July 17, 2014 - Press releaseSES-12 will be the most powerful and flexible of the telecommunications satellites ordered by SES. This highly innovative satellite will use electric propulsion for initial orbit raising and all on-orbit manoeuvres. Airbus Defence and Space, the world’s second largest space company, has just been awarded a contract by SES, one of the world’s leading satellite operators, to design and build a highly innovative high-performance telecommunications satellite. SES-12 is the most powerful satellite ever to have been ordered by SES. It will be based on the highly reliable Eurostar E3000 platform from Airbus Defence and Space as an all new EOR (Electric Orbit Raising) version. This version uses only electric propulsion for initial orbit raising, with the reduction in mass enabling the satellite to be equipped with an exceptionally large payload. The satellite also incorporates other state-of-the-art solutions, in particular multi-beam antennas linked to a digital signal processor that enables a multitude of basic spectral channels to be allocated to various beams in a completely flexible manner. “I salute SES’s ambitions when it comes to innovation and responsiveness in a rapidly changing market, and we are pleased to be able to provide them with our very best technology for both the payload and the platform,” said François Auque, Head of Space Systems. “We have been using electric propulsion for station-keeping for 10 years now and have equipped 10 Eurostar E3000 satellites with this technology, which we are now also offering for initial orbit raising. The resulting weight saving will enable us to combine two high-capacity missions equivalent to two conventional satellites in one satellite, SES-12.” “SES-12 is the 11th Eurostar satellite to have been ordered by SES from Airbus Defence and Space,” added Karim Michel Sabbagh, President and CEO of SES. “Eight of these satellites are in operational service, one is ready to be launched, and a 10th, ordered this year, is currently under construction.” The satellite will have a dual mission. It will replace the NSS-6 satellite in orbit, providing television broadcasting and telecom infrastructure services from one end of Asia to the other, with beams adapted to six areas of coverage. It will also have a flexible multi-beam processed payload for providing broadband services covering a large expanse from Africa to Russia, Japan and Australia. SES-12 will operate in the Ku and Ka bands with a total of 76 active transponders, and will be equipped with eight antennas. It will have a launch weight of 5,300 kg and an electric power of 19 kW. The satellite will be launched in 2017, and its electric propulsion system will enable it to reach its geostationary orbit in three to six months, depending on the type of launcher used. Its nominal operational position will be 95° E and it has been designed to remain in service in orbit for more than 15 years.
Seeking to restore capacity for customers impacted by a satellite malfunction earlier this year, fleet operator SES is swapping launches between SpaceX and Arianespace, the company announced today.Hawthorne, California-based SpaceX, previously contracted to launch SES-14, will instead launch SES-12. Arianespace of Evry, France, will launch SES-14 on an Ariane 5 rocket during the first quarter of 2018, saving “a couple of weeks” on bringing the satellite into service, according to SES spokesperson Markus Payer.Both satellites were expected to launch this year when SES signed the launch agreements in 2015. Payer said the Ariane 5 launch is in the earlier half the first quarter of 2018, while the Falcon 9 launch is in the latter half....Payer said SES did pay a “marginal” fee for swapping the satellites SpaceX and Arianespace will carry.
Both SES-12 and SES-14 are using electric propulsion for orbit-raising and will enter into service some four to six months after launch.SES-12 ... will be co-located with SES-8
“It’s a combination of wide-beam and HTS [high-throughput] capacity. It takes us a year to design the spacecraft and four years to build it and it has an 18-year lifetime — an incredibly long cycle,” Halliwell said of SES-12. Nobody has any idea of where we are going to be in 25 years.“And look at the amount of kit you have to put together to build a satellite of this size — thousands of switches, hundreds of TWTAs, over 4,500 coax cables on this satellite. It’s around 4,500 kilograms. It’s a monster, really big.”Halliwell said SES views SES-12 as a bridge between its analog past and digital future. About 25% of the satellite’s capacity is routed through the digital transparent processor — not enough for future satellites.“We want full digital processing from the low-noise amplifier input on the spacecraft right through to the digital transmit array,” Halliwell said. “We want everything digitized, everything programmable on orbit.”
