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SpaceX Falcon 9 : Iridium NEXT Flight 3 : Oct 9, 2017 - UPDATES
by
Chris Bergin
on 20 Sep, 2017 13:32
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#1
by
Chris Bergin
on 20 Sep, 2017 13:33
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Full Payload of Satellites for Third Iridium® NEXT Launch are Onsite at Vandenberg Air Force Base
Pre-Launch Processing Nearly Complete in Anticipation of October 4th Launch
MCLEAN, Va. – September 20, 2017 - Iridium Communications (NASDAQ: IRDM), today announced that all 10 Iridium NEXT satellites for the third launch are onsite at Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB) in California. Pre-launch processing activities are underway, which includes mating them to the dispensers, fueling and encapsulation within the fairing. The Falcon 9 rocket stages and fairing components are also onsite and in processing for launch. Scheduled for October 4, 2017 at 6:06am PDT (1:06pm UTC), this early morning launch continues the ambitious deployment pace for the Iridium NEXT program, set to launch a total of 75 satellites on SpaceX Falcon 9 rockets. A total of 81 Iridium NEXT satellites are being built - 66 are required for the operational constellation, with the remaining 15 serving as on-orbit spares (nine) and ground spares (six).
“Our teams, not only in California, but also in Arizona and in Northern Virginia, have maintained a steady and impressive pace when it comes to pre-and-post launch operations,” said Matt Desch, CEO, Iridium. “We’re setting a new industry standard for satellite deployment, in terms of both time and efficiency. On our end, all systems are go for our coming predawn launch.”
The October 4th launch is the third of eight launches for the Iridium NEXT program. Under the lead of Thales Alenia Space (Iridium NEXT System Prime Contractor), the satellites were shipped in pairs from the Orbital ATK Satellite Manufacturing Facility in Gilbert, Arizona to VAFB. The satellites were delivered in specially designed motion and temperature-controlled containers designed to maintain optimal environmental conditions.
Iridium NEXT is the company’s next-generation global satellite constellation scheduled for completion in 2018. Iridium NEXT represents the evolution of critical communications infrastructure that governments and organizations worldwide rely upon to drive business, enable connectivity, empower disaster relief efforts and more. Iridium NEXT will introduce new capabilities, such as Iridium CertusSM, the company’s next-generation multi-service communications platform, which will deliver broadband speeds over L-band for aviation, maritime, land mobile, Internet of Things applications for commercial and government organizations. It will also enable the AireonSM space-based ADS-B, real-time, global aircraft surveillance and flight tracking system.
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#2
by
Chris Bergin
on 20 Sep, 2017 13:33
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Iridium pic:
Iridium NEXT satellites undergoing pre-launch processing
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#3
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 20 Sep, 2017 15:41
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#4
by
Chris Bergin
on 22 Sep, 2017 12:42
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Watching the launch date. L2 notes have Static Fire for September 30, but with caveat the launch may be moving to the right by several days (no firm date, not being vague). Iridium CEO Matt is usually pretty good at noting date changes, so keep an eye on his Twitter.
So nothing official, but keep an eye on it.
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#5
by
Chris Bergin
on 25 Sep, 2017 15:21
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Iridium or SpaceX need to post to confirm the change, but the L2 Range has this as NET October 9 now (as in documented, so it's October 9, but the rules are SpaceX or the Customer make it "official"). So I'll characterise this as "We expect SpaceX or Iridium to note IR-3 is now October 9".
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#6
by
Chris Bergin
on 25 Sep, 2017 23:54
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#7
by
Req
on 26 Sep, 2017 14:11
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#8
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 26 Sep, 2017 14:15
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Here's the time:
Iridium Corporate Verified account @IridiumComm 3m3 minutes ago
It's an early morning (5:37 am PDT) #ColumbusDay launch from the #NewWorld out of VAFB! #IridiumNEXT #Nina #Pinta #SantaMaria #Falcon9
https://twitter.com/IridiumComm/status/912680882657546241So 12:37pm UTC
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#9
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 26 Sep, 2017 14:58
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#10
by
SmallKing
on 27 Sep, 2017 13:57
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Matt Desch @IridiumBoss 22h22 hours ago
Replying to @ASchweigler
SpaceX needed more time for second stage processing at VAFB. Ran out of schedule margin. No problems I'm aware of.
