SpaceX F9 : Starlink v1.0 L13 : KSC LC-39A : October 18, 2020 (12:25 UTC)

[gongora]

Discussion thread for Starlink v1.0 Flight 13.

Check the Starlink Index Thread for links to more Starlink information.

NSF Threads for Starlink v1.0 Flight 13: Discussion

Successful launch October 18, 2020 at 8:25am EDT (12:25 UTC) on Falcon 9 (booster 1051.6) from LC-39A.  ASDS landing on OCISLY (towed by Finn Falgout) was successful.  Deployment orbit of approximately 277x263km.  This is the third flight for both fairing halves.  Both fairing halves landed on the recovery ships.  One of the nets broke during the catch.

Payload: A batch of 60 Starlink satellites.

Please use the Starlink Discussion Thread for all general discussion on Starlink.

L2 SpaceX:
https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?board=60.0

From a previous mission's Press Kit:

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.

[scr00chy]

This should be launching from 39A, according to both Ben Cooper and SFN.

[gongora]

This should be launching from 39A, according to both Ben Cooper and SFN.

Yeah, I just don't quite trust details three launches out 

[Elthiryel]

According to Next Spaceflight, booster 1051.6 is going to be used for this flight.

https://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/2578

Previous missions:
Crew Demo-1 (March 2019)
RADARSAT Constellation Mission (June 2019)
Starlink-4 (January 2020)
Starlink-7 (April 2020)
Starlink-10 (August 2020)

This is NET September now. If it launches before September 27, it's going to beat the record of the shortest time between launches of the same booster, currently slightly over 51 days.

[zubenelgenubi]

http://www.launchphotography.com/Delta_4_Atlas_5_Falcon_9_Launch_Viewing.html

A Falcon 9 will launch the fourthteenth Starlink batch from pad TBA on late September TBA.

GPS III-4 is launching from SLC-40 on October 1 UTC.
Starlink v1.0 L12 has been assigned to LC-39A, perhaps to allow the GPS launch campaign more time without intrusions?
Therefore, wouldn't it make sense for Starlink v1.0 L13 to use SLC-40 LC-39A in late September?

Scheduled:
Date - Satellite(s) - Rocket - Launch Site - Time (UTC)

2020
Mid- September 17 - Starlink flight 13 (x60) [v1.0 L12] - Falcon 9-094 (B1058.3 S) - Canaveral SLC-40 Kennedy LC-39A - 18:17
NET September 5  18 - NROL-44: Orion 10 (Mentor 8 ) (TBD) - Delta IV-H [D-385] - Canaveral SLC-37B - 04:30-07:12
Late September - Starlink flight 14 (x60) [v1.0 L13] - Falcon 9-095 (B1051.6 S) - Kennedy LC-39A
September 30 - Cygnus NG-14 (CRS-14) - Antares-230+ - MARS LP-0A - 02:26
NET September - STP-27RM: Monolith - Electron/Kick Stage - MARS LA-0A (LC-2)
October 1 - GPS III SV04 - Falcon 9 (B1062.1 S) - Canaveral SLC-40 - 00:00-04:00

Changes on September 1st
Changes on September 3rd
Changes on September 5th
Changes on September 7th
Changes on September 9th
zubenelgenubi September 9th

EDIT: my bad

[gongora]

GPS III-4 is launching from SLC-40 on October 1 UTC.
Starlink v1.0 L12 has been assigned to LC-39A, perhaps to allow the GPS launch campaign more time without intrusions?
Therefore, wouldn't it make sense for Starlink v1.0 L13 to use SLC-40 in late September?

I think it would make more sense for this flight to go from 39A if GPS III-4 is staying at SLC-40

[zubenelgenubi]

Starlink v1.0 L12 delayed:

Standing down from tomorrow’s [September 18] launch of Starlink due to severe weather in the recovery area, which is likely to persist for a couple days. Will announce a new target launch date once confirmed.

Reason:

Current was too strong for droneship to hold station. Thrusters to be upgraded for future missions.

Thus, apparently, this flight (Starlink v1.0 L13) will be after GPS III-4; my bold:

http://www.launchphotography.com/Delta_4_Atlas_5_Falcon_9_Launch_Viewing.html

FALCON 9

The next SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral will launch the thirteenth batch of Starlink internet satellites from pad 39A on late September TBA, in the mid-day EDT. A Falcon 9 from pad 40 will launch the fourth Block III GPS satellite on September 30, sometime between 8pm and midnight EDT. A Falcon 9 will launch the fourthteenth Starlink batch from pad TBA on October TBA. And a Falcon 9 will launch the fifteenth batch of Starlink satellites on October TBA. Other upcoming Falcon 9 launches are TBA. The next Crew Dragon, Crew-1, is scheduled for launch from pad 39A on October 23 at 5:47am EDT. The launch window is instantaneous (sunrise is not until 7:28am). The launch time gets 22-26 min. earlier each day.