With a Block 5 core, maybe easily so. Don't know if there will be one available yet, though.
Quote from: AncientU on 12/07/2017 11:57 amWith a Block 5 core, maybe easily so. Don't know if there will be one available yet, though.SES-10 was 5300 kg as well and the SES-10 first stage did land on OCISLY.
Today we were happy to welcome our customer @SES_Satellites for a visit of its latest all-electric⚡️ #satellite 🛰 SES-12 in our cleanrooms.
[Feb. 15] Airbus Defence and Space and SES have jointly presented their new all-electric satellite, SES-12, before a group of selected media in Toulouse, France.Weighing in at 5,400 kg, and with an electric power of 19 kW, SES-12 is the largest and most powerful all-electric satellite ever produced.Currently undergoing final tests at Airbus’s clean rooms, the satellite is expected to leave Toulouse shortly before being transported to Cape Canaveral, Florida, for a March/April launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket
19kW?? ISS is only about 100kW and the Dawn probe is 10kW!5 of these solar arrays can replace the ISS truss? That's crazy.
With five solar array panels on each wing for a total wingspan of 45m
ISS solar power is 248 kW with 32800 * 8 cells [1] each being 8 cm * 8 cm [2] for a total area of around 1680 m2. Therefore the array would be 14.7% efficient if the irradiance were 1 kW/m2.[1] https://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/20160014034.pdf[2] http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1987pvsp.conf..489L
Quote from: sewebster on 02/24/2018 04:06 amISS solar power is 248 kW with 32800 * 8 cells [1] each being 8 cm * 8 cm [2] for a total area of around 1680 m2. Therefore the array would be 14.7% efficient if the irradiance were 1 kW/m2.[1] https://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/20160014034.pdf[2] http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1987pvsp.conf..489LSurely the irradiance at ISS is higher than 1kW/m2?, since that is typical for ground level after passing through Earth's [cloudless] atmosphere. And ISS cell are GAs so should be more efficient that with silica based cells.
Surely the irradiance at ISS is higher than 1kW/m2?, since that is typical for ground level after passing through Earth's [cloudless] atmosphere. And ISS cell are GAs so should be more efficient that with silica based cells.
SpaceX was granted their S1/S2 comms STA today for a launch NET 4/30 from LC-40, likely SES-12 unless TESS is delayed significantly.https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/els/reports/STA_Print.cfm?mode=current&application_seq=83119
Maybe an SES-12 recovery permit? It looks like a GTO landing and Bangabandhu already has one.https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/els/reports/STA_Print.cfm?mode=current&application_seq=82665&RequestTimeout=1000File number: 0211-EX-ST-2018
Quote from: Michael Baylor on 03/29/2018 02:31 pmMaybe an SES-12 recovery permit? It looks like a GTO landing and Bangabandhu already has one.https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/els/reports/STA_Print.cfm?mode=current&application_seq=82665&RequestTimeout=1000File number: 0211-EX-ST-2018 A few hours ago you were saying that was for CRS-14. Is your current thought that CRS-14 won't need a new recovery permit for an expendable launch?
Quote from: gongora on 03/29/2018 02:47 pmQuote from: Michael Baylor on 03/29/2018 02:31 pmMaybe an SES-12 recovery permit? It looks like a GTO landing and Bangabandhu already has one.https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/els/reports/STA_Print.cfm?mode=current&application_seq=82665&RequestTimeout=1000File number: 0211-EX-ST-2018 A few hours ago you were saying that was for CRS-14. Is your current thought that CRS-14 won't need a new recovery permit for an expendable launch?I screwed up. When I originally was looking it over, I forgot to check the trajectories. This permit looks like a GTO recovery based on the coordinates of the droneship. Therefore, I am thinking SES-12.