Matt Desch @IridiumBoss 22h22 hours ago
Replying to @CJDaniels77
Don't have specifics, but no big issues. SpaceX was running late on second stage processing at VAFB and needed more time.
https://twitter.com/IridiumBoss/status/912703915384242176
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#11
by
Chris Bergin
on 04 Oct, 2017 02:15
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
From: 30th Space Wing Public Affairs,
www.vandenberg.af.milFalcon 9 Scheduled for Launch
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - Team Vandenberg is scheduled to launch
the third Iridium mission consisting of 10 satellites on a SpaceX Falcon 9
rocket from Space Launch Complex-4 here Monday, Oct. 9, at 5:37 a.m. PDT.
Col. Michael S. Hough, 30th Space Wing commander, is the space launch
commander.
"Our mission is to provide assured access to space and to do it safely and
securely. We can't accomplish this without great mission partners like
SpaceX," said Hough. "SpaceX's and 30 SW's ever present 'can-do-attitude'
and job pride will be on display for the Iridium-3 launch."
Due to the early morning launch time, the Hawk's Nest on Hwy 1 south of
Vandenberg Air Force Base's main gate will not be open.
- 30 -
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#12
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 04 Oct, 2017 22:17
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#13
by
Chris Bergin
on 05 Oct, 2017 10:19
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#14
by
Chris Bergin
on 05 Oct, 2017 12:51
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Window for the Falcon 9 (Iridium NEXT-3) Static Fire opens at the top of the hour.
10 mins from this post time stamp.
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#15
by
tvg98
on 05 Oct, 2017 13:33
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#16
by
Chris Bergin
on 05 Oct, 2017 13:47
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#17
by
catdlr
on 06 Oct, 2017 04:04
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OrbitalATK and Iridium NEXT
Orbital ATK
Published on Oct 5, 2017
Under a contract from Thales Alenia Space, Orbital ATK is assembling and testing the 81 Iridium NEXT satellites at its Gilbert, Arizona satellite manufacturing facility. Orbital ATK engineers highlight the challenges and rewards of working on this exciting program.
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#18
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 06 Oct, 2017 07:39
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#19
by
Raul
on 06 Oct, 2017 13:31
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#20
by
vaporcobra
on 07 Oct, 2017 04:13
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Spicy behind-the-scenes peek at 1041, posted an hour ago.
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#21
by
input~2
on 08 Oct, 2017 13:00
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Other views of hazard zones:
EASTERN NORTH PACIFIC.
CALIFORNIA.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS
091201Z TO 091336Z OCT,
ALTERNATE 101201Z TO 101336Z OCT
IN AREA BOUND BY
33-00N 121-30W, 33-13N 120-23W,
33-00N 119-20W, 32-52N 119-05W,
32-00N 118-20W, 31-10N 118-16W,
31-00N 118-20W, 29-00N 119-00W,
28-30N 119-20W, 28-23N 119-39W,
28-20N 120-00W, 28-30N 121-11W,
28-50N 121-30W, 30-31N 121-50W,
31-10N 121-50W, 32-50N 121-50W.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 101436Z OCT 17.//
Authority: WESTERN RANGE 281841Z SEP 17.
Date: 040600Z OCT 17
Cancel: 10143600 Oct 17
SOUTH PACIFIC.
DNC 06, DNC 29.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS 091401Z TO 091504Z OCT,
ALTERNATE 101401Z TO 101504Z OCT
IN AREA BETWEEN
27-43S 73-06S AND 147-18W 138-54W.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 101604Z OCT 17.//
Authority: WESTERN RANGE 281841Z SEP 17.
Date: 040619Z OCT 17
Cancel: 10160400 Oct 17
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#22
by
Ronsmytheiii
on 08 Oct, 2017 13:17
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#23
by
DanseMacabre
on 08 Oct, 2017 17:17
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#24
by
docmordrid
on 08 Oct, 2017 17:57
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#25
by
Raul
on 08 Oct, 2017 18:22
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Official SpaceX patch for this mission.
