Window opens at 1920 EDT (2320 UTC). First stage will probably fly in expendable configuration.
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)
[2013] Inmarsat to purchase fourth Inmarsat-5 satellite from Boeing (http://www.inmarsat.com/news/inmarsat-to-purchase-fourth-inmarsat-5-satellite-from-boeing-2//)
Inmarsat has triggered an option to purchase a fourth Inmarsat-5 spacecraft – under its existing contract with Boeing Satellite Systems International.
The programme schedule from Boeing has a satellite delivery date of mid-2016.
The fourth satellite will have a dual strategic role – firstly, as an early available spare in the unlikely event of a launch failure of any of the first three Inmarsat-5 satellites.
...
Boeing will immediately begin construction of the fourth Inmarsat-5 satellite. The total cost of the option and certain related expenditure will be between US$220 million and US$250 million.
Inmarsat: The I5 Satellites (http://www.inmarsat.com/the-i-5-satellites/)
The I-5 satellites, based on Boeing’s proven 702HP spacecraft platform, will deliver consistent high-performance download speeds of up to 50Mbps and up to 5Mbps over the uplink from their position in geosynchronous orbit. Their impressive statistics include:
The I-5 body – at 6.98 metres (22.9ft), the height of a double decker bus
User beams – 89 Ka-band beams generated by two transmit and two receive apertures
Spot beams – six steerable spot beams to direct additional capacity where it is needed
Solar arrays – a wingspan of 33.8 metres (111ft)
Solar panels – five panels of ultra triple-junction gallium arsenide solar cells generate 15 kW of power at start of service and 13.8 kW by end of life
Station-keeping thrusters – a xenon ion propulsion system (XIPS) handles in-orbit manoeuvring
Launch mass – 6,100kg
Mission lifespan – 15 years
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Now the NROL-76 mission has launched, next up will be this one.
Per L2 KSC Schedule, the Static Fire is currently NET May 11. This is - as always - pending post launch 39A Pad shakedown report (required to check if any repairs are required ahead of the next rocket heading to the pad).
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Satellite on the Cape:
Our #GlobalXpress satellite has arrived at @SpaceX for testing & fuelling in prep for launch! #I5F4 - increasing broadband comms worldwide! (https://twitter.com/InmarsatGlobal/status/856901747733925889)
Edit: Just found out that this was already mentioned in the discussion thread (http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=41560.msg1670975#msg1670975).
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Official date from the 45th.
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All quiet on this one, but as of latest, everything is still holding towards the Static Fire on May 11.
39A Shakedown Report was great again.
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I spy with my @SpaceX eye ...
https://twitter.com/spacekscblog/status/860886465617821696 (https://twitter.com/spacekscblog/status/860886465617821696)
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I spy with my @SpaceX eye ...
https://twitter.com/spacekscblog/status/860886465617821696 (https://twitter.com/spacekscblog/status/860886465617821696)
Just to clarify, no rocket on the erector as seen here:
https://instagram.com/p/BTxZ8bCgaoL/
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DYK it takes 4 days to load the 2437kg of propellant mass needed to raise our #I5F4 satellite into orbit? Getting launch-ready at @SpaceX!
https://twitter.com/inmarsatglobal/status/861912275334172673 (https://twitter.com/inmarsatglobal/status/861912275334172673)
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Stephen C. Smith @SpaceKSCBlog 4m4 minutes ago
I spy with my @SpaceX eye ...
https://twitter.com/SpaceKSCBlog/status/861977037107494915 (https://twitter.com/SpaceKSCBlog/status/861977037107494915)
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Inmarsat Verified account @InmarsatGlobal 4m4 minutes ago
The launch vehicle team based at @SpaceX have successfully mated our #I5F4 satellite to the payload adaptor in preparation for launch!
https://twitter.com/InmarsatGlobal/status/862231230862983168 (https://twitter.com/InmarsatGlobal/status/862231230862983168)
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NOTMAR Launch Hazard Area in Map for expendable launch with Inmarsat-5 F4.
https://goo.gl/umnY2Q
https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/pdf/lnms/lnm07192017.pdf
Eastern Range will be conducting hazardous operations surface to unlimited within the following Launch Hazard Areas.
A: From 2839N 8038W TO 2840N 8035W TO 2840N 8001W TO 2836N 7934W TO 2832N 7934W TO 2831N 8004W TO 2832N 8023W TO 2834N 8036W TO 2837N 8038W to beginning
B: From 2835N 7618W TO 2835N 7407W TO 2815N 6948W TO 2735N 6948W TO 2735N 7107W TO 2806N 7618W to beginning
Hazard periods for primary launch day and backup launch day;
Primary launch day: 15 / 2315Z thru 16 / 0049Z May 17. T-0 is 2320Z
Backup launch day: 16 / 2315Z thru 17 / 0049Z May 17. T-0 is 2320Z
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Weather forecast from the 45th: http://www.patrick.af.mil/Portals/14/documents/Weather/10MAY17.pdf?ver=2017-05-10-074037-433
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Spaceflight Now @SpaceflightNow 20m20 minutes ago
A Falcon 9 rocket was hoisted upright at launch pad 39A this morning in preparation for a routine pre-launch engine test.
https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow/status/862608468217401346 (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow/status/862608468217401346)
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Article for the firing and forward manifest, by Chris Gebhardt:
https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/05/falcon-9-static-fire-1-inmarsat5f4/
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Standing by...
http://original.livestream.com/spaceflightnow
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Chopper on the live view. We have info they at pad clear/area secure, so heading into prop load next. Venting will be our sign of this being about 30 mins away.