Airbus reports SES-12, largest all-electric communications satellite, has shipped from France to Cape Canaveral for launch on Falcon 9, no date specified but targeted for mid-May.
SES-12, which has both traditional wide beams and high throughput capabilities, will meet diverse needs of fixed data, mobility, government and video customers across Asia-PacificLuxembourg, 12 April 2018 – The SES-12 spacecraft has arrived safely at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida, in preparation for launch on board a flight-proven SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. SES-12, which is uniquely designed with both state-of-the-art wide beams and high throughput beams, will join SES-8 at 95 degrees East to serve SES video and data customers across the Asia-Pacific region. It will replace and augment services currently provided on NSS-6.Like SES-14 and SES-15, which serve the Americas, SES-12’s high throughput capabilities are SES’s answer to soaring connectivity demand in the aeronautical and maritime segments in the Asia-Pacific region. SES-12 will also be pivotal in enabling governments that want to roll out connectivity programmes to bridge the digital divide and in allowing telcos, mobile network operators and internet service providers to deliver more reliable cellular backhaul and broadband services. Together with SES-8, SES-12 will reach 18 million TV homes from its 95°E orbital position, and will provide pay-TV operators the reliability and scalability to deliver high-quality and immersive viewing experiences and address the ever-increasing audience demand for High Definition (HD) and Ultra HD content.With six wide beams and 72 high throughput user spot beams, SES-12 is one of the largest geostationary satellites that SES has ever procured. The spacecraft also has a Digital Transparent Processor (DTP) that increases payload flexibility to provide much more customised bandwidth solutions to SES's customers. The all-electric SES-12 spacecraft was built by Airbus Defence and Space, and will rely fully on electric propulsion for orbit raising and subsequent in-orbit manoeuvres.Martin Halliwell, Chief Technology Officer at SES said, “SES-12 was built to meet the dynamic needs of our customers across the Asia-Pacific region, and to empower them to capture massive growth opportunities in their markets. When co-located with SES-8, it will provide incremental high performance capacity and offer greater reliability and flexibility to our video and data customers.”The SES-12 spacecraft will join SES’s network of seven geostationary satellites and 16 MEO satellites in the Asia-Pacific region to provide unparalleled coverage to over 20 countries.
There are currently two once-flown-to-LEO cores: 1040 (OTV-5/X-37B) and 1043 (Zuma). Since Matt Desch somehow confirmed that Iridium-6 is going to fly on Zuma core, the logical choice for SES-12 is 1040. This is not confirmed by any means, just an educated guess.
Anyone know if NOAA is going to allow public video broadcast from the 2nd stage cameras this time? Has SpaceX rec'd a permit from them to do so?
Quote from: Brian45 on 04/12/2018 10:33 pmAnyone know if NOAA is going to allow public video broadcast from the 2nd stage cameras this time? Has SpaceX rec'd a permit from them to do so?SpaceX said it wasn't an issue for this launch. Either they got the license, or it's not a requirement because it's a "NASA launch".
Quote from: envy887 on 04/13/2018 12:09 amQuote from: Brian45 on 04/12/2018 10:33 pmAnyone know if NOAA is going to allow public video broadcast from the 2nd stage cameras this time? Has SpaceX rec'd a permit from them to do so?SpaceX said it wasn't an issue for this launch. Either they got the license, or it's not a requirement because it's a "NASA launch".Eh...this is the SES-12 thread.Edit to add that indications from NOAA within the last week or so suggest they’ll have the proper license in place for the launches after TESS including the first Block 5 flight early in May.
Sounds like 1045 is reserved for CRS-15. So, 1040 or 1046 for this flight?
Quote from: envy887 on 04/15/2018 06:03 pmSounds like 1045 is reserved for CRS-15. So, 1040 or 1046 for this flight?I predict the interval between the first Block 5 flight and the first Block 5 reflight will be more than two weeks.