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#26
by
Chris Bergin
on 08 Oct, 2017 20:46
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#27
by
Chris Bergin
on 08 Oct, 2017 20:47
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#28
by
vaporcobra
on 08 Oct, 2017 21:25
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Here's a bit higher res version of the same photo. Really great details
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#29
by
Ronsmytheiii
on 08 Oct, 2017 22:08
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#30
by
vaporcobra
on 08 Oct, 2017 22:12
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#31
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 09 Oct, 2017 00:54
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From the SpaceX.com homepage
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#32
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 09 Oct, 2017 07:05
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#33
by
ChrisGebhardt
on 09 Oct, 2017 11:29
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On the bus to the press site. Don’t have access to the LD loop yet, but all appears on track.
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#34
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 09 Oct, 2017 11:38
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#35
by
ChrisGebhardt
on 09 Oct, 2017 11:39
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RP-1 fueling underway.
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#36
by
ChrisGebhardt
on 09 Oct, 2017 11:49
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LAUNCH area reported clear and ready.
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#37
by
Chris Bergin
on 09 Oct, 2017 11:58
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NSF has Chris G, Philip, Jay and Derrick there. I think we've got this one covered!
"Update only thread, Chris!" Sorry!
From the L2 photo dump. Philip Sloss caught engineers with B1041:
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#38
by
ChrisGebhardt
on 09 Oct, 2017 12:02
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LOX load
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#39
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 09 Oct, 2017 12:02
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T-35 minutes. LOX loading should be starting now.
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#40
by
ChrisGebhardt
on 09 Oct, 2017 12:03
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Huge LOX vent. All is well.
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#41
by
ChrisGebhardt
on 09 Oct, 2017 12:08
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Crystal clear skies!
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#42
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 09 Oct, 2017 12:15
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Sputnik from Testshot Starfish!
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#43
by
Chris Bergin
on 09 Oct, 2017 12:22
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#44
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 09 Oct, 2017 12:22
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#45
by
Chris Bergin
on 09 Oct, 2017 12:23
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Second stage has got its vent going on.
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#46
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 09 Oct, 2017 12:23
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T-14 minutes. Launch at 12:37:01 UTC.
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#47
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 09 Oct, 2017 12:24
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T-13 minutes. Talking about transporter/erector.
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#48
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 09 Oct, 2017 12:26
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T-12 minutes. TE reclines before launch. Everything looks good. Not working any significant issues or problems.
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#49
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 09 Oct, 2017 12:26
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T-11 minutes. LOX loading for both stages continuing.
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#50
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 09 Oct, 2017 12:28
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T-10 minutes. Spacecraft on internal power. Upper atmosphere winds a little high, but within spec.
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#51
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 09 Oct, 2017 12:28
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T-9 minutes. 1 second launch window.
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#52
by
ehb
on 09 Oct, 2017 12:28
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Confirmation of aluminum grid fins due to lower energy trajectory.
edit: spelling issues
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#53
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 09 Oct, 2017 12:29
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T-8 minutes. Iridium promo.
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#54
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 09 Oct, 2017 12:30
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T-7 minutes. Engine chill should be starting now.
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#55
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 09 Oct, 2017 12:31
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T-6 minutes. 0.5 million connected devices.
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#56
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 09 Oct, 2017 12:32
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T-5 minutes. Placed on trucks.
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#57
by
Chris Bergin
on 09 Oct, 2017 12:33
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"Launch Three. Don't get tired of me"
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#58
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 09 Oct, 2017 12:33
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T-4 minutes. First 20 satellites working well.
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#59
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 09 Oct, 2017 12:34
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T-3 minutes. Lots of venting.
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#60
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 09 Oct, 2017 12:35
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T-2 minutes. Stage 2 LOX secured. Range is green.
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#61
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 09 Oct, 2017 12:36
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T-1 minute. Falcon 9 is in startup.
