January 8, 2016Here is an update on the status of ORBCOMM’s 11 OG2 satellites. SpaceX put us within a fraction of a degree in inclination and 5 kilometers in altitude of the intended orbit. Credit to SpaceX on a second nearly flawless launch! The satellites separated from the Falcon 9 launch vehicle seamlessly, and the solar panels and antennas deployed as expected. Within just over an hour after launch, all 11 satellites established connectivity at ORBCOMM’s Gateway Earth Stations around the world.We have made significant progress on our launch operations over the past couple of weeks. Our joint effort with Sierra Nevada Corporation to perform In-Orbit Testing (IOT) on the OG2 satellites is going very well, which is a testament to the hard work and dedication of both teams. The IOT team completed the satellite bus testing at the end of December, which was ahead of schedule, and we are already more than half way done with the initial payload testing. We have begun propulsion maneuvers to separate the satellites into their orbital planes; they are currently about 4,000 miles apart when measured from “tip to tail” (from the front satellite to the back satellite). Next, we will focus on communications testing.Overall, the satellites are operating as expected, and we are extremely pleased with the milestones we have achieved for this mission to date. At the current pace, we expect to provide nearly full commercial service for M2M messaging and AIS services to our customers by the end of the first quarter.
#falcon9 on the way for another #staticfire test on Thursday after a successful landing after last launch.
Hans Koenigsmann during Jason-3 briefing just now said that the static fire was performed.
Quote from: ugordan on 01/16/2016 12:20 AMHans Koenigsmann during Jason-3 briefing just now said that the static fire was performed.They were looking at a 8pm Eastern T-0, so it fits! I'm not on the webcast, I assume he specifically said the returned OG2 core?
They were looking at a 8pm Eastern T-0, so it fits! I'm not on the webcast, I assume he specifically said the returned OG2 core?
Short article http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2016/01/spacex-fire-up-falcon-9-first-stage-slc-40/