Quote from: gongora on 05/16/2018 03:41 pm[Spaceflight Now] New target dates set for next two Falcon 9 launchesQuoteOn that mission, which an SES official said is currently scheduled for no earlier than May 31, SpaceX will haul the Airbus-built SES 12 communications satellite toward a perch in geostationary orbit more than 22,000 miles (nearly 36,000 kilometers) over the equator.Let's see what happens here because the Range is supposed to be closed from 29 May - 8 June for scheduled down period maintenance. ---https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2018/04/spacexs-may-manifest-takes-shape-block-5-debut/"The Eastern Range in Florida will close on 29 May for a scheduled 11 day period of maintenance and upkeep. These planned Range down periods are communicated well in advanced to all Range customers and are vital to ensuring reliable Range functionality.The Range will reopen on 9 June for normal launch operations."
[Spaceflight Now] New target dates set for next two Falcon 9 launchesQuoteOn that mission, which an SES official said is currently scheduled for no earlier than May 31, SpaceX will haul the Airbus-built SES 12 communications satellite toward a perch in geostationary orbit more than 22,000 miles (nearly 36,000 kilometers) over the equator.
On that mission, which an SES official said is currently scheduled for no earlier than May 31, SpaceX will haul the Airbus-built SES 12 communications satellite toward a perch in geostationary orbit more than 22,000 miles (nearly 36,000 kilometers) over the equator.
Is there an image of the mission logo? I haven't been able to find it. Thanks.
So this comm license was applied for about a month ago and only granted today?
Quote from: ChrisGebhardt on 05/16/2018 04:14 pmQuote from: gongora on 05/16/2018 03:41 pm[Spaceflight Now] New target dates set for next two Falcon 9 launchesQuoteOn that mission, which an SES official said is currently scheduled for no earlier than May 31, SpaceX will haul the Airbus-built SES 12 communications satellite toward a perch in geostationary orbit more than 22,000 miles (nearly 36,000 kilometers) over the equator.Let's see what happens here because the Range is supposed to be closed from 29 May - 8 June for scheduled down period maintenance. ---https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2018/04/spacexs-may-manifest-takes-shape-block-5-debut/"The Eastern Range in Florida will close on 29 May for a scheduled 11 day period of maintenance and upkeep. These planned Range down periods are communicated well in advanced to all Range customers and are vital to ensuring reliable Range functionality.The Range will reopen on 9 June for normal launch operations."So it seems at least as of now the launch is going ahead on the 31st.Perhaps thanks to AFTS the range can support a launch even partially into the maintenance window? (depending on what equipment is being 'maintained').Or did the range postpone the maintenance to accommodate SpaceX (wouldn't be the first time)?
I see now the launch is delayed to at least June 4th to look at a possible 2nd stage issue. Will the range want to push it back to June 9th? Also how’s the weather looking for the 4th?
One subsequent tweet:QuoteSES CTO Halliwell: "Monster engine" in #Falcon9 upper stage will fire 3 to 5 seconds longer to get #SES12 even higher. "Completely changes the dynamics of the project," he says. Those few seconds of burn time could get the satellite up to 7 more years of operational life.https://twitter.com/emrekelly/status/1002234168015761408Block 5 Mvac I wonder? (follow up to discussion thread)
SES CTO Halliwell: "Monster engine" in #Falcon9 upper stage will fire 3 to 5 seconds longer to get #SES12 even higher. "Completely changes the dynamics of the project," he says. Those few seconds of burn time could get the satellite up to 7 more years of operational life.
[/size]Quote from: FutureSpaceTourist on 05/31/2018 06:30 pmOne subsequent tweet:QuoteSES CTO Halliwell: "Monster engine" in #Falcon9 upper stage will fire 3 to 5 seconds longer to get #SES12 even higher. "Completely changes the dynamics of the project," he says. Those few seconds of burn time could get the satellite up to 7 more years of operational life.https://twitter.com/emrekelly/status/1002234168015761408Block 5 Mvac I wonder? (follow up to discussion thread)Where does the fuel for those extra seconds come? Shouldn't more powerful engine consume the fuel faster?Or did they leave some fuel unused for margin or deorbit burn, and now leaving less?