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#62
by
lrk
on 09 Oct, 2017 12:37
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LD Go for launch
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#63
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 09 Oct, 2017 12:37
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#64
by
Chris Bergin
on 09 Oct, 2017 12:38
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#65
by
Chris Bergin
on 09 Oct, 2017 12:38
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#66
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 09 Oct, 2017 12:38
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#67
by
Chris Bergin
on 09 Oct, 2017 12:38
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#68
by
Chris Bergin
on 09 Oct, 2017 12:39
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#69
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 09 Oct, 2017 12:39
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#70
by
Chris Bergin
on 09 Oct, 2017 12:40
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Staging 1-2. Second stage onwards. Booster returning.
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#71
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 09 Oct, 2017 12:40
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#72
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 09 Oct, 2017 12:41
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#73
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 09 Oct, 2017 12:42
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#74
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 09 Oct, 2017 12:43
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Booster re-entry start.
Shutdown.
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#75
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 09 Oct, 2017 12:45
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#76
by
Chris Bergin
on 09 Oct, 2017 12:45
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Grid Fins really worked a lot there. But landed it again!
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#77
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 09 Oct, 2017 12:45
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#78
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 09 Oct, 2017 12:46
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#79
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 09 Oct, 2017 12:47
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T+10 minutes. Upcoming events.
00:52:02 2nd stage engine restarts
00:52:05 2nd stage engine cutoff (SECO-2)
00:57:06 Iridium NEXT satellites begin deployment
01:12:06 Iridium NEXT satellites end deployment
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#80
by
Chris Bergin
on 09 Oct, 2017 12:56
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Just a fun one for the update thread while we're in the coast:
Server demand. Fun "in the bucket" routine for visitors to the site. From the countdown, then people concentrate on the webcast, to post landing and into the coast phase where people surge to discuss what they watched
The *lowest* point in this screenshot (still a lot of people!) is where we would have gone "Bad Gateway" just a few years ago. Thank you to the L2 members, as they've paid for this monster hosting package to allow us to cope with the surges, etc
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#81
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 09 Oct, 2017 12:57
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T+20 minutes. Halfway across the Pacific.
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#82
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 09 Oct, 2017 13:08
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T+30 minutes. Approaching Antarctica. Still need to fix those artefacts near the South Pole!
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#83
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 09 Oct, 2017 13:17
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T+40 minutes. Flying over Antarctica.
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#84
by
Helodriver
on 09 Oct, 2017 13:19
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Epic view from Harris Grade Road in search of the perfect launch streak shot. All events clearly visible in the dark sky save for the landing burn which was over the horizon.
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#85
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 09 Oct, 2017 13:27
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T+50 minutes. Heading to Madagascar. About two minutes to second ignition.
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#86
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 09 Oct, 2017 13:28
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One minute to second ignition.
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#87
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 09 Oct, 2017 13:29
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Ignition and shutdown! Good orbit.
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#88
by
Chris Bergin
on 09 Oct, 2017 13:29
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Second burn of the Second Stage:
And shutdown. Good orbit.
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#89
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 09 Oct, 2017 13:31
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Four minutes to first separation.
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#90
by
Chris Bergin
on 09 Oct, 2017 13:32
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Second stage moving to S/C Sep attitude. Will take 15 minutes to release them all.
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#91
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 09 Oct, 2017 13:33
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#92
by
Chris Bergin
on 09 Oct, 2017 13:33
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#93
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 09 Oct, 2017 13:34
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One minute to first separation. Each separates in 1 minute 40 second intervals.
First spacecraft is away!
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#94
by
Chris Bergin
on 09 Oct, 2017 13:35
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Good orbit. Good attitude. 10 spacecraft to sep. First one released (bottom left). What a view.
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#95
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 09 Oct, 2017 13:36
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Second spacecraft is away, at top of picture.
White lump on engine is solid oxygen.
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#96
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 09 Oct, 2017 13:38
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Third sat is away. This one is out of view.
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#97
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 09 Oct, 2017 13:39
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#98
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 09 Oct, 2017 13:39
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Clear view of fourth satellite separation.