TBA and/or TBD: Which LC will this launch from?
Speculations:
If creating unfettered access to LC-39A, as early as possible, for Crew-1 is most important, then it will launch from SLC-40.

If not, and if the LV is already at SLC-39A, then it may (still) launch from LC-39A.

This launch campaign may include a Static Fire.

Scheduled:
Date - Satellite(s) - Rocket - Launch Site - Time (UTC)

2020
Late September 17 18 - Starlink flight 13 (x60) [v1.0 L12] - Falcon 9-094 (B1058.3 S) - Canaveral SLC-40  Kennedy LC-39A - 17:57
September 18 26  - NROL-44: Orion 10 (RIO 10, Mission 8306, Mentor 8 ) (TBD) - Delta IV-H [D-385] - Canaveral SLC-37B  - 04:01-05:35
September 30 - Cygnus NG-14 (CRS-14) - Antares-230+ - MARS LP-0A - 02:26
NET September - STP-27RM: Monolith - Electron/Kick Stage - MARS LA-0A (LC-2)
October 1 - GPS III SV04 - Falcon 9 (B1062.1 S) - Canaveral SLC-40 - 00:00-04:00
Late September October - Starlink flight 14 (x60) [v1.0 L13] - Falcon 9-095 (B1051.6 S) - Kennedy LC-39A?
October 23 - USCV-1: Dragon v2 Crew-1 - Falcon 9 (B1061.1 S) - Kennedy LC-39A - 09:47
October - Starlink flight 15 (x60) [v1.0 L14] - Falcon 9 (S) - Canaveral SLC-40
October - NROL-101 - Atlas V 531 (AV-090) - Canaveral SLC-41

Changes on September 13th
Changes on September 16th
Changes on September 17th
Changes on September 18th
zubenelgenubi September 18th

[zubenelgenubi]

TBA and/or TBD: Which LC will this launch from?
Speculations:
If creating unfettered access to LC-39A, as early as possible, for Crew-1 is most important, then it will launch from SLC-40.

If not, and if the LV is already at SLC-39A, then it may (still) launch from LC-39A.

This launch campaign may include a Static Fire.

Given the launch delay of Starlink v1.0 Flight 12, currently set for September 28:
I deduce that Starlink v1.0 Flight 13 and 14 will launch from SLC-40.  We'll see!

[wannamoonbase]

TBA and/or TBD: Which LC will this launch from?
Speculations:
If creating unfettered access to LC-39A, as early as possible, for Crew-1 is most important, then it will launch from SLC-40.

If not, and if the LV is already at SLC-39A, then it may (still) launch from LC-39A.

This launch campaign may include a Static Fire.

Given the launch delay of Starlink v1.0 Flight 12, currently set for September 28:
I deduce that Starlink v1.0 Flight 13 and 14 will launch from SLC-40.  We'll see!

Agreed and that SpaceX may only plan Flight 13 in the first 10 days of October then stand down other launches and give the Crew mission as wide a berth as possible.

[Raul]

Active NOTAM in MELBOURNE information region south of Australia for Stage2 debris reentry and splashdown of Starlink V1.0-L13 launch NET October 10.
Corresponds again to flight profile with double S2 burn and circular deploying orbit.

MELBOURNE (FIR/FIC/ACC/COM/MET)
NOTAM #: F2857/20   Class: International   Status: Active   Issue Date UTC: 10/02/2020 0447      Start Date UTC: 10/10/2020 1709      End Date UTC: 10/11/2020 1740
F2857/20 NOTAMN
Q) YMMM/QWMLW/IV/BO/W/000/999/3014S13202E999
A) YMMM
B) 2010101709 C) 2010111740
D) PRI RE-ENTRY 101709-101801
BACKUP RE-ENTRY 111647-111740
E) ROCKET LAUNCH WILL TAKE PLACE
FLW RECEIVED FROM GOVERNMENT OF UNITED STATES OF AMERICA:
HAZARDOUS OPS WILL BE CONDUCTED FOR ATMOSPHERIC RE-ENTRY AND
SPLASHDOWN OF LAUNCH VEHICLE OP X0300 FALCON 9 STARLINK V1.0-L13
UPPER STAGE WI THE FOLLOWING AREAS:
FROM 2943S 06007E
2455S 06427E
3845S 08430E
4512S 09945E
4946S 11913E
5042S 13819E
4850S 15644E
5146S 15808E
5442S 14832E
5620S 13103E
5552S 10750E
4911S 08505E
3432S 06413E TO BEGINNING
F) SFC G) UNL

[zubenelgenubi]

SFN Launch Schedule, dated October 2:
Launch Location: Cape Canaveral AFS SLC-40
Launch Date: October 10
Launch Time: TBA
***

Of course, this launch campaign cannot take custody of the pad until after the GPS launch happens.

And, this launch campaign may include a Static Fire.

Perhaps NET October 10 would be the better descriptor.