Then we'll see the static fire. But we'll wait for the SpaceX tweet to call it as that only happens after the quick look review that the static fire was as required.
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SpaceX Falcon 9 Static Fire window opening at the top of the hour and stays open until 6pm local.
Estimated T-0 currently 45 mins the window right now.
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Some small venting observed.
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Significant venting underway now.
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Bigger venting ;D
http://original.livestream.com/spaceflightnow
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Should be around 10 minutes (pending natural lag in the livestream etc.) There's usually a really big vent just prior to engine firing from the TEL.
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Firing!
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STATIC FIRE! SpaceX Falcon 9 (Inmarsat 5 F4) has fired up at 39A. Wait for SpaceX tweet (after test data review). http://original.livestream.com/spaceflightnow
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https://twitter.com/julia_bergeron/status/862711662759075842
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Static fire test of Falcon 9 complete—targeting launch of Inmarsat-5 Flight 4 from Pad 39A on Monday, May 15.
https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/862721606103072768
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Video of static fire
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVNsoijkYI4
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Inmarsat Verified account @InmarsatGlobal 26s26 seconds ago
Static fire test complete & we are go for launch! #I5F4 will fly w/ @SpaceX on 15 May 19:20EDT/00:20BST. Watch live: http://www.inmarsat.com/i5f4/
https://twitter.com/InmarsatGlobal/status/862953036683108352 (https://twitter.com/InmarsatGlobal/status/862953036683108352)
Hmm, resusable F9 on the graphic!
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InmarsatVerified account @InmarsatGlobal 23m23 minutes ago
@Boeing & Inmarsat satellite teams say goodbye to #I5F4 as it’s encapsulated into the payload fairing in prep for @SpaceX launch on 15 May 🚀
https://twitter.com/InmarsatGlobal/status/862994761405386753 (https://twitter.com/InmarsatGlobal/status/862994761405386753)
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Launch weather forecast, 80% GO:
Launch day probability of violating launch weather constraints: 20%
Primary concern(s): Cumulus and Anvil Cloud Rules
Delay day probability of violating launch weather constraints: 20%
Primary concern(s): Cumulus and Anvil Cloud Rules, Liftoff Winds
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L-2 Launch Weather Forecast. Still 80% go for launch day.
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Mission kit and patch
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynMYE64IEKs (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynMYE64IEKs)
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#I5F4 rolling to the pad @InmarsatGlobal
https://twitter.com/m_ladovaz/status/863740942796193792 (https://twitter.com/m_ladovaz/status/863740942796193792)
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L-1 Launch Forecast
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Much better mission patch version. Extracted from PDF file as separate object.
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Tweeted, but when I went to RT, it said action unavailable and that's because they deleted it.....sorry, which I could have grabbed the pics, but at least screenshot the deleted tweet.
Oh, they deleted it because they typoed. Proton 9 ;D
Anyway, they haven't tweeted the correction.....we get the message and the milestone.
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Here are the pictures
Edit from new tweet:
#I5F4 has been loaded into a @SpaceX Falcon 9 & rolled out to LC-39A. Countdown to launch tomorrow begins! inmarsat.com/i5f4/
https://twitter.com/inmarsatglobal/status/863862321684328448 (https://twitter.com/inmarsatglobal/status/863862321684328448)
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Spaceflight Now @SpaceflightNow 2m2 minutes ago
SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket has been raised vertical at pad 39A
https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow/status/864086229918392320 (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow/status/864086229918392320)
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Mary Whenman @marywhenman 3m3 minutes ago
First sighting of the @SpaceX rocket and @InmarsatGlobal satellite on the launch pad #LC39A #I5F4 🛰🚀
https://twitter.com/marywhenman/status/864088520285196288 (https://twitter.com/marywhenman/status/864088520285196288)
Mary is helping with PR for Inmarsat on this launch.
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William Graham's launch overview! Headline note of "expendable" due to the rarity of it these days.
https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/05/expendable-falcon-9-inmarsat-5-f4-launch/
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A closer shot with logos visible:
Mary Whenman @marywhenman 1m1 minute ago
Here's the @InmarsatGlobal #I5F4 on the historic #LC39A launch pad @NASAKennedy ahead of tonight's launch 🛰🚀
https://twitter.com/marywhenman/status/864092823439761408 (https://twitter.com/marywhenman/status/864092823439761408)
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SpaceX image. A glimpse of the flame deflector here.
- Ed Kyle
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Close-up of fairing and second stage for another (SpaceX) shot
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Launch weather forecast, now 90% GO:
Launch day probability of violating launch weather constraints: 10%
Primary concern(s): Cumulus Cloud Rule
Delay day probability of violating launch weather constraints: 20%
Primary concern(s): Cumulus Cloud Rule, Liftoff Winds
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Weather is GO for launch. All systems are nominal. The 49-min #I5F4 launch window opens at 19:21 EDT. WATCH it here: inmarsat.com/i5f4/
https://twitter.com/inmarsatglobal/status/864159035934875648 (https://twitter.com/inmarsatglobal/status/864159035934875648)
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Hearing no issues that would prevent start of fueling in next few minutes for an on time target of 19:21 EDT.