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#99
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 09 Oct, 2017 13:40
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Showing that solid oxygen (SOX?) on the engine.
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#100
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 09 Oct, 2017 13:41
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Fifth satellite away. This one is out of view.
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#101
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 09 Oct, 2017 13:43
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Sixth satellite deployed.
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#102
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 09 Oct, 2017 13:45
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Number 7 is on its way. No video.
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#103
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 09 Oct, 2017 13:46
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Eighth satellite away. Out of view.
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#104
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 09 Oct, 2017 13:48
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#105
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 09 Oct, 2017 13:50
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Final spacecraft deploy confirmed! 10/10.
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#106
by
fthomassy
on 09 Oct, 2017 13:50
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Congrats to SX and Iridium. Thanks to NSF.
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#107
by
Chris Bergin
on 09 Oct, 2017 13:50
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#108
by
AncientU
on 09 Oct, 2017 13:50
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Nicely done.
Nominal.
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#109
by
EspenU
on 09 Oct, 2017 13:50
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Congratulations to both SpaceX and Iridium. Great show as usual.
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#110
by
SmallKing
on 09 Oct, 2017 13:51
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Congrats to Elon and Matt
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#111
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 09 Oct, 2017 13:51
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SpaceX signing off.
Congratulations to SpaceX and Iridium for the successful launch!
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#112
by
Jarnis
on 09 Oct, 2017 13:52
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Nominal congratulations to SpaceX, Iridium and everyone else involved with the mission. Onwards to SES-11!
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#113
by
HKS
on 09 Oct, 2017 13:52
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Congratulations to both SpaceX and Iridium!
With all these boosters coming back, SpaceX will soon have an issue where to store them... :p
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#114
by
Mark McCombs
on 09 Oct, 2017 13:52
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Congratulations to SpaceX, 30th SW, and Iridium.
Thanks to Steven and Chris for the coverage.
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#115
by
ehb
on 09 Oct, 2017 13:52
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Congrats to all for the "norminal" success.
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#116
by
Skylab
on 09 Oct, 2017 13:52
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Perfect mission, congrats to SpaceX and Iridium! Thirty deployed, 45 to go.
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#117
by
pmenstrom
on 09 Oct, 2017 13:54
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Congratulations!
I will be in Orlando for a week in early May.
I am hopeful that with the increased launch cadence I might see my first launch!
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#118
by
Shanuson
on 09 Oct, 2017 13:55
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Congratulations to SpaceX and Iridium for no 3 of 8.
Even though it was the 14th SpaceX launch this year I was still excited for liftoff. With Dragon2, FH (most likely) in the next year and BFR on the horizon I do not want any more hickups.
So lets stay that way.
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#119
by
abaddon
on 09 Oct, 2017 13:56
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Congratulations to SpaceX, Iridium, and the Vandenberg folks that make launches possible!
I missed the launch getting my kid fed and out the door, but managed to catch the 9th deployment. Always amazing to watch the payloads gently wafting away into the void to begin their life. Really liked the view of the "beads" as I am not sure I've ever personally seen that before.
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#120
by
dawei
on 09 Oct, 2017 14:01
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Many congrats to SpaceX and Iridium. Thanks to all here who provided coverage.
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#121
by
rower2000
on 09 Oct, 2017 14:01
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Ten up, one down, just perfect
. Congrats!
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#122
by
Kaputnik
on 09 Oct, 2017 14:04
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That's how you do it!
See you in a couple of days for the next one
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#123
by
Michael Baylor
on 09 Oct, 2017 14:05
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#124
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 09 Oct, 2017 14:09
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Once again many congratulations to SpaceX and Iridium - another flawless launch, recovery and deployment.
Looking forward to the remaining 5
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#125
by
Michael Baylor
on 09 Oct, 2017 14:12
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Gif of the sats deploying. What a view!
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#126
by
abaddon
on 09 Oct, 2017 14:13
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Iridium-3 Mission replay is now up:
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#127
by
WindnWar
on 09 Oct, 2017 14:17
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Way to keep making it look easy. Congrats to everyone involved, keep it up! Looking forward to yet another launch in a couple days!
