Falcon 9’s first stage supported the Iridum-7 NEXT mission in July 2018, the SAOCOM 1A mission in October 2018, the Nusantara Satu mission in February 2019, and the second launch of Starlink in November 2019. Following stage separation, SpaceX will land Falcon 9’s first stage on the “Of Course I Still Love You” droneship, which will be stationed in the Atlantic Ocean. Falcon 9’s fairing previously supported the first launch of Starlink in May 2019. Approximately 45 minutes after liftoff, SpaceX’s fairing recovery vessels, “Ms. Tree” and “Ms. Chief,” will attempt to recover the two fairing halves.The Starlink satellites will deploy in an elliptical orbit approximately 15 minutes after liftoff. Prior to orbit raise, SpaceX engineers will conduct data reviews to ensure all Starlink satellites are operating as intended. Once the checkouts are complete, the satellites will then use their onboard ion thrusters to move into their intended orbits and operational altitude of 550 km....Each Starlink satellite weights approximately 260 kg and features a compact, flat-panel design that minimizes volume, allowing for a dense launch stack to take full advantage of Falcon 9’s launch capabilities. With four powerful phased array and two parabolic antennas on each satellite ... At end of their life cycle, the satellites will utilize their on-board propulsion system to deorbit over the course of a few months. In the unlikely event their propulsion system becomes inoperable, the satellites will burn up in Earth’s atmosphere within 1-5 years, significantly less than the hundreds or thousands of years required at higher altitudes. Further, Starlink components are designed for full demisability.Starlink is targeting service in the Northern U.S. and Canada in 2020, rapidly expanding to near global coverage of the populated world by 2021. Additional information on the system can be found at starlink.com.
Standing down today; standard auto-abort triggered due to out of family data during engine power check. Will announce next launch date opportunity once confirmed on the Range — SpaceX (@SpaceX) March 15, 2020https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1239182848076075009
Targeting Wednesday, March 18 at 8:16 a.m. EDT, 12:16 UTC, for Falcon 9's launch of Starlink from LC-39A in Florida
The SpaceX Fleet, comprising of OCISLY, the support ships and the two fairing catchers, are still in position - at the landing zone - today.
Welcome (back) to Launch Complex 39A, where a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is poised to launch the sixth Starlink mission at 8:16am EDT tomorrow.This launch marks the first Starlink mission from LC-39A, and will be the first time a Falcon booster flies for the fifth time.
Thread: In honor of Falcon 9 B1048's upcoming fifth flight, I'll be sharing some baby pictures from her very first launch recovery back in July 2018. This is B1048.1 back from Iridium-7 and B1048.5 currently standing at LC-39A awaiting SpaceX's sixth Starlink mission. #SpaceX
Starlink sunrise.Falcon 9 stands ready to launch the sixth Starlink mission, scheduled to lift off at 8:16am EDT. This falcon booster will be the first to fly a fifth mission.Watch live → spacex.com/webcast
Falcon 9, Starlink satellites and weather are go for launch. T-30 minutes until liftoff → spacex.com/webcast