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90 minutes from launch.
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3mins to "GO/NO GO" for RP-1 fueling poll.
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Fueling poll should be underway at this time.
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If we're on schedule, RP-1 kerosene fueling of Falcon9 should be beginning now.
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T-1 hour.
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T-1hr and COUNTING! So far, all appears to be on track for an on time 19:21 EDT liftoff of Falcon9 with Inmarsat5.
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T-60 minutes.
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I see vapors at LC-39A... good indication that fueling is indeed underway.
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~60 minutes until Falcon 9 launch of Inmarsat-5 Flight 4. All systems and weather are go. Watch live → http://spacex.com/webcast
https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/864246027829694464
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I have access to the FD loop, now. All is quiet. Will confirm start of fueling when I fear something from a console operator.
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T-50 minutes.
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At this point, we should be 3mins away from the start of LOX load.
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25 minutes until the webcast should start up.
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T-45 minutes. LOX loading should be starting now.
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The FD loop is silent. No confirmation call over the loop that I heard -- assuming link to FD loop is working properly -- that LOX load has started.
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T-40 minutes. Don't see any venting yet.
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FD LOOP. 2mins from START of LOX load at this time. They are behind in the count to make the opening of the window per the timeline.
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T-35 minutes. Still no venting.
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LOX load has started. They are 10mins behind the published timeline today. LOX load should have started at T-45mins. IT started at T-35mins, unless there was a schedule inaccuracy, this placed launch at 19:31 EDT now.
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If they are 10mins behind, launch is now 19:31 EDT. Launch window extends to 20:10 EDT.
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LOX load has started. They are 10mins behind the published timeline today. LOX load should have started at T-45mins. IT started at T-35mins, unless there was a schedule inaccuracy, this placed launch at 19:31 EDT now.
This fits with the SpaceX tweet saying ~60 min at 18:28 EDT.
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T-30 minutes. Just saw a small puff.
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LOX load has started. They are 10mins behind the published timeline today. LOX load should have started at T-45mins. IT started at T-35mins, unless there was a schedule inaccuracy, this placed launch at 19:31 EDT now.
This fits with the SpaceX tweet saying ~60 min at 18:28 EDT.
But to be clear, no statement has been made that they are no longer targeting the opening of the window at 19:21 EDT.
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Under 30 minutes to the opening of the window.
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Everyone appears to be confused what the later-than-advertised start to LOX loading means for the launch time. So... stand by! LOL
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T-25 minutes.
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FD loop has been silent since LOX load started.
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SpaceX FM starting up:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynMYE64IEKs
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Funky music just came on.
Webcast begins pretty soon.
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Venting Started T- 20:48
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T-20 minutes.
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People are saying we're on time. Others are saying we're 10mins late. I don't know. Let's see what the webcast says.
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Here comes the funky music.
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T-18 minutes.
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Still, nothing but silence on the FD loop.
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T-16 minutes. Webcast hasn't started yet, probably indicating a delay.
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Being told, "There are no issues being worked." No statement on what that means for launch time.
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T-14 minutes.
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William Harwood @cbs_spacenews 59s59 seconds ago
F9/Inmarsat: 15 minutes to launch, assuming LOX loading began on time; it appeared to start a bit late, but clock still tracking 7:21pm T-0
https://twitter.com/cbs_spacenews/status/864255746023858176 (https://twitter.com/cbs_spacenews/status/864255746023858176)
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All still quiet. T-12mins
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Still just funky beats on the webcast.
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T-12 minutes.
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Automated sequence?
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From Kennedy Space Center in Florida, SpaceX and YouTube are proud to present live coverage of the launch of an expendable Falcon 9 rocket and the Inmarsat-5 F4 satellite.
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InmarsatVerified account @InmarsatGlobal 48s48 seconds ago
T-10 minutes until our #I5F4 satellite launch window opens! So excited! Watch it happen here: http://www.inmarsat.com/i5f4
https://twitter.com/InmarsatGlobal/status/864256603796770818 (https://twitter.com/InmarsatGlobal/status/864256603796770818)
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According to John Insprucker, we are on time for a T0 at 23:21 UTC.
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T-10 minutes.
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Webcast started.
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T-9 minutes.
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And off we go. John's back.
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T-9 minutes.
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MVAC hydraulics coming up
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Ready for engine chill
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T-8 minutes. Talking about hanger.
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T-7 minutes. Main engine chilldown is underway in preparation for ignition at T-3 seconds.
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MVAC in chill. So are M1Ds
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T-7 minutes. Engine chill should have begun. Working no issues.
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Stage 1 fuel in close outs
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T-6 minutes. Fueling continues with no issues.
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John confirms loading was 10 mins later than usual, but not a problem - they are compacting the count.
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Vehicle is in self-align
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T-6 minutes. Confirmed LOX loading was at T-35 minutes.
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Epic view.