This Starlink launch going to CC SLC-40 is not a big surprise, as I'm sure the Dragon Crew-1 launch campaign team is champing at the bit to take custody of LC-39A as soon as Starlink v1.0 Flight 12 goes.

I wonder when the NROL-44 launch will end up, with respect to the other pending launches.

And, there's NROL-101, preparing for launch, perhaps this month, over at SLC-41.

EDIT October 4; from Launch Photography/Ben Cooper:

A Falcon 9 will launch the fourteenth Starlink batch from pad 40 on October TBD, in the morning EDT.

[Ken the Bin]

I received this notice from the NGA with a Primary Day of October 10 and a Backup Day of October 11.  I don't know for sure what launch it is for.  My best guess is this launch.

050754Z OCT 20
NAVAREA IV 950/20(11,26).
WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC.
FLORIDA.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING
   101501Z TO 101618Z OCT, ALTERNATE
   111439Z TO 111557Z OCT
   IN AREAS BOUND BY:
   A. 28-38-22N 080-37-14W, 29-16-00N 079-53-00W,
      29-13-00N 079-45-00W, 28-27-00N 080-31-00W,
      28-27-30N 080-31-30W.
   B. 31-29-00N 077-32-00W, 33-15-00N 075-57-00W,
      33-40-00N 074-59-00W, 33-21-00N 074-25-00W,
      32-45-00N 074-32-00W, 31-13-00N 077-13-00W.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 111657Z OCT 20.

[gongora]

There's no way any flight that isn't already sitting on the pad is going to launch on the 10th.

[Ken the Bin]

There's no way any flight that isn't already sitting on the pad is going to launch on the 10th.

Well, after I posted it, I took a closer look at the times, and the time difference between the 10th and the 11th is consistent with a Starlink launch, and is not consistent with GPS III SV04.

It isn't necessarily even a SpaceX launch, but it isn't consistent with NROL-44.

Any other suggestions?

Or are you just suggesting that it's a case of wishful thinking?

[gongora]

My first guess is someone forgot to pull the paperwork.  I don't see what it matches, and even if L12 had taken off today I don't see how they would have launched another from that pad on Saturday.  No way it would be launching from SLC-40 on Saturday either (unless the GPS launch window drastically changed?).  It doesn't match NROL-44 at all.

[Ken the Bin]

I haven't seen anything yet for the GPS launch, but yes, it is extremely unlikely that something else would launch from SLC-40 before GPS.

If I see a cancellation or an update+cancel for the notice, I will of course post it.

[soltasto]

As far as we know, as both the GPS III-4 and Starlink v1.0 L12 Falcon 9 rockets were ready, SpaceX could have assembled another Falcon 9 at SLC-40 or at 39A (or maybe even off-site, they have done that at least once I think, minus the payload attachment tot he second stage) and it could be ready to be mounted to the TEL. In this case they would have less less work left to do for the next launch.

[Jansen]

As far as we know, as both the GPS III-4 and Starlink v1.0 L12 Falcon 9 rockets were ready, SpaceX could have assembled another Falcon 9 at SLC-40 or at 39A (or maybe even off-site, they have done that at least once I think, minus the payload attachment tot he second stage) and it could be ready to be mounted to the TEL. In this case they would have less less work left to do for the next launch.

The quickest turnaround between launches on the same pad is 9 days.

Is a four day turnaround possible if everything else is staged? How much work on the launchpad is actually needed to prepare for the next launch?

[scr00chy]

As far as we know, as both the GPS III-4 and Starlink v1.0 L12 Falcon 9 rockets were ready, SpaceX could have assembled another Falcon 9 at SLC-40 or at 39A (or maybe even off-site, they have done that at least once I think, minus the payload attachment tot he second stage) and it could be ready to be mounted to the TEL. In this case they would have less less work left to do for the next launch.

The quickest turnaround so far on the same pad is 9 days.

Is a four day turnaround possible if everything else is staged? How much work on the launchpad is actually needed to prepare for the next launch?

They can do it faster for sure. There was only about a 6-day gap between BulgariaSat-1 launch and Intelsat 35e static fire, for example.

[zubenelgenubi]

Cross-posting from the GPS III-4 launch thread:

Might SpaceX proceed with the Starlink v1.0 Flight 13 campaign (possible Static Fire, then launch), at SLC-40, while the GPS LV is "in the shop?"

[CorvusCorax]

As far as we know, as both the GPS III-4 and Starlink v1.0 L12 Falcon 9 rockets were ready, SpaceX could have assembled another Falcon 9 at SLC-40 or at 39A (or maybe even off-site, they have done that at least once I think, minus the payload attachment tot he second stage) and it could be ready to be mounted to the TEL. In this case they would have less less work left to do for the next launch.

The quickest turnaround so far on the same pad is 9 days.

Is a four day turnaround possible if everything else is staged? How much work on the launchpad is actually needed to prepare for the next launch?

They can do it faster for sure. There was only about a 6-day gap between BulgariaSat-1 launch and Intelsat 35e static fire, for example.