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#128
by
Craftyatom
on 09 Oct, 2017 14:25
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My personal favorite shot was the first stage cam during second stage ignition #1 - you could see the second stage exhaust plume flowing over the contours of the first stage, like in one of those arcjet facilities where they test heat shields. Second favorite shot was second stage ignition #2, where you can see some chunks of solid (presumably oxygen) get shaken off during ignition and then obliterated once they hit the exhaust plume.
Anyways, huge congratulations to everyone involved in today's launch - can't wait to see the next one!
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#129
by
Ronpur50
on 09 Oct, 2017 14:27
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SPECTACULAR!!
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#130
by
douglas100
on 09 Oct, 2017 14:31
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Particularly liked the shot of the satellite deploying in the foreground with several others in the background and the Earth below.
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#131
by
Silmfeanor
on 09 Oct, 2017 14:32
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Smooth, routine. With some beautiful shots - the plume impingement just after MECO; the ripples in the exhaust during boostback burn, and the string of iridium sats visible on the cam. Congratulations to SpaceX, Iridium and thanks NSF for the coverage!
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#132
by
Silmfeanor
on 09 Oct, 2017 14:38
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#133
by
Rebel44
on 09 Oct, 2017 14:55
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Congratulations to both SpaceX and Iridium.
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#134
by
todd5ski
on 09 Oct, 2017 15:02
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Congrats to all once again.
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#135
by
cartman
on 09 Oct, 2017 15:03
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Congrats to SpaceX and NSF for the excellent coverage! this was one of those missions that I had to follow at work, so NSF was the only way to follow the mission
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#136
by
ZachS09
on 09 Oct, 2017 15:05
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Congrats to SpaceX and Iridium for another awesome launch/landing.
I missed this one because I needed my sleep.
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#137
by
zubenelgenubi
on 09 Oct, 2017 15:10
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NSF has Chris G, Philip, Jay and Derrick there. I think we've got this one covered!
And thank you to Steven here on the launch thread to re-live and review the event! (I was only able to watch T-1 minute to SECO-1 live.)
Congratulations to the entire launch team!
***
October 9 (UTC) "three-fer" launch day: 2 done, 1 to go!
VRSS-2 from Jiuquan,
Iridium Next Flight 3 from Vandenberg,
And QZS-4 from Tanegashima.
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#138
by
dmc6960
on 09 Oct, 2017 15:15
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Great job SpaceX! Now do it again!
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#139
by
tleski
on 09 Oct, 2017 15:21
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Congrats to SpaceX, the range and Iridium and also big thanks to NSF for coverage here and great pics on L2.
A really smooth nighttime launch. I am happy this is a holiday in the US, otherwise, I would have to miss it.
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#140
by
Davp99
on 09 Oct, 2017 15:35
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Another Notch on my belt...Thanks to Chris & Steven and the Rest for All you guys Do !! and Thanks to NASASPACEFLIGHT.Com
Dave
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#141
by
Elmar Moelzer
on 09 Oct, 2017 15:41
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Congrats to SpaceX and Iridium! Great launch and landing! Great year so far for SpaceX! Hope they can keep it up!
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#142
by
marshal
on 09 Oct, 2017 15:43
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Congrats to SpaceX
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#143
by
Lar
on 09 Oct, 2017 15:59
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I had to drive from GR to Dearborn but I had the Youtube streaming on the phone, and when we were at T-2:00 was in a park and ride watching.
WAY to go team. No Matt, we fans are NOT tired of you yet. Today's vid on what Iridium enables was really great... it boggles the mind how many different applications there are.
Congrats to SpaceX, Iridium and all the folks who make this mission possible, as well as for the superb coverage
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#144
by
llanitedave
on 09 Oct, 2017 16:01
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I am so glad this is getting to be routine! The excitement never goes away, but the tension is being replaced with a happy anticipation. Congratulations SpaceX, and wonderful coverage by the NSF team as well!
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#145
by
Star One
on 09 Oct, 2017 16:01
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Congratulations to all concerned. Make the most of the Falcon 9 whilst you can before it goes away...