Maybe it has a big party balloon so it doesn't need a orbit burn.Maybe now that the legs and fins are removed from the booster, it stages faster leaving the upper stage with a few more seconds of fuel.
Quote from: Doesitfloat on 05/31/2018 06:51 pmMaybe it has a big party balloon so it doesn't need a orbit burn.Maybe now that the legs and fins are removed from the booster, it stages faster leaving the upper stage with a few more seconds of fuel.The only ways for the engine to burn longer are to either reduce mass flow through the engine or make more mass available for the engine to use. Changing the staging time does neither, and since Block 5 MVac has a 5% thrust increase, the mass flow through the engine is likely increased.However, the faster LOX load in the Block 5 upper stage means that more LOX mass can be loaded since it stays colder and denser.
Quote from: envy887 on 06/01/2018 11:18 amQuote from: Doesitfloat on 05/31/2018 06:51 pmMaybe it has a big party balloon so it doesn't need a orbit burn.Maybe now that the legs and fins are removed from the booster, it stages faster leaving the upper stage with a few more seconds of fuel.The only ways for the engine to burn longer are to either reduce mass flow through the engine or make more mass available for the engine to use. Changing the staging time does neither, and since Block 5 MVac has a 5% thrust increase, the mass flow through the engine is likely increased.However, the faster LOX load in the Block 5 upper stage means that more LOX mass can be loaded since it stays colder and denser.Could be that the first stage is burning longer, using propellant that would have been used for landing. That would reduce the second stage first burn length to reach its parking orbit, which would allow for a longer second burn.Falcon 9 has already lifted at least one heavier payload to a higher orbit. - Ed Kyle
Falcon 9 has already lifted at least one heavier payload to a higher orbit.
Not sure I understand that point.Am I missing something? How does the first stage not "deploy higher[/faster] than normal" while providing the 2nd stage the ability to burn longer due to "higher/faster stage sep"?
"SpaceX is planning to launch the SES-12 satellite next week, taking extra time in final preparation for the launch of a previously fired rocket"
Quote from: AC in NC on 06/01/2018 09:31 pmNot sure I understand that point.Am I missing something? How does the first stage not "deploy higher[/faster] than normal" while providing the 2nd stage the ability to burn longer due to "higher/faster stage sep"?You are probably right that it probably doesn't make sense, I have a very weak grasp of orbital mechanics. The only point really was to explain this longer second stage burn by throttling the second stage engine for part of the burn, but usually when people here talk about engines running throttled down they say it isnt worth it due to the gravity losses. I was trying to make the point that the gravity losses might be mitigated by getting extra speed to the second stage by using the first stage landing fuel, but I still don't know how that works and sorry for rambling nonsensical gibberish.
The blurb on a USA Today article saysQuote"SpaceX is planning to launch the SES-12 satellite next week, taking extra time in final preparation for the launch of a previously fired rocket"As usual in the popular media, sloppy language leads to false implications.They aren't taking more time in 'preparation for the launch of a previously fired rocket" because the extra time was needed to replace a valve on the second stage, and second stages are never previously flown.Second stages are not even "previously fired".
Quote from: RDMM2081 on 06/01/2018 09:40 pmQuote from: AC in NC on 06/01/2018 09:31 pmNot sure I understand that point.Am I missing something? How does the first stage not "deploy higher[/faster] than normal" while providing the 2nd stage the ability to burn longer due to "higher/faster stage sep"?You are probably right that it probably doesn't make sense, I have a very weak grasp of orbital mechanics. The only point really was to explain this longer second stage burn by throttling the second stage engine for part of the burn, but usually when people here talk about engines running throttled down they say it isnt worth it due to the gravity losses. I was trying to make the point that the gravity losses might be mitigated by getting extra speed to the second stage by using the first stage landing fuel, but I still don't know how that works and sorry for rambling nonsensical gibberish.Ah yes. I think that is a plausible alternative and was considering mentioning it. To summarize succinctly, I think there are two possibilities (and like you I'm not well versed):1) Higher/Faster stage sep gets the 2nd Stage to the contracted orbit sooner permitting the final seconds of its nominal full throttle burn length to boost it higher; -or-2) Higher/Faster stage sep gets the 2nd Stage provides the 2nd Stage the ability to throttle down somewhat and burn longer.I just don't know whether that 2nd one is actually worthwhile given some complex trades.