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Stage 1 & 2 heaters. Internal sequences have started. Stage press in work
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T-5 minutes. Pressurizing for strongback retraction. This retraction will start with the clamps opening from underneath the fairing.
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Stage 1 help m bubble secured. Fuel bleed has started. Strong back lower has started
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T-5 minutes. Talking about Inmarsat.
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Cradle arms coming open.
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T-4 minutes. The strongback beginning to retract 1.5 degrees to its T0 position. The full retraction, dubbed the "throwback", will occur immediately at liftoff.
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MVAC TVC motions complete
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T-5 minutes.
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Stage 1 LOX sexured
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T-3 minutes. Strongback retraction should finish by now.
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TVC motion S2 nominal
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Pressing for strongback retract (partial).
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Strong back lower ended
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T-3 minutes.
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T-2 minutes. The Eastern Range is GO for launch at this time. The SpaceX Launch Director will give his GO at T-45 seconds, based on past Falcon 9 flights.
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S2 LX closed out
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F9 on internal power
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T-90 seconds. This will be the second time this year that a Falcon 9 will not attempt a recovery attempt on the OCISLY barge due to the payload's heavy mass.
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Crap helium secured
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T-1 minute 50 seconds.
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AFTS is ready for launch
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60 seconds.
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T-1 minute and counting. Falcon 9 is on start-up mode. All stage tanks pressurizing for flight. This process will last until T-20 seconds.
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F9 is startup
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LD go for launch
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T-45 seconds. The SpaceX Launch Director is GO for launch at 23:21 UTC.
T-30 seconds.
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T-30sec
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T-1 minute. AFTS is go for launch.
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T-20 seconds. All stages are at the proper flight pressures.
The Sound Suppression Water System will activate momentarily.
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LAUNCH!!!!!!
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10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, all engines running, and liftoff of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, adding to the Global Xpress network a spare powerhouse capable of extreme telecommunications. And Falcon has cleared the tower.
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Clear tower
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T+20 seconds. Roll and pitch programs are in. Falcon 9 moving due east away from the Kennedy Space Center.
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All good tracking downrange
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Liftoff!
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T+40 seconds. Good thrust on all 9 main engines.
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Telemetry nominal
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LAUNCH!!
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Super sonic
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T+1 minute. Majestic liftoff thus far.
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Max-Q
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T+1 minute, 15 seconds. Falcon 9 is supersonic and is passing the period of maximum dynamic pressure.
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MaxQ
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T+1 minute.
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T+1 minute, 40 seconds. Main engine cutoff will be at T+2 minutes, 45 seconds. Both stages will separate 4 seconds later. After that milestone, the second stage engine will start at T+2 minutes, 56 seconds.
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T+2 minutes, 5 seconds. All avionics, power, and telemetry systems are healthy.
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All nominal
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T+2 minutes, 30 seconds. Main engine throttling is in work to limit the amount of g-forces exerted on the launch vehicle.
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T+2 minutes.
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T+2 minutes, 45 seconds. We have MECO. Engine shutdown was nominal.
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Stage shutdown. Sep. Second stage ignition!
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Both stages have separated; goodbye to Core 1034.
First stage's Automatic Flight Termination System has safed.
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Stage 1 AFTS safes
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Second stage engine has started up for the first of two burns that will put Inmarsat-5 F4 into a geosynchronous transfer orbit. This first burn will last 5 minutes and 42 seconds.
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Staging 1-2.
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T+3 minutes, 35 seconds. Payload fairing has been jettisoned. Whether or not a fairing recovery will be attempted, Falcon 9 continues to fly down the center of the planned trajectory.
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Altitude 126 kilometers, velocity 11,100 kilometers an hour.
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Still have a good signal from the first stage rocketcam.
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Captured the inside of the fairings...
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Separation, second stage separation and fairing separation.
T+4 minutes.
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T+5 minutes.
Altitude 155 kilometers, velocity 12,900 kilometers an hour.
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T+5 minutes.
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Confirmed it is going into a GTO.
Seen some thinking it was going to be a SSO.
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6 minutes into the flight.
MVac engine continues to burn well. Attitude is nominal.
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T+6 minutes.
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T+6 minutes, 50 seconds.
Altitude 172 kilometers, velocity 17,640 kilometers an hour.
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Less than 90 seconds left in the first burn.
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SpaceXer's in the background making oohs and ahhs sounds. We have no idea what for. Could be fairings! We're not being shown it.
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T+7 minutes, 45 seconds.
Altitude 169 kilometers, velocity 21,900 kilometers an hour.
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T+7 minutes. Getting some woh's from the SpaceX crowd.
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T+8 minutes, 20 seconds.
Coming up on SECO-1.
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T+8 minutes.
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T+8 minutes, 38 seconds. SECO-1 has been confirmed.
Starting now, a coast phase lasting 18 minutes and 21 seconds will pass until Falcon 9 passes over the Equator. At that point, the second stage will restart for the last portion of powered flight.
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Cape LOS as expected. Bermuda still tracking.
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MVAC cutoff!
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Altitude is 164 kilometers, velocity 26,995 kilometers an hour.
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T+7 minutes. Getting some woh's from the SpaceX crowd.
Was shortly followed by a call of S1 signal lost as expected (maybe they were watching live video from S1?)