From a first principles point of view it should not take longer to fly a new rocket (with the payload and 2nd stage already integrated elsewhere) than it would take from a static fire to launch. You roll the TE into the hangar, put the rocket on, mate fairing+payload with the rocket, and roll it out to the pad and launch.

What's the shortest time between static fire and launch SpaceX did (with no payload on top) ? 4 days? less?

[Ken the Bin]

I received an "Operation Postponed" cancellation from the NGA for the notice that I received yesterday for October 10 and 11.

061451Z OCT 20
NAVAREA IV 959/20(11,26).
WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC.
FLORIDA.
CANCEL NAVAREA IV 950/20 AND THIS MSG,
OPERATION POSTPONED.

Referenced:

050754Z OCT 20
NAVAREA IV 950/20(11,26).
WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC.
FLORIDA.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING
   101501Z TO 101618Z OCT, ALTERNATE
   111439Z TO 111557Z OCT
   IN AREAS BOUND BY:
   A. 28-38-22N 080-37-14W, 29-16-00N 079-53-00W,
      29-13-00N 079-45-00W, 28-27-00N 080-31-00W,
      28-27-30N 080-31-30W.
   B. 31-29-00N 077-32-00W, 33-15-00N 075-57-00W,
      33-40-00N 074-59-00W, 33-21-00N 074-25-00W,
      32-45-00N 074-32-00W, 31-13-00N 077-13-00W.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 111657Z OCT 20.

[zubenelgenubi]

Confirmations; SFN Launch Schedule, updated October 6:
SLC-40; delayed from October 10 to TBD.

[Orbiter]

Spaceflightnow is reporting this launch as happening on October 18th at 12:27 UTC from LC-39A.

[Ken the Bin]

I finally received a notice from the NGA.

Primary Day = Sunday, October 18 at ~12:27 UTC.
Backup Day #1 = Monday, October 19 at ~12:06 UTC.
Backup Day #2 = Tuesday, October 20 at ~11:44 UTC.
Backup Day #3 = Wednesday, October 21 at ~11:23 UTC.

131543Z OCT 20
NAVAREA IV 985/20(11,26).
WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC.
FLORIDA.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING
   181217Z TO 181325Z OCT, ALTERNATE
   191156Z TO 191304Z, 201134Z TO 201242Z AND
   211113Z TO 211221Z OCT
   IN AREAS BOUND BY:
   A. 28-39-08N 080-37-47W, 28-44-00N 080-35-00W,
      29-19-00N 079-54-00W, 29-17-00N 079-49-00W,
      28-44-00N 080-18-00W, 28-32-48N 080-33-52W.
   B. 31-29-00N 077-32-00W, 33-15-00N 075-57-00W,
      33-40-00N 074-59-00W, 33-21-00N 074-25-00W,
      32-45-00N 074-32-00W, 31-13-00N 077-13-00W.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 211321Z OCT 20.

[Rekt1971]

Any guesses which booster will fly on this mission?

[Elthiryel]

Any guesses which booster will fly on this mission?

Next Spaceflight still shows it's going to be 1051.6: https://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/2578

My original post: https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=51858.msg2128808#msg2128808

[zubenelgenubi]

Cross-post; SFN Launch Schedule, dated October 13:

Oct. 18 • Falcon 9 • Starlink V1.0-L13
Launch time: 1227 GMT (8:27 a.m. EDT)
Launch site: LC-39A, Kennedy Space Center, Florida

EDIT

Scheduled:
Date - Satellite(s) - Rocket - Launch Site - Time (UTC)

2020
NET October 10 18 - Starlink flight 14 (x60) [v1.0 L13] - Falcon 9-095 6 (B1051.6 S) - Canaveral SLC-40 /Kennedy LC-39A - 12:25 7 15:01-16:18
October 21 NET November - Starlink flight 15 (x60) [v1.0 L14] - Falcon 9-096 (B1060.3 S) - Kennedy LC-39A / Canaveral SLC-40 - 16:36
NET Late October 25 - NROL-108 - Falcon 9-097? (L) - Canaveral SLC-40 (or November)
NET October 3 - GPS III SV04 - Falcon 9-098? 5 (B1062.1 S) - Canaveral SLC-40 - ~01:00
NET Late October 1 16 24 - NROL-44: Orion 10 (RIO 10, Mission 8306, Mentor 8 ) (TBD) - Delta IV-H [D-385] - Canaveral SLC-37B - 02:00-06:00 42 (or November)
November 6 - SiriusXM SXM-7 - Falcon 9 - Canaveral SLC-40 Kennedy LC-39A
October 31 Early to Mid- NET November 11 - USCV-1: Dragon v2 "Resilience" Crew-1 - Falcon 9 (B1061.1 S) - Kennedy LC-39A - 06:40
NET November 15 22 - Dragon v2 SpX-21 (CRS-21), Bishop (NanoRacks Airlock Module) - Falcon 9 (B1058.4) - Kennedy LC-39A Canaveral SLC-40 - ~21:30 (or Early December)
November 30 - Turksat 5A - Falcon 9 - Canaveral SLC-40 / Kennedy LC-39A
October November - NROL-101 - Atlas V 531 (AV-090) - Canaveral SLC-41

