SpaceX Falcon 9 - Iridium NEXT Flight 1 DISCUSSION (Jan. 14 2017)

[Kabloona]

For the Iridium launch SpaceX submitted an FCC application for the landing that has both VAFB and Drone Ship transmitters, so they're covering their bases with the one submission.

Experimental first-stage recovery operation. Transmitting stations located on Port San Pedro, Vandenberg AFB and offshore.

   North  31  17  45     West  120  30  46     Autonomous Drone Ship, within 10 nautical miles

For comparison, ASDS coordinates on Jason-3 were:

North  32  7  44    West  120  46  43    BOAT, within 10 nautical miles
North  32  7  44    West  120  46  43    BARGE, within 10 nautical miles

So this time, a bit farther south.

[Kabloona]

So this means that Iridium-NEXT F1 will not be doing a Vandenberg RTLS...

...and that the core will land on Just Read The Instructions?

A key factor for RTLS is whether or not the landing pad has been completed. Last we heard, it was still being worked on.

[kirghizstan]

Any update on this launch?  I'm going to be in Santa Barbara for a conference that day and thinking about driving up to see the launch if the launch date doesn't slip more than a day. 

[manoweb]

I also plan to attend this launch. Last one was completely shielded by the fog...

[ZachS09]

How about they make fog a weather violation at Vandenberg? I ask that because the fog caused one of Jason 3's landing legs to not deploy fully.

[mme]

How about they make fog a weather violation at Vandenberg? I ask that because the fog caused one of Jason 3's landing legs to not deploy fully.

I think they'd do better to fix the latch and/or protect it from moisture.

[abaddon]

SpaceX indicated at the time that those were an older revision of the leg hardware, and implied that the issue would not have occurred with the newer revision.  So it is likely no longer an issue.

[manoweb]

Yeah I think it is in SpaceX's interest to *remove* or weaken all possible violations, so they can operate more smoothly and cheaply, instead of creating hurdles. I believe fixing the latching mechanisms is much cheaper than postponing a launch one or more days.

[Toastmastern]

Six #IridiumNEXT satellite vehicles down, 4 more to go! Another successful arrival at @VandenbergAFB #NEXTevolution

https://twitter.com/IridiumComm/status/765903388659814400

[yokem55]

According to a post on the SpaceX FB group, the Iridium-1 booster (F9-30) is wrapped and shipping out of Hawthorne today for McGregor. Give it ~3 or so days to get there, a week of testing, and ~3 days to head west back to Vandenberg, and it could be there by 1st week of September.

Apparently not. The stage reported there might one returning from Canaveral.

[Ben the Space Brit]

With the possibility that SES-10 in October may be the first recycled booster flight, it would make sense to see some Canaveral-to-McGreggor traffic.

[wannamoonbase]

With the possibility that SES-10 in October may be the first recycled booster flight, it would make sense to see some Canaveral-to-McGreggor traffic.

With 3 VAFB launches before the end of this year, it makes sense that their would be lots of flow going west.  There is a lot of cores needed in the next 4 months, especially if one includes the FH.

But would they need to take a stage all the way to McGreggor then bring it back to CCAFS? 

Seems like an expense in time and money that should be done in Florida as that will be what they ultimately want to work toward anyway.

[Ben the Space Brit]

I read somewhere that the Iridium NEXT spacecraft will be launched in clusters like the Orbcomm 2Gs. Is that right?

Seems like an expense in time and money that should be done in Florida as that will be what they ultimately want to work toward anyway.

Engine tests and a full structural check using the equipment at McGreggor; there's a lot riding on the first reuse flight so there's no need to rush it. Better to check every component twice and in as much detail as possible. Yes, later they'll want that work done in the Cape Industrial Area (maybe at Hanger AO) but that's when they've answered all their questions and know with a high degree of certainty what they need to do to turn around a stage. Until then, it's slow, detailed and methodical checks.

[docmordrid]

I read somewhere that the Iridium NEXT spacecraft will be launched in clusters like the Orbcomm 2Gs. Is that right?
>

10 at a time using a new dispenser.

http://blog.iridium.com/2014/07/03/progress-continues-with-iridium-next-launch-milestone/

[tadaniels]

Wall Street Journal has an article today on the replacement of the Iridium constellation:

http://www.wsj.com/articles/aging-iridium-network-waits-for-key-satellite-replacements-1471961801

[smoliarm]

The fourth set of Iridium NEXT satellites arrived at VAFB on Aug 22:
http://blog.iridium.com/2016/08/22/precious-cargo-assetpack-3tm-used-to-track-the-successful-delivery-of-iridium-next-satellites-to-launch-site/

[Ronsmytheiii]

Western range open again!

http://www.vandenberg.af.mil/News/Features/Display/Article/881089/western-range-set-to-resume-normal-operations

[philw1776]

Western range open again!

http://www.vandenberg.af.mil/News/Features/Display/Article/881089/western-range-set-to-resume-normal-operations

The article is from July and says they're moved and hope to be operational in August. Is there some other source that says they are indeed operational?

Yes

http://www.vandenberg.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/922257/with-operational-acceptance-complete-western-range-is-ready-for-launch

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --
The Western Range is back in the launch business following an operational acceptance decision held by the Operations Acceptance Board at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Aug. 18, 2016.

[Chris Bergin]

"NEXT sats 9 & 10 arrived at VAFB. First launch payload is complete! "

http://blog.iridium.com/2016/08/29/special-delivery-the-first-full-payload-of-iridium-next-satellites-arrives-at-launch-site/

[OnWithTheShow]

So it appears the dispenser itself splits into two pieces for ease of mating. Interesting.