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SpaceXer's in the background making oohs and ahhs sounds. We have no idea what for. Could be fairings! We're not being shown it.
Could be the death cam on the Booster. Explains why we weren't being shown it.
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In coast phase.
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Webcast is taking a commercial break.
Looking at the second stage rocketcam, the launch vehicle is heading into orbital darkness.
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Crowd making some very sad noises in the moments leading up to 1st stage LOS - had me real worried for a second there that something had happened to the mission!
Presumably they got to see something we didn't - perhaps some Al-Li based fireworks.
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T+11 minutes.
Falcon 9 is still looking good.
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SpaceXer's in the background making oohs and ahhs sounds. We have no idea what for. Could be fairings! We're not being shown it.
Immediately following that, I heard in the background: "First stage loss of signal". I suspect the first stage might've been doing some acrobatics on re-entry, prior to breaking up.
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T+10 minutes.
Second ignition at T+26:59 for 56 seconds.
Separation at T+31:48
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Just lost the signal of Bermuda.
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T+14 minutes, 40 seconds. Falcon 9 currently over the mid-Atlantic Ocean, approaching the Cape Verde Islands.
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T+15 minutes.
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T+18 minutes. Looks to be a nominal coast phase so far.
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20 minutes Mission Elapsed Time.
Less than seven minutes until the second stage restarts.
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T+20 minutes.
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T+23 minutes.
Not much activity going on right now.
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Gabon AOS.
Libreville's not in business for this launch, I guess.
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Gabon AOS.
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Altitude 270 kilometers, velocity 26,524 kilometers an hour.
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Getting Telemetry.
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About a minute and a half from the second stage restart.
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Beginning the second MVac chill sequence.
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55 second burn coming up.
Remember, this is an update only thread. Use the other threads for this mission for anything else.
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One minute to second ignition.
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60 seconds to the burn.
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T+26 minutes, 59 seconds. The second stage engine has restarted for the second of two burns. This one will last 56 seconds.
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Second burn.
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Burn 2 started.
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Second ignition!
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MVac performance looks good.
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T+27 minutes, 55 seconds. SECO-2. The MVac engine has fallen silent once again.
The next major event will be spacecraft separation at T+31 minutes, 48 seconds.
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Altitude 321 kilometers, velocity 36,060 kilometers an hour.
Good transfer orbit confirmed.
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And finished.
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Cutoff! Good transfer orbit.
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Taking a brief commercial break before spacecraft sep.
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Deployment next.
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T+30 minutes.
Altitude 420 kilometers, velocity 35,770 kilometers an hour.
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Didn't hear which station Falcon 9 acquired over the music.
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Coming up on spacecraft separation in about 30 seconds.
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One minute to separation.
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T+31 minutes, 48 seconds. Inmarsat-5 F4 has separated and is on its way to its final geostationary orbit.
Congratulations to SpaceX and Inmarsat on another successful Falcon 9 mission. This marks the 32nd overall success and the 34th Falcon 9 launch since its debut in June 2010.
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S/C Sep!
Article from William Graham updated:
https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/05/expendable-falcon-9-inmarsat-5-f4-launch/
Thanks to Steven, Zach and Chris - plus all the folks who chip in - with the coverage!
Per tradition. ONE POST EACH of congrats are allowed in this live thread (for nostalgia). All discussion and such go in the other threads.
Thanks again to the L2 members for paying for these amazing servers that allow us to cope with the massive demand of these launches.
Also, my own congrats! Per the pre-launch coverage and some reports from sources - and pending post launch review - this could be the cleanest mission yet! (No issues with the flow, LRR, etc. First time launch, etc.)
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Spacecraft separation! No video.
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Payload deployed.
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Congrats to SpaceX, Inmarsat and all involved for a picture perfect launch! "all you can ask for, today" ...
And thanks to NASA, USAF, FAA, and of course NSF!
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The webcast is coming to a close, offering to check out SpaceX's social media.
It was really a pleasure to help cover this launch. I'll see you later.
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Ending webcast. Giving thanks.
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Congrats SpaceX, boring is good!
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Congrats to SpaceX, the customer, the spacecraft manufacturer and the Range for a smooth-as-silk launch campaign. Excitingly boring!
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SpaceX Verified account @SpaceX 16s17 seconds ago
Successful deployment of Inmarsat-5 Flight 4 to a Geostationary Transfer Orbit confirmed.
https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/864267658329440256 (https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/864267658329440256)
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Congratulations to SpaceX and Inmarsat for a problem free mission. Now to get some sleep...
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Congrats to SpaceX, INMARSAT, the range, and NSF! Great job everyone! Another boring launch!!
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Launch, land, launch launch, land launch land.
8)
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End of webcast. Congratulations to SpaceX and Inmarsat for the successful launch!
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Congrats to SpaceX and Inmarsat. Doesn't get smoother than this!
And, of course, "Well Done" to the NSF coverage team.
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Just your average everyday expendable GTO launch of a 6mT comms bird. Booooring. ;D
Congratulations to everyone involved with today's launch, looks like it went off without a single hitch!
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Congrats SpaceX
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And that's all folks! Congratulations to all involved in this successful mission.
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Congrats to all, that was a wonderfully smooth mission!