Changes on October 1st
Changes on October 2nd
Changes on October 3rd
Changes on October 4th
Changes on October 5th
Changes on October 6th
Changes on October 8th
Changes on October 10th
Changes on October 11th
Changes on October 13th
Changes on October 15th
Changes on October 17th
Changes on October 18th

[gongora]

https://twitter.com/Raul74Cz/status/1316400145131503617

LHAs of #Starlink v1.0-L13 from LC-39A NET Oct 18, altern. Oct 19-21. Droneship landing for B1051.6 and fairing recovery at usual positions. S2 reentry on the second orbit south of Australia - launch profile with double S2 burn to circular deploying orbit. http://bit.do/LHA12

[ZachS09]

Have they stopped doing the single-burn to elliptical orbit profiles?

[wannamoonbase]

Have they stopped doing the single-burn to elliptical orbit profiles?

They seemed to like the single burn profiles when they work.

Maybe they are making some trade offs to get the birds into an orbit that gets them into service sooner.  Get that beta up and running and start service sooner.

[gongora]

Have they stopped doing the single-burn to elliptical orbit profiles?

It's SpaceX, so I'd be hesitant to make any long term predictions.  Maybe "they currently seem to favor circular deployment orbit"?

[Lars-J]

Have they stopped doing the single-burn to elliptical orbit profiles?

It's SpaceX, so I'd be hesitant to make any long term predictions.  Maybe "they currently seem to favor circular deployment orbit"?

The other deployments were to a circular orbit too, were they not? The difference (as I understand it) is a one burn profile to a circular orbit (less restarts) vs two burns (more efficient). But the deployment altitude also matters.

[gongora]

Have they stopped doing the single-burn to elliptical orbit profiles?

It's SpaceX, so I'd be hesitant to make any long term predictions.  Maybe "they currently seem to favor circular deployment orbit"?

The other deployments were to a circular orbit too, were they not? The difference (as I understand it) is a one burn profile to a circular orbit (less restarts) vs two burns (more efficient). But the deployment altitude also matters.

They haven't all been circular. https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=48981.msg2140002#msg2140002

[SMS]

https://twitter.com/julia_bergeron/status/1316489437031927810

[ZachS09]

https://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/2578

Launch time has been moved back a few minutes to 12:25 UTC (8:25 AM EDT).

[FutureSpaceTourist]

Still no 45th launch weather forecast but there are launch hazard and airspace closure areas published by the 45th

[FutureSpaceTourist]

L-2 launch weather forecast is 70% GO

https://twitter.com/emrekelly/status/1317163467602878466

Edit to add: now on 45th website, file attached

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/spacexfleet/status/1317225668946571266

The recovery fleet is assembling for this weekends Starlink mission.

[SMS]

https://twitter.com/TSKelso/status/1316886973840150535

[SMS]

https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow/status/1317400703866908672

[Rekt1971]

A plume has erupted from the flame trench at pad 39A, suggesting SpaceX performed a test-firing of the Falcon 9 rocket set to launch more Starlink satellites as soon as Sunday from the Kennedy Space Center.

We’ll stand by on confirmation from SpaceX.

https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow/status/1317405647504396288

Static fire test complete – targeting Sunday, October 18 at 8:25 a.m. EDT for Falcon 9’s launch of 60 Starlink satellites from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center

https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1317410923477225478

The booster supporting this launch has flown on five previous missions, and this mission will be the third flight for both fairing halves

https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1317410924529999872

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/spacexfleet/status/1317437287609880578

Of Course I Still Love You droneship has arrived at the Starlink landing zone! OCISLY is 633 km downrange.

[FutureSpaceTourist]

L-1 launch weather forecast, still 70% GO

[kdhilliard]

SpaceX webcast:


(Currently "Unlisted" on YouTube.)
Edit: De-unlisted sometime between 07:28 - 07:36 EDT (T-57m - T-49m).

[soltasto]

Capture press kit with OCR

[scr00chy]

Visual mission profile

[Elthiryel]

Here's my fan-made press kit (with some look and feel changes compared to the previous ones).

EDIT: Slightly updated, mostly to fix leading.

[TGMetsFan98]

https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2020/10/spacex-falcon-9-launch-next-starlink/

https://twitter.com/TGMetsFan98/status/1317592841993048064

[FutureSpaceTourist]

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/booster_buddies/status/1317779012916228096

Good morning!
We are looking great for liftoff of the 6th flight on this booster!
Let’s do this!

[Steven Pietrobon]

NSF coverage has started.

[Steven Pietrobon]

T-50 minutes.

