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.
SpaceX is targeting Wednesday June 3 at 9:25 p.m. EDT, 1:25 UTC on June 4, for its eighth launch of Starlink satellites. Falcon 9 will lift off from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. A backup opportunity is available on Thursday, June 4 at 9:03 p.m. EDT, 1:03 UTC on June 5.Falcon 9’s first stage previously supported the Telstar 18 VANTAGE mission in September 2018, the Iridium-8 mission in January 2019, and two separate Starlink missions in May 2019 and in January 2020. Following stage separation, SpaceX will land Falcon 9’s first stage on the “Just Read the Instructions” droneship, which will be stationed in the Atlantic Ocean. 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 operational altitude of 550 km. On this mission, SpaceX will launch the first Starlink satellite with a deployable visor to block sunlight from hitting the brightest spots of the spacecraft. Learn more about our work with leading astronomical groups to mitigate satellite reflectivity.You can watch the launch webcast here, starting about 10 minutes before liftoff.
SpaceX is targeting 9:25pm EDT this evening for the eighth launch of 60 Starlink satellites. This is the fifth flight for this Falcon 9 booster.It also marks the 100th launch I’ve photographed since beginning photography in early 2015! 💯🚀
Launch update: #SpaceX Starlink 8 featuring booster B1049.5 certainly does not have the beauty of the DM-2 booster but she shows that 5 flights is a reasonable expectation. Launch is scheduled for tonight at 9:25pm EDT with 60 more satellites headed for orbit.
Weather conditions at Cape Canaveral are currently observed “red” for launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket tonight due to a violation of the thick cloud rule.Liftoff remains set for 9:25pm EDT (0125 GMT) in hopes conditions improve. spaceflightnow.com/2020/06/03/fal…