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Congratulations Inmarsat and SpaceX. the Range Control and all other's who had a hand in this bird... fantastic :D
ps, we can only wish all launches could be this smooth... celebrating with RP=1 :D
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Congrats everyone!
On to the June manifest...
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First SpaceX launch photos
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Smooth.
Congrats.
It's going on 2 a.m. over here.
(But medication would not let me sleep anyway. So thanks for the entertainment.)
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Congratulations to all. They make it look routine! 8)
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Many congratulations to SpaceX and Inmarsat - this launch campaign really did seem to go like clockwork, without even a minor hitch.
Now to repeat at least twice a month for the rest of the year :) Looking forward to a real record breaking 2017
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Congrats on a "boring" bring-in-the-revenue launch of a "boring" comm sat. Exciting as ever.
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Congratulations on a successful mission to everyone involved.
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Congratulations Space X and everyone involved!
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Congrats on a smooth launch. Let's not have many more of these expendables, though, please.
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Congratulations one the smoothest launch I've seen they perform. Salute!
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Congrats SpaceX. I think Launches can't get much more routine than that. No issues, everything nominal, the only excitement from a re entry video feed the public didn't get to watch.
For us really a boring launch, which is a good thing for Space!!! Thank's to NSF for the great coverage. Congrats to Inmarsat and good luck with the checkout. And big congrats to SpaceX. This is a level of proficiency that really shows off. I think that's just the way to sell rockets to customers with really expensive payloads!
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SpaceX works hard... So it looks easy for us...
Pitty on the naked rocket, but getting a 6ton payload to GTO is no small feat for F9 !
Hope no more expendable first launches !
Cheers !
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Congratulations to SpaceX and Inmarsat on the successful and problem-free launch!
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SpaceX launches are never boring to me except in hindsight!! :o
Congrats SpaceX, and NSF, you are AWESOME.
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What a boring launch. Hurrahh!!!!!!
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Congratulations to everyone involved!
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Congratulations to everyone at SpaceX! :)
Even on an expendable launch (funny how strange this sounds already), they weaseled in some advancements; compacting the count by 10 minutes. SpaceX never misses an opportunity to continuously improve in every aspect of their operation. Great work!
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Congrats to SpaceX ;D Great Launch !
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Good job all!!
From SpaceX's Launch Control......NEXT! ;D 8)
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Awesome.
Launch acceleration looks about 1g... this rocket needs larger second stage?
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Congrats to all the hard work of SpaceX, Immarsat and the all the other folks on the range and to the peeps that keep these threads full of info.
Time for some Lagavulin to celebrate!
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Spaceflight Now @SpaceflightNow 10s10 seconds ago
Inmarsat official says new satellite is alive in orbit after Perth ground station received signals from spacecraft.
https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow/status/864272701766152196 (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow/status/864272701766152196)
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Congratulations on hopefully one of the last SpaceX fully expendable launches (since there is no indication at the moment that fairy recovery attempt was planned either) !
Now to bring back everything !!! :-D
Oh, and we would loooove to see that hypothetical death cam footage from S1 !
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Well done again SpaceX! It is very exciting to watch you build up your launch cadence!
Thanks to NSF for the great coverage that I could follow at work!
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Congrats to all, well done! Impressive launch cadence SpaceX, keep it up! Thanks for the great coverage team NSF! :)
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Congratulations SpaceX. Watched on the but the with my four year old over dinner. Hurray!
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Congrats to SpaceX, Eastern Range, Inmarsat, Boeing, and all other for the great launch and deployment.
8)
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Nice smooth launch. Congrats SpaceX
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Smooth as silk; many congrats to SpaceX, Inmarsat and as usual thanks to the crew at NSF for the commentary.
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Congratulations SpaceX & Inmarsat. Well done, keep 'em coming!
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Congratulations to the team at SpaceX! Well done, keep up the good work!
The innovation continues to inspire.
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https://www.facebook.com/45thSpaceWing/photos/a.10150123411430012.392211.482808580011/10158501553875012/?type=3&theater
We truly have a tremendous team on the Space Coast and it’s my honor to be a part of this mission supporting the commercial space industry and helping to bring flexible high-speed mobile broadband communications to maritime, aeronautical, enterprise and government customers. Today’s mission is just another example of our unwavering focus on mission success and guaranteeing assured access to space while showcasing why the 45th Space Wing is the Premier #GatewayToSpace. – Shark 1
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Congrats Spacex with this launch the team has demonstrated their systems confidence.
Nice trick to confuse the masses with the short load time.
;D
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Extremely boring, as it should be. Congratulations to everyone involve for the successful closing of another campaign. :)
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Conrats to SpaceX on yet another successful launch!
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Yaay well done SpaceX
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Congrats on a successful expendable F9 mission.
Keep up the consistent good work and robust design as you continue to deliver launch services at the lowest prices and with the most-accessible manifest of all launch service providers globally!