[SMS]

https://twitter.com/cbs_spacenews/status/1317789311392223234

[FutureSpaceTourist]

[Steven Pietrobon]

Fleetcam. Currently 26 C with 4.6 m/s wind.

[Steven Pietrobon]

Go for propellant loading and launch!

[Steven Pietrobon]

T-35 minutes. First and second stage RP-1 and first stage LOX loading has started.

[Steven Pietrobon]

T-30 minutes. Looks like frost forming on the first stage.

[Steven Pietrobon]

T-25 minutes.

[Steven Pietrobon]

T-20 minute vent.

[Chris Bergin]

https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/1317799224835252226

[Steven Pietrobon]

T-16 minutes. Second stage LOX loading should be starting about now.

[Steven Pietrobon]

OK, funky music time!

[Steven Pietrobon]

T-12 minutes.

[Steven Pietrobon]

T-10 minutes.

[Steven Pietrobon]

SpaceX coverage has started.

T-9 minutes.

[Steven Pietrobon]

T-8 minutes. All systems looking good.

[Steven Pietrobon]

T-7 minutes. Drone ship. Engine chill should be starting about now.

[Steven Pietrobon]

T-6 minutes. Propellants almost fully loaded.

[Steven Pietrobon]

Fairing catchers.

T-5 minutes. Weather is looking good.

[Steven Pietrobon]

Starlink being used on an Indian reservation.

T-4 minutes.

[Steven Pietrobon]

T-3 minutes.

[Steven Pietrobon]

T-2 minutes. LOX load is completed.

[Steven Pietrobon]

T-1 minute. LD go for launch.

[Steven Pietrobon]

Liftoff!

[Steven Pietrobon]

T+1 minute.

[Chris Bergin]

https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/1317804516398555137

[Steven Pietrobon]

T+2 minutes.

[Steven Pietrobon]

First stage separation.

T+3 minutes.

[Steven Pietrobon]

Fairing separation.

T+4 minutes.

[Steven Pietrobon]

T+5 minutes. Vehicle is on a nominal trajectory.

[Steven Pietrobon]

T+6 minutes.

[Steven Pietrobon]

Entry burn.

T+7 minutes.

[Steven Pietrobon]

T+8 minutes.

[Steven Pietrobon]

Touchdown!

Engine cutoff.

[Chris Bergin]

https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/1317806744614166528

[Steven Pietrobon]

T+10 minutes. Upcoming events.

00:44:04    2nd stage engine restarts (SES-2)
00:44:06    2nd stage engine cutoff (SECO-2)
01:03:02    Starlink satellites deploy

[Steven Pietrobon]

Expected LOS Bermuda.

[matthewkantar]

Seemed to have a leak in the plumbing on the water tower, or I have missed that on all of the other launches?

[kevinof]

Standard overflow - it's how they know it's full. Been like that since before SpaceX days.

Seemed to have a leak in the plumbing on the water tower, or I have missed that on all of the other launches?

[TJL]

Perfectly normal.

[Steven Pietrobon]

Expected LOS New Foundland.

AOS Goonhilly.

[Steven Pietrobon]

T+20 minutes.

[Steven Pietrobon]

Expected LOS Goonhilly.

T+25 minutes.

[Steven Pietrobon]

T+30 minutes. Over the Middle East.

[Steven Pietrobon]

They caught a fairing!

[Steven Pietrobon]

AOS Diego Garcia.

T+40 minutes.

[mpusch]

They caught a fairing!

It kind of looked like it smashed right through it, may have been the camera angle though.

[Steven Pietrobon]

Engine is venting.

[Steven Pietrobon]

One minute to second ignition.

[Steven Pietrobon]

Second ignition.

Nominal orbit insertion.

[Steven Pietrobon]

T+45 minutes.

[Steven Pietrobon]

Solid oxygen at the end of the vent.

Expected LOS Diego Garcia.

[Steven Pietrobon]

T+50 minutes. Heading into night.

[Steven Pietrobon]

AOS Tasmania.

[Steven Pietrobon]

One minute to separation.

[Steven Pietrobon]

Separation!

[Steven Pietrobon]

Starlinks are away.

Both fairings were caught, but one got caught in the corner (as we saw).

[Steven Pietrobon]

End of SpaceX coverage.

Congratulations to SpaceX and Starlink for the successful launch!

[FutureSpaceTourist]

Starlinks are away.

Both fairings were caught, but one got caught in the corner (as we saw).

Worth adding that although the corner of the net didn’t hold up & gave way, crew on the recovery ship are fine.

[scr00chy]

This launch broke several SpaceX records:

-Shortest time between LC-39A launches (12d 56m)
-Shortest time between static fire and launch (26h 25m)
-Most successful fairing catches in a row (3)

It was also the 70th successful SpaceX launch since the last failure (Amos-6 in September 2016).

More stats here: https://www.elonx.net/spacex-statistics/

[JJ starman]

Was the flare in the exhaust at T+9 anything of concern ?