At some point also being able to throttle deeper would allow a few seconds of extra burn due to not exceeding the spacecraft G limit.I have doubts this would be the case for a large comsat launch.
So I know the 2nd stage engine is tested at mcgregor and then sent back to hawthorne for integration with the 2nd stage. But is the complete 2nd stage fired at mcgregor(minus the nozzle extension)?
Quote from: speedevil on 06/02/2018 11:42 amAt some point also being able to throttle deeper would allow a few seconds of extra burn due to not exceeding the spacecraft G limit.I have doubts this would be the case for a large comsat launch.The Merlin engine is sufficiently large that they still need to throttle. At full thrust, it produces a force of 914 kN (perhaps more with Block 5). In this case, at the end of the burn, it would be pushing a mass of about 10,000 kg (about 4.7t for the stage and 5.3t for the satellite). At full throttle, this would be more than 9Gs (90 m/s). Most satellites are designed to about 5 Gs, so they need to throttle back.
from the SES12-Mission Press-kit:MECO: 02:44the only Block 4 launch, in which the first stage no fuel for reentry and landing burn leftno legs and fins . I am curious about the speed on the stage-separation.(Hispasat 30W-6; booster should originally land; MECO: 02:35)
What was that thing (on fire) that fell a few seconds after clearing the tower? Couldn't really see much given the conditions (night time + a rocket taking off).
Is SpaceX going to give a statement about the mylar foil that came off and was flapping around during launch on the second stage? That's seriously not good.
Interesting how the second stage's insulating layer seems to have a heartbeat.There's a regular, bit faster than one per second, pulse going through the insulation cover...
Quote from: mlindner on 06/04/2018 05:31 amIs SpaceX going to give a statement about the mylar foil that came off and was flapping around during launch on the second stage? That's seriously not good.Though I can't recall ever seeing something like that in previous launches, do we have any actual evidence that it's "seriously not good"? Why would SpaceX need to send out a statement when the mission was a complete success by all accounts?
9500+km/h at stage sep, that has got to be the quickest so far for a F9 1st stage.
Quote from: Pete on 06/04/2018 05:08 amInteresting how the second stage's insulating layer seems to have a heartbeat.There's a regular, bit faster than one per second, pulse going through the insulation cover...This was visible in Bangabandhu 1 mission too, so Block 5 stuff.Quote from: lonestriker on 06/04/2018 05:43 amQuote from: mlindner on 06/04/2018 05:31 amIs SpaceX going to give a statement about the mylar foil that came off and was flapping around during launch on the second stage? That's seriously not good.Though I can't recall ever seeing something like that in previous launches, do we have any actual evidence that it's "seriously not good"? Why would SpaceX need to send out a statement when the mission was a complete success by all accounts?The mylar foil is there for thermal control, and you don't want frozen TEA-TEB line do you?
Quote from: lonestriker on 06/04/2018 05:43 amQuote from: mlindner on 06/04/2018 05:31 amIs SpaceX going to give a statement about the mylar foil that came off and was flapping around during launch on the second stage? That's seriously not good.Though I can't recall ever seeing something like that in previous launches, do we have any actual evidence that it's "seriously not good"? Why would SpaceX need to send out a statement when the mission was a complete success by all accounts?Any anomaly is not good. The insulation system is there for a reason and having it detach is cause for concern and investigation.SpaceX does not need to send out a statement (to the public) regarding the anomaly. Though one would be appreciated. :-) Other clients and vested agencies will surely inquire.