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More SpaceX launch photos
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Following @SpaceX launch we acquired telemetry from our Perth ground station at 01:04BST/20:04EDT. Our @BoeingDefense #I5F4 is looking good!
https://twitter.com/inmarsatglobal/status/864288561054568448 (https://twitter.com/inmarsatglobal/status/864288561054568448)
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No orbit numbers, but a happy customer:
We got an excellent orbit from our Falcon9 Super Sport on #I5F4 @InmarsatGlobal
Thanks @SpaceX
https://twitter.com/m_ladovaz/status/864281276034973701 (https://twitter.com/m_ladovaz/status/864281276034973701)
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Congratulations to SpaceX, Inmarsat, and the range guys. Never boring for me!
The number of commerial Falcon customers is gradually overtaking the government ones- a sign of a very healthy program, IMO.
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Another epic launch - covered in amazing detail by the team here. It was great to read the thread while watching the video this morning - thanks to all who made it possible!
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Inmarsat press release:
Inmarsat confirms successful launch of the fourth Global Xpress satellite
16 May 2017: Inmarsat (LON: ISAT), the world’s leading provider of global mobile satellite communications, has confirmed the successful launch of the fourth, high-speed broadband communications satellite in its transformational Global Xpress (GX) constellation.
Inmarsat GX is the world’s first globally available, broadband connectivity service and was created to enable communities across the world to benefit from the emerging digital society.
Inmarsat-5 F4 (I-5 F4) was launched by SpaceX on a Falcon 9 rocket at 00:21 (BST) / 19:21 (ET) from the historic launch pad 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Following satellite separation at 00:53 (BST) / 19:53 ET, we acquired telemetry from our Perth ground station at 01:04 BST / 20:04 ET.
The launch team from Inmarsat and Boeing Network & Space Systems, the manufacturer of I-5 F4, are now raising the spacecraft to a geostationary orbit, at which point the satellite will deploy its solar arrays and reflectors, and undergo payload testing.
I-5 F4 joins the three GX satellites already in orbit, which have, since December 2015, been delivering unprecedented service speeds, global coverage, reliability and security to users on land, at sea and in the air. The fourth satellite adds further capacity to the GX network, as well as in-orbit redundancy that further upgrades the reliability and resilience of Inmarsat’s service offerings.
“For Inmarsat, reliability and resilience are paramount,” said Rupert Pearce, CEO, Inmarsat. “Delivering global commercial services over the GX network, which we achieved at the end of 2015, was only the start of our Global Xpress project. I-5 F4 augments the capabilities of GX and, alongside our existing L-band constellations, enables Inmarsat to provide guaranteed global connectivity to industries and governments worldwide.
“I would like to thank all my colleagues at Inmarsat, whose hard work and dedication is seeing Global Xpress setting a new standard of excellence for broadband communications in established VSAT markets, such the maritime and government sectors, while also rapidly gaining strong traction in new market areas, such as the rapidly expanding aviation passenger connectivity sector.
“I also wish to extend my sincere thanks to our satellite manufacturing partner Boeing and our launch partner SpaceX for delivering a successful launch outcome.”
http://www.inmarsat.com/press-release/inmarsat-confirms-successful-launch-fourth-global-xpress-satellite/ (http://www.inmarsat.com/press-release/inmarsat-confirms-successful-launch-fourth-global-xpress-satellite/)
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Congratz SpaceX. Another boring launch. Couldn't be happier.
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Never boring - I'm always anxious during any launch; manned or unmanned.
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Congrats to Inmarsat and SpaceX for a successful mission!
Thanks to NSF for coverage - watched it back in the morning. Excellent play by play.
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Congratz to everyone involved in the launch, textbook perfect!!
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10 Mins shaved off fuelling times, a silky smooth countdown, congratulations to SpaceX on achieving further maturity in rocket launching, roll on Falcon heavy.
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Good News to wake up to.. Congrats SpaceX
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42698 INMARSAT 5-F4 2017-025A 1401.67min 24.50deg 69839km 381km
42699 FALCON 9 R/B 2017-025B 1410.43min 24.47deg 70181km 384km
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42698 INMARSAT 5-F4 2017-025A 1401.67min 24.50deg 69839km 381km
42699 FALCON 9 R/B 2017-025B 1410.43min 24.47deg 70181km 384km
I believe these are identified backwards: the payload is in the 384 x 70,181 km orbit; and the Falcon-9 upper stage rocket body is in the 381 x 69,839 km orbit. Expect 18 SPCS to swap these in the next couple of days.
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Boeing-Built Satellite Will Enhance Global High-Speed Broadband Network
Fourth and final Inmarsat-5 satellite adds further capacity and coverage to the Global Xpress network
EL SEGUNDO, Calif., May 16, 2017 – The fourth Boeing [NYSE: BA] Inmarsat-5 satellite, which was launched yesterday, will noticeably expand the high-speed broadband service available through Inmarsat’s Global Xpress network after the satellite becomes fully operational later this year.
The Inmarsat-5 satellites are uniquely able to provide seamless communications coverage through fixed and steerable beams that can be adjusted in real time to accommodate demand surges.
“Inmarsat-5 F4 joins our existing Global Xpress constellation, which is already being adopted as the new standard in global mobile broadband connectivity by companies, governments and communities around the world,” said Michele Franci, CTO, Inmarsat. “Boeing has been an outstanding partner in our journey to make Global Xpress a reality.”
This is the fourth Inmarsat-5 satellite Boeing has built for Inmarsat’s Global Xpress network. After reaching its final orbit, the satellite will undergo testing and checkout before being declared operational.