[ZachS09]

Starlinks are away.

Both fairings were caught, but one got caught in the corner (as we saw).

Worth adding that although the corner of the net didn’t hold up & gave way, crew on the recovery ship are fine.

Does that mean that fairing that got caught in the corner fell into the water?

[kessdawg]

Starlinks are away.

Both fairings were caught, but one got caught in the corner (as we saw).

Worth adding that although the corner of the net didn’t hold up & gave way, crew on the recovery ship are fine.

Does that mean that fairing that got caught in the corner fell into the water?

There was a frame of it dangling in the net that leaked through during the coast phase. I'll try to go back and find it.

[DecoLV]

Here you go. It crashed through the corner.

[kdhilliard]

There was a frame of it dangling in the net that leaked through during the coast phase. I'll try to go back and find it.

T+00:38:13 through T+00:38:17
Here's a link to five seconds before that (for ease of rewind):
https://youtube.com/watch?v=UM8CDDAmp98&t=3188

Edit: Had some trouble with the time link -- tweaked.

[kessdawg]

You folks are too quick. Here's a gif I made while you beat me to it:

[gongora]

Was the flare in the exhaust at T+9 anything of concern ?

That bright spot doesn't move once it appears.  Just something on the camera lens.

[FutureSpaceTourist]

Some launch photos from SpaceX (I assume by Ben Cooper)

[Orbiter]

Some shots I took from Playalinda Beach this morning.

[freddo411]

You folks are too quick. Here's a gif I made while you beat me to it:

I wonder if that fairing will be considered too banged up to reuse.    It would be awesome to see this fly again.

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/considercosmos/status/1317864684943478787

Closeups of @SpaceX Falcon 9 in flight! 🕹️🔭🎥. Headphones on for some serious rumble... then watch for an almost perfect bird transit at liftoff🤩 #SpaceX @elonmusk

Streamed live with the crew @Erdayastronaut @OPT_Telescopes @astroferg

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/trevormahlmann/status/1317926838870695936

Looking back through the @spacex 14th starlink webcast footage today of GO Ms. Tree / the fairing that came through the net, last week when B1058 returned I got some aerial photos of Ms. Tree returning from a sea trial with a small hole seen at the back of the net.

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/spacexfleet/status/1317942035287072770

Ms. Tree and Ms. Chief are en-route to the Port of Morehead City, North Carolina - arriving in about 8 hours' time.

They will probably need a crane to move and properly secure the fairing. Some repairs may also be in order...

[Jansen]

You folks are too quick. Here's a gif I made while you beat me to it:

I wonder if that fairing will be considered too banged up to reuse.    It would be awesome to see this fly again.

At least it didn’t even touch the water.

[smoliarm]

I have some general questions - using this launch as example.
Below I attached two screenshots - at T +00:00:18 and at T +00:00:30.
It seems that during this time Falcon was making a roll maneuver - is this correct conclusion?

If this is correct, and it was indeed a roll maneuver - how typical for Falcon is a roll right after liftoff?
Like - always, often, sometime, seldom?

[Vettedrmr]

Just about every launch has some amount of roll to align the inertial platform with the orbit inclination.  You now have the full extent of my knowledge.

HTH, and have a good one,
Mike

[Nevyn72]

It seems that during this time Falcon was making a roll maneuver - is this correct conclusion?

If this is correct, and it was indeed a roll maneuver - how typical for Falcon is a roll right after liftoff?
Like - always, often, sometime, seldom?

It's all explained quite well for the novice in this video by the Everyday Astronaut.

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/spacexfleet/status/1318107416962207744

Ms. Tree and Ms. Chief are now docked at the Port of Morehead City.

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/spacexfleet/status/1318205198049988610

This photo is of the fairing being lifted off Ms. Chief.

What's interesting is that the fairing half is flipped upside down - not normal. Also, the net is still raised like it wasn't caught?

SpaceX hasn't released any photos of the catch. Did something happen to Ms. Chief too?

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/spacexfleet/status/1318334845777514498

Thanks to @cyarnell for the photos below! Ms. Chief has some damage. One GPS antenna is completely destroyed.

REMINDER: The clip we saw of the fairing drop was on Ms. Tree.

Something also happened on Ms. Chief that destroyed this antenna and flipped the fairing upside down.

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/spacexfleet/status/1318820517420433414

OCISLY droneship and B1051 are now within the vicinity of Port Canaveral.

Arrival expected after 7am ET this morning.

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/spacexfleet/status/1318627663137865734

More fantastic photos of Ms. Tree and Ms. Chief in North Carolina from @bschultz63!

Make sure to click the link to see the whole album. These are the best quality yet.

https://imgur.com/gallery/80iQcOF

https://twitter.com/chrisendeavor/status/1318641269313216512

.@SpaceXFleet more shots from yesterday’s @SpaceX ops at Morehead City. Both fairings were loaded onto trucks w/ cradles; Ms Chief’s had to be flipped; and Ms Tree’s was on the deck after the awkward catch. All nets down after unloading was completed

[FutureSpaceTourist]

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/spacexfleet/status/1318884810480361473

Welcome home B1051.6. Welcome home.