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#146
by
Llian Rhydderch
on 09 Oct, 2017 16:04
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Great work everyone, SpaceX, Iridium, and all the great and newsy coverage we got from all the intrepid NSF citizen journalists!
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#147
by
darkenfast
on 09 Oct, 2017 16:26
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Congrats to all for a launch that was SOOOOO routine, we need a second one this week to feed our addiction!
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#148
by
ugordan
on 09 Oct, 2017 16:29
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Please tell me the 30th Space Wing didn't throw in a random ICBM launch in there...
EDIT: Replaced with a corrected 30th Wing video.
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#149
by
jgoldader
on 09 Oct, 2017 16:30
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She was a beast there on the pad, snorting away with all that venting. Very cool. Maybe there'll be some proper photos released?
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#150
by
Bubbinski
on 09 Oct, 2017 16:37
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Congratulations on launch #14 of the year!
The vehicle was spectacular looking on the pad, the launch was spectacular, good work on the barge landing and the 10 satellite deploy too. Now ready for another F9 launch Wednesday evening, good luck!
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#151
by
Joffan
on 09 Oct, 2017 16:45
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Great launch and satellite delivery. Landing in the dark gives a feel of the reality of the task - a dot on the map that is unerringly hit dead centre by the returning stage. Good work SpaceX and congratulations to all involved, with thanks as usual to all those here at NSF that capture the launch moment by moment.
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#152
by
Perchlorate
on 09 Oct, 2017 16:48
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Congrats SpaceX, Vandenberg folks, Iridium, and of course our NSF team!!!
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#153
by
Dante80
on 09 Oct, 2017 16:50
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A surprisingly nice view, 100 miles from the site.
(1:20 for the sighting)
Many congrats to everyone involved for the successful conclusion of yet another launch campaign.
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#154
by
chad1011
on 09 Oct, 2017 16:55
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Another outstanding launch! Great job to everyone involved!
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#155
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 09 Oct, 2017 17:53
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#156
by
acsawdey
on 09 Oct, 2017 19:01
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A surprisingly nice view, 100 miles from the site.
(1:20 for the sighting)
Many congrats to everyone involved for the successful conclusion of yet another launch campaign.
Here's another video I stumbled across zoomed in on stage separation and boostback:
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#157
by
Rocket Science
on 09 Oct, 2017 19:27
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Congrats to all the teams, well done! Thanks for the global team coverage provided by NSF!
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#158
by
Semmel
on 09 Oct, 2017 19:45
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congrats to SpaceX and Iridium. And these videos of the separation and boostback burn from a distance ... Beautiful!!! More videos like that please!
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#159
by
ugordan
on 09 Oct, 2017 20:08
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#160
by
wannamoonbase
on 09 Oct, 2017 21:14
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She was a beast there on the pad, snorting away with all that venting. Very cool. Maybe there'll be some proper photos released?
VAFB has great pre-launch video. The snorts, venting, fog, it all so visceral.
Great launch of a complicated mission. Another booster to add to the inventory!
Bring on the next one.
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#161
by
SmallKing
on 10 Oct, 2017 04:46
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NORAD cataloged 10 sats
42955~42964/2017-061A~K: 612 x 627 km x 86.68 deg.
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#162
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 10 Oct, 2017 12:57
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SpaceX are being unusually slow in releasing launch photos, apart from the attached on their website
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#163
by
cscott
on 10 Oct, 2017 17:54
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Woke my kid up to see this one. Watched the sats deploy over breakfast. Great launch.
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#164
by
vaporcobra
on 11 Oct, 2017 00:12
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Some rough seas are apparently delaying crew from boarding JRTI.
Edit: I should clarify,
as of ~24 hours ago.
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#165
by
vaporcobra
on 11 Oct, 2017 05:25
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Found some clearer waters, and an owl that apparently made a horrible mistake and wound up 300 miles off the coast of CA
Edit: FWIW, another poster (an employee) said that we should "stay tuned for more pictures of the actual launch", so hopefully that means the lack of official photos is temporary!