“Our partnership with Inmarsat has enabled the creation of the world’s only commercial global, mobile Ka-band network,” said Mark Spiwak, president, Boeing Satellite Systems International. “This unique achievement is an example of Boeing’s continuing commitment to deliver reliable, affordable and innovative solutions for our customers.”
Boeing has a strategic marketing partnership with Inmarsat and currently provides both military Ka-band and commercial Global Xpress services to U.S. government customers.
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42698 INMARSAT 5-F4 2017-025A 1401.67min 24.50deg 69839km 381km
42699 FALCON 9 R/B 2017-025B 1410.43min 24.47deg 70181km 384km
Roughly a 1,570m/s deficit to GEO. That's almost Zenit-3SL/Proton-M/Briz-M performance.
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That legless first stage looked so weird... Congrats!
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Another great launch shot by John Kraus:
Congrats @SpaceX on the successful launch of Inmarsat-5 4F! #I5F4. Viewing from #KennedySpaceCenter by @johnkrausphotos
https://twitter.com/explorespaceksc/status/864263870839488512 (https://twitter.com/explorespaceksc/status/864263870839488512)
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Likely final batch of SpaceX launch photos
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update thread. One post of congrats each. Else discussion. Some moving
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-JSgwUpcEo
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42698 INMARSAT 5-F4 2017-025A 1401.67min 24.50deg 69839km 381km
42699 FALCON 9 R/B 2017-025B 1410.43min 24.47deg 70181km 384km
I believe these are identified backwards: the payload is in the 384 x 70,181 km orbit; and the Falcon-9 upper stage rocket body is in the 381 x 69,839 km orbit. Expect 18 SPCS to swap these in the next couple of days.
Swap has taken place:
42698 INMARSAT 5-F4 2017-025A 1409.24 min 24.52deg 70134km 385km
42699 FALCON 9 R/B 2017-025B 1401.51 min 24.47deg 69835km 378km
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Inmarsat CEO Rupert Pearce praises "absolutely exceptional performance from SpaceX" and announces that they will use a flight proven core in the future:
https://www.universetoday.com/135614/will-launch-reuseable-rocket-exceptional-spacex-performance-inmarsat-ceo-tells-universe-today/
Choice quote: "They hit the ball out of the park with this launch for us"
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42698 INMARSAT 5-F4 2017-025A 1401.67min 24.50deg 69839km 381km
42699 FALCON 9 R/B 2017-025B 1410.43min 24.47deg 70181km 384km
I believe these are identified backwards: the payload is in the 384 x 70,181 km orbit; and the Falcon-9 upper stage rocket body is in the 381 x 69,839 km orbit. Expect 18 SPCS to swap these in the next couple of days.
Swap has taken place:
42698 INMARSAT 5-F4 2017-025A 1409.24 min 24.52deg 70134km 385km
42699 FALCON 9 R/B 2017-025B 1401.51 min 24.47deg 69835km 378km
Still no maneuvers detected...
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42698 INMARSAT 5-F4 2017-025A 1401.67min 24.50deg 69839km 381km
42699 FALCON 9 R/B 2017-025B 1410.43min 24.47deg 70181km 384km
I believe these are identified backwards: the payload is in the 384 x 70,181 km orbit; and the Falcon-9 upper stage rocket body is in the 381 x 69,839 km orbit. Expect 18 SPCS to swap these in the next couple of days.
Swap has taken place:
42698 INMARSAT 5-F4 2017-025A 1409.24 min 24.52deg 70134km 385km
42699 FALCON 9 R/B 2017-025B 1401.51 min 24.47deg 69835km 378km
Still no maneuvers detected...
Do not confuse the publication of TLEs with the detection of maneuvers. It can take a while to collect enough observations and fit an element set that is of high enough quality to be published. *Sometimes* the flyers of the satellite will announce successful maneuvers (like ISRO does) long before a TLE gets published....
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Perigee: 24,391.2 km
Apogee: 70,131.7 km
Inclination: 1.5 °
http://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=42698
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Details for the above post
INMARSAT 5-F4 2017-025A 2060.16min 1.49deg 70125km 24384km
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42698 INMARSAT 5-F4 2017-025A 2169.67min 0.59deg 70116km 28161km
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Successful solar array & reflector deployment of #I5F4 🛰️is confirmed! What happens next? Our Payload Engineer explains all in #SpaceBytes 🚀
https://twitter.com/inmarsatglobal/status/870667041786744832 (https://twitter.com/inmarsatglobal/status/870667041786744832)
https://youtu.be/MRzHWhkMC5k (https://youtu.be/MRzHWhkMC5k)
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Inmarsat Verified account @InmarsatGlobal 23h23 hours ago
Our @BoeingDefense-built #I5F4 satellite has reached GEO orbit where its radiators have been successfully deployed & payload switched on!
https://twitter.com/InmarsatGlobal/status/891992074182172672
Inmarsat Verified account @InmarsatGlobal 23s24 seconds ago
In-orbit control of #I5F4 has been handed over to our London SCC! Thanks @BoeingDefense for taking care of all 4 #GlobalXpress satellites 🛰️
https://twitter.com/InmarsatGlobal/status/892346480480190464