That's 538 Merlin 1D flights without a hitch.
Quote from: Nomadd on 06/04/2018 06:26 am That's 538 Merlin 1D flights without a hitch.Today also marks exactly 8 years since the first F9 lifted off.
Quote from: ugordan on 06/04/2018 07:15 amQuote from: Nomadd on 06/04/2018 06:26 am That's 538 Merlin 1D flights without a hitch.Today also marks exactly 8 years since the first F9 lifted off.Happy Birfday, Falcon 9! You're getting to be so strong and smart, we're so proud of you Congratulations to Spacex, SES, the range, everyone involved. Good show!
It wasn't you! And yes the quality of the video from the onboard cameras from SpaceX have lately been getting worse I think.Either it is wonky (as in out of focus) or wobbly.This is sad I think - and it is unprofessional.I hope this is something that Elon deals with sooner rather than later. Surprised it hasn't been fixed already.
Quote from: tyrred on 06/04/2018 08:21 amQuote from: ugordan on 06/04/2018 07:15 amQuote from: Nomadd on 06/04/2018 06:26 am That's 538 Merlin 1D flights without a hitch.Today also marks exactly 8 years since the first F9 lifted off.Happy Birfday, Falcon 9! You're getting to be so strong and smart, we're so proud of you Congratulations to Spacex, SES, the range, everyone involved. Good show!Almost without a hitch - there was that first stage engine explosion/failure in flight a few years ago during a night launch. But the mission was completed nonetheless.
Quote from: Kasponaut on 06/04/2018 09:41 amIt wasn't you! And yes the quality of the video from the onboard cameras from SpaceX have lately been getting worse I think.Either it is wonky (as in out of focus) or wobbly.This is sad I think - and it is unprofessional.I hope this is something that Elon deals with sooner rather than later. Surprised it hasn't been fixed already.Why is it unprofessional? Since video has little or no relevance to the actual mission, it's mainly there simply to gratify the watching public, there's no real incentive to make it super HD cinema quality. In fact, it would cost more. Maybe its simply not worth it to SpaceX to spend the money?
That would be Inmarsat-5, mass 6086 kg, orbit 385 x 70134 x 24.5o. That was a burn-to-depletion.Since this one has lower mass, and a lower apogee, the performance must be going towards inclination reduction. This choice appears driven by the satellite - at the press conference, SES said the apogee is near the spacecraft limit. However, the performance is very similar. Starting from a 300 km, 27o parking orbit, by applying 2775 m/s (Inmarsat above) you can get: 300 x 70,000 x 24.5o with 1577 m/s to go, or 300 x 58,000 x 22.3o with 1588 m/s to go.Compared to Inmarsat, dropping the payload to 5384 from 6086 should give 220 m/s more. But it looks like a targeted shutdown, not a burn to depletion. If we assume this leaves 1% of the fuel, and the second stage burns for 500 seconds, that's 5 seconds of operation, or something like 250 m/s at the final acceleration of 5G. So the two effects should roughly cancel. But we also have the Block 5 second stage. Extra thrust would seem to have little effect since the second stage gravity losses are small, but better ISP or lower stage mass could help. But by how much is not clear.Considering all these factors and making a lottery-quality guess, I predict the final orbit will be: 300 x 58,000 x 21.7o with 1582 m/s to go.