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#166
by
Chris Bergin
on 11 Oct, 2017 17:24
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Third Set of Iridium® NEXT Satellites Arrive in Orbit and Provide Telemetry
MCLEAN, Va. – October 11, 2017 - Iridium Communications announced today that the third set of 10 Iridium NEXT satellites, launched Monday by SpaceX, are functioning nominally and have begun the testing and validation process. This batch of 10 satellites was launched out of Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, increasing the total number of Iridium NEXT satellites in space to 30.
“Since Monday’s success, all things are pointing positive,” said Scott Smith, chief operating officer at Iridium. “The team at the Satellite Network Operations Center (SNOC) is ready and has already been working around the clock since their deployment Monday. Unlike previous launches, where some satellites were sent drifting to their operational orbital plane, all 10 satellites from this launch will go directly into operation once testing is completed. This phase of satellite maneuvers and testing is where the Iridium satellite network operations teams truly shine.”
Now, and for approximately the next 45 days, these newly launched satellites will undergo a series of testing and validation procedures, ensuring they are ready for integration with the operational constellation. Once testing is completed, Iridium will also hand over control of Aireon’s Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast hosted payload, to the team at Aireon’s Hosted Payload Operations Center (HPOC), also in Leesburg, Va.
For more information about Iridium NEXT, please visit
www.IridiumNEXT.com.
About Iridium Communications Inc.
Iridium is the only mobile voice and data satellite communications network that spans the entire globe. Iridium enables connections between people, organizations and assets to and from anywhere, in real time. Together with its ecosystem of partner companies, Iridium delivers an innovative and rich portfolio of reliable solutions for markets that require truly global communications. The company has a major development program underway for its next-generation network — Iridium NEXT. Iridium Communications Inc. is headquartered in McLean, Va., U.S.A., and its common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the ticker symbol IRDM. For more information about Iridium products, services and partner solutions, visit
www.iridium.com.
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#167
by
Chris Bergin
on 12 Oct, 2017 12:05
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Stunning full collection in L2 (Starts here:
https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=43935.msg1735616#msg1735616 - which is an amazing thread as it includes Chris G, Philip Sloss, Helo and Jay with his crazy telescope camera of launch day), but have to share a couple of these from NSF member Sam Sun. You all know Sam's photos are of the aerial variety.
Falcon 9 B1041, riding on the SpaceX ASDS JRTI, sailing past Catalina Island.
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#168
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 12 Oct, 2017 15:38
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Some SpaceX launch photos (finally!)
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#169
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 12 Oct, 2017 20:13
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More photos from SpaceX that I don’t think have been posted before
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#170
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 12 Oct, 2017 22:25
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#171
by
dfuji1
on 13 Oct, 2017 03:54
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I observed 10 Iridium satellites in Japan(October 10, 2017 19:25 UT).
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#172
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 13 Oct, 2017 15:40
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#173
by
joesmith
on 14 Oct, 2017 01:09
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Ouch.... they are not burnt... ablative coating?
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#174
by
guckyfan
on 14 Oct, 2017 03:36
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Ouch.... they are not burnt... ablative coating?
The hot ones were on the SES flight from Florida.
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#175
by
vandersons
on 14 Oct, 2017 18:42
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#176
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 15 Oct, 2017 06:19
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#177
by
catdlr
on 16 Oct, 2017 21:22
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Iridium NEXT Powering New Capabilities
IridiumComm
Published on Oct 16, 2017
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#178
by
Ronsmytheiii
on 20 Oct, 2017 18:11
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#179
by
Helodriver
on 23 Oct, 2017 04:35
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A quiet midnight visit to Iridium 3 shows her still standing in port on late friday night/early saturday morning 20/21 October. They are in no hurry to get her back to the shop. Looks like she was the backdrop for a SpaceX party over the weekend according to the sign.
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#180
by
vaporcobra
on 26 Oct, 2017 23:10
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Nice video from Iridium for this launch! Couple of good screenshots below.
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#181
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 07 Nov, 2017 18:31
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#182
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 10 Nov, 2017 13:01
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