One booster arrives as another awaits static fire ahead of tomorrow's expected launch of the 15th Starlink mission.
#SpaceXFleet #Starlink

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/kyle_m_photo/status/1318886546360160262

The barge hasn't even berthed yet and they're already making connections. #SpaceXFleet #SpaceX

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/kyle_m_photo/status/1318894078566801410

OCISLY and B1051.6 have finished berthing. #SpaceXFleet #SpaceX

[edkyle99]

https://twitter.com/planet4589/status/1318685752239206401

 - Ed Kyle

[Rondaz]

https://twitter.com/planet4589/status/1318937962047045634

Starlink 1819 appears to be in trouble.  [Starlink 14 = Starlink v1.0 Fl. 13]  Kelso's SupTLEs (magenta) derived from SpaceX data stopped on Oct 20; 18SPCS TLEs (green) started for it later the same day and show continued decay. All other sats from the launch (red) are raising orbit.

[wannamoonbase]

With some of the recent discussion on the Starlink failure rate, I started to wonder if any of it is related to the deployment method and if any accidental contact is causing the failures.

[cpushack]

With some of the recent discussion on the Starlink failure rate, I started to wonder if any of it is related to the deployment method and if any accidental contact is causing the failures.

Its entirely possible, and likely expected if it is.  I am sure there is some cost benefit analysis to the deployment method.  The method allows for a very large amount of inexpensive satellites to be launched at once.  If a cost of that is occasionally losing a satellite its probably still cheaper.

Now if they note that most of the failures are to a single part, making that stronger and/or more protected may be worth doing.  Really its all a numbers game, and I am sure SpaceX is tracking it as such.

[rsdavis9]

With some of the recent discussion on the Starlink failure rate, I started to wonder if any of it is related to the deployment method and if any accidental contact is causing the failures.

Its entirely possible, and likely expected if it is.  I am sure there is some cost benefit analysis to the deployment method.  The method allows for a very large amount of inexpensive satellites to be launched at once.  If a cost of that is occasionally losing a satellite its probably still cheaper.

Now if they note that most of the failures are to a single part, making that stronger and/or more protected may be worth doing.  Really its all a numbers game, and I am sure SpaceX is tracking it as such.

changing rotation rate as they deploy might help. Also there is some spring to the stack when the tension rods are released. I assume they do this with something compressible. If they could vary that then the stack would move slower when the tension rods are released.

[abaddon]

With some of the recent discussion on the Starlink failure rate

...that would be one (maybe) out of the last 300+ satellites, yes?

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/spacexfleet/status/1319325339752058881

Day two in Port Canaveral for @SpaceX #starlink14 B-1051.6 after a successful round trip joining the "sixer" club of two from 10-18-20 launch LC-39A. Connected to crane -  leg retraction coming soon. #spacex @space_jim1 @TalkofTville @Falcon9Block5 @SpaceXFleet @ExploreSpaceKSC

https://twitter.com/julia_bergeron/status/1319273807647916033

The @NASASpaceflight Fleetcam view reveals they have attached the lifting cap and are getting ready to retract the legs. Will they move it to the stand or will Octagrabber do the work today? Tune in to watch the activity! #Fleetcam
youtu.be/gnt2wZBg89g

https://twitter.com/kyle_m_photo/status/1319319660395900929

B1051.6 is over on the stand now. #SpaceXFleet #SpaceX

[scr00chy]

B1051.6, Finn Falgout, Go Navigator & Go Searcher

https://twitter.com/FarryFaz/status/1319451716404772864

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/spacexfleet/status/1320400522973745155

Ms. Tree has just departed from Morehead City with the two fairing halves that were *technically* caught during the Starlink mission on Oct 18th.

Now en-route to Port Canaveral.

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/spacecoast_stve/status/1320809649965277184

Who’s that creepin just beyond the horizon?
GO Ms Tree is lining up to get in the channel. She’s carrying the fairings from last Sunday’s Starlink mission (the one with the catch, and then the oops!).

[FutureSpaceTourist]

twitter.com/spacecoast_stve/status/1320818737637969920

At a glance, these fairings seem to be in good shape.

https://twitter.com/spacecoast_stve/status/1320825208467558404

And, because Ms Tree was nice enough to spin around for us, I can show you the other side of the fairings. Looking good. 👌

[Oersted]

I believe this photo is from the L13 launch. Can anybody tell me what the small black spots next to the booster are?

https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/50428050591_36defbe958_o-2-scaled.jpg

[ugordan]

Can anybody tell me what the small black spots next to the booster are?

I'm gonna go with a flock of birds.

Also, that's actually the L12 launch: https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=51762.msg2139724#msg2139724

[Oersted]

Sounds like a good analysis. And thanks for the correct launch ID!