New SpaceTrack orbit elements:2018-049A - 210/58276km/25.94°2018-049B - 248/58599km/26.03°Quote0 TBA - TO BE ASSIGNED1 43488U 18049A 18154.96373084 -.00000300 00000-0 00000+0 0 99912 43488 25.9437 162.9782 8150421 167.9495 242.6112 1.29134293 080 TBA - TO BE ASSIGNED1 43489U 18049B 18154.96899447 -.00000303 00000-0 00000+0 0 99912 43489 26.0255 162.7695 8149247 168.3195 245.9397 1.28158002 00
0 TBA - TO BE ASSIGNED1 43488U 18049A 18154.96373084 -.00000300 00000-0 00000+0 0 99912 43488 25.9437 162.9782 8150421 167.9495 242.6112 1.29134293 080 TBA - TO BE ASSIGNED1 43489U 18049B 18154.96899447 -.00000303 00000-0 00000+0 0 99912 43489 26.0255 162.7695 8149247 168.3195 245.9397 1.28158002 00
Quote from: LouScheffer on 06/01/2018 03:59 pmThat would be Inmarsat-5, mass 6086 kg, orbit 385 x 70134 x 24.5o. That was a burn-to-depletion.Since this one has lower mass, and a lower apogee, the performance must be going towards inclination reduction. This choice appears driven by the satellite - at the press conference, SES said the apogee is near the spacecraft limit. However, the performance is very similar. Starting from a 300 km, 27o parking orbit, by applying 2775 m/s (Inmarsat above) you can get: 300 x 70,000 x 24.5o with 1577 m/s to go, or 300 x 58,000 x 22.3o with 1588 m/s to go.Compared to Inmarsat, dropping the payload to 5384 from 6086 should give 220 m/s more. But it looks like a targeted shutdown, not a burn to depletion. If we assume this leaves 1% of the fuel, and the second stage burns for 500 seconds, that's 5 seconds of operation, or something like 250 m/s at the final acceleration of 5G. So the two effects should roughly cancel. But we also have the Block 5 second stage. Extra thrust would seem to have little effect since the second stage gravity losses are small, but better ISP or lower stage mass could help. But by how much is not clear.Considering all these factors and making a lottery-quality guess, I predict the final orbit will be: 300 x 58,000 x 21.7o with 1582 m/s to go.Quote from: Raul on 06/04/2018 10:53 amNew SpaceTrack orbit elements:2018-049A - 210/58276km/25.94°2018-049B - 248/58599km/26.03°Quote0 TBA - TO BE ASSIGNED1 43488U 18049A 18154.96373084 -.00000300 00000-0 00000+0 0 99912 43488 25.9437 162.9782 8150421 167.9495 242.6112 1.29134293 080 TBA - TO BE ASSIGNED1 43489U 18049B 18154.96899447 -.00000303 00000-0 00000+0 0 99912 43489 26.0255 162.7695 8149247 168.3195 245.9397 1.28158002 00Huh - not much inclination change. Assuming a circular 200 km, 27o parking orbit, that's 2710 m/s to the specified orbit. There is about 1640 m/s to go to GEO.That's less delta-V (2710 vs 2775 m/s) than InMarSat had with a significantly heavier payload (where you would expect 220 m/s more from the mass difference). The only explanation I can see for this is the margin for a targeted shutdown must be quite big, at least 300 m/s. Theoretically, the customer could have asked for this inclination for some reason, but that seems unlikely to me since they launch similar satellites from Kourou, giving much lower initial inclinations.At the very least, it appears the Block 5 second stage does not have any big improvement in performance.
13 reflights and counting.It's amazing how quickly this is progressing !Keep this up SpaceX !Awesome !
Since video has little or no relevance to the actual mission, it's mainly there simply to gratify the watching public ...
Since video has little or no relevance to the actual mission, it's mainly there simply to gratify the watching public, there's no real incentive to make it super HD cinema quality. In fact, it would cost more. Maybe its simply not worth it to SpaceX to spend the money?
Whole journey of the satellite to the final GEO according to complete TLEs since its deployment 04-Jun-18 in graphical form.Satellite slowly approaches its final position in slot 95°E.
Is six months to final position typical, planned, asap, or could it have gotten there faster using more fuel?I've only paid attention to the exciting parts for the most part, only recently wondering why it has been taking cargo and crew so long to get to ISS, then seeing the Russians have been speeding up the trip to "almost direct".Seemed to me things were "faster" back in the 60s and 70s.
