WESTMINSTER, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Maxar Technologies (NYSE:MAXR) (TSX:MAXR), a trusted partner and innovator in Earth Intelligence and Space Infrastructure, today announced it will build four geostationary communications satellites for satellite operator Intelsat. The contract was previously disclosed with Maxar’s 2020 first quarter results.Intelsat ordered the satellites to transition its existing media distribution and contribution services–uninterrupted–from the 3.7 to 4.0 gigahertz portion of the C-band, to the 4.0 to 4.2 gigahertz portion of the band as part of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) plan to reallocate 300 megahertz of C-band spectrum for 5G terrestrial wireless services.Under the agreement, Maxar will deliver the Galaxy 31, Galaxy 32, Galaxy 35 and Galaxy 36 satellites in 2022. The satellites will provide primarily video distribution services to customers in the continental United States.“Maxar is proud to continue its partnership with Intelsat that goes back more than 40 years,” said Megan Fitzgerald, Maxar’s Senior Vice President and General Manager of Space Infrastructure. “Maxar’s 1300-class spacecraft remains the industry gold standard for value, reliability and flexibility, and we look forward to exceeding our customers’ expectations in these regards.”
Intelsat has contracted with SpaceX and Arianespace to launch these satellites on four separate launch vehicles, beginning in 2022.
Under the terms of the contract, beginning in 2022 Intelsat will launch four of its satellites on two SpaceX Falcon 9 rockets and two more satellites on an Ariane 5 rocket. The final seventh satellite is contracted with both SpaceX and Arianespace, as a way for Intelsat to make sure it launches on time. Intelsat will award whichever company doesn’t launch the seventh satellite with a contract for a separate later launch, the company told CNBC.
Here is how these Intelsat contracts break down, with 7 satellites launching on 4 rockets:– 2 on Falcon 9 (Q3 '22)– 2 on Falcon 9 (Q3 '22)– 2 on Ariane 5 (Q4 '22)– 1 on either Ariane 6 or Falcon 9 (Q3 '23)
Galaxy 32 is scheduled for launch in mid-2022 and, after traffic transition, will replace Galaxy 17 (S2715), which is currently operating at 91.0º W.L. Galaxy 32 will be collocated with the Intelsat 40e satellite (S3066), a new Ku/Ka-band satellite that is expected to launch and begin providing service from the 91.0º W.L. orbital location in Q3 2022.
Quote from: Salo on 01/25/2022 05:27 am2023March - Galaxy 37 - Ariane 64 - Kourou ELA-4Galaxy-37 aka Galaxy-13RThis launch order is gone, goes to SpaceX. https://ecfsapi.fcc.gov/file/1229094530086/December%202021%20Quarterly%20Report%20-%20Intelsat%2012-29-2021.pdf[filing dated December 29, 2021]
2023March - Galaxy 37 - Ariane 64 - Kourou ELA-4
The in service date has been postponed, quarterly report from March 31st. (not paying attention )
Galaxy 33 and Galaxy 34, Intelsat’s first two C-band replacement satellites, are due to launch on a Falcon 9 from Cape Canaveral in October.
I am confused.QuoteGalaxy 33 and Galaxy 34, Intelsat’s first two C-band replacement satellites, are due to launch on a Falcon 9 from Cape Canaveral in October.https://spacenews.com/spacex-launches-ses-22-c-band-replacement-satellite/29 June 2022
An photo of Galaxy 31 and Galaxy 32.Unfortunately, it doesn't say when it was photographed.
Quote from: GWR64 on 08/11/2022 06:13 pmAn photo of Galaxy 31 and Galaxy 32.Unfortunately, it doesn't say when it was photographed.The EXIF information says 14 July.DateTimeOriginal - 2022:07:14 11:05:19
...QuoteGalaxy 33 and Galaxy 34, Intelsat’s first two C-band replacement satellites, are due to launch on a Falcon 9 from Cape Canaveral in October.https://spacenews.com/spacex-launches-ses-22-c-band-replacement-satellite/29 June 2022
Intelsat License LLC (“Intelsat”) herein requests 30 days of Special Temporary Authority (“STA”),1 commencing October 20, 2022, to use its Fillmore, California C-band earth station, Call Sign KA391,2 to provide telemetry, tracking, and command (“TT&C”) services during in-orbit testing (“IOT”) of Galaxy 31 (S3076) at 148.95 °W.L.,3 Galaxy 32 (S3078) at 149.05°W.L,4 Galaxy 34 (S3083) at 147.95° W.L.,5 Galaxy 35 (S3143) at 150.05° W.L.,6 and Galaxy 36 (S3148)7 at 149.95° W.L. (the “Galaxy Fleet”). The Galaxy Fleet is expected to launch between October 2022 and December 2022,
Galaxy 31 and Galaxy 32 are expected to launch together on November 5, 2022.
QuoteGalaxy 31 and Galaxy 32 are expected to launch together on November 5, 2022.
Quote from: gongora on 09/28/2022 08:18 pmQuoteGalaxy 31 and Galaxy 32 are expected to launch together on November 5, 2022.>Probably< another SLC-40 launch, as LC-39A will be occupied supporting the USSF-44 launch, followed by Cargo Dragon SpX-26. But not definitely.🐉
https://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/5058QuoteGalaxy 31 & 32...SLC-40, Cape Canaveral SFS, Florida, USA
Galaxy 31 & 32...SLC-40, Cape Canaveral SFS, Florida, USA
1679-EX-ST-2022SpaceX Mission 1631 from LC-40 at CCAFS or LC-39A at KSCLaunching eastASDS North 28 26 10 West 73 41 32NET end of October [October 28]
Dual satellite launch for Intelsat next on SpaceX’s launch scheduleOctober 6, 2022 Stephen Clark...Intelsat has five more C-band satellites left to launch after Galaxy 33 and 34. The next pair of C-band satellites, Galaxy 31 and 32, are scheduled to launch as soon as Nov. 5 from Cape Canaveral on another SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.For that mission, SpaceX will not recover the Falcon 9 booster, committing all of the rocket’s propellant to sending Galaxy 31 and 32 into as high of an orbit as possible. “Those satellites, Galaxy 31 and 32, are built by Maxar. They’re a little heavier, so we decided go for an expendable launch to get the extra performance,” Froeliger said.“You pay extra when it’s expendable,” Froeliger said. “From a business point of view, you may also get a booster that has flown many times that they may retire anyhow, but you’re still paying because you pay for the expendable.”...
As per Spaceflight Now , this launch is going to use an expendable boosterQuoteDual satellite launch for Intelsat next on SpaceX’s launch scheduleOctober 6, 2022 Stephen Clark...Intelsat has five more C-band satellites left to launch after Galaxy 33 and 34. The next pair of C-band satellites, Galaxy 31 and 32, are scheduled to launch as soon as Nov. 5 from Cape Canaveral on another SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.For that mission, SpaceX will not recover the Falcon 9 booster, committing all of the rocket’s propellant to sending Galaxy 31 and 32 into as high of an orbit as possible. “Those satellites, Galaxy 31 and 32, are built by Maxar. They’re a little heavier, so we decided go for an expendable launch to get the extra performance,” Froeliger said.“You pay extra when it’s expendable,” Froeliger said. “From a business point of view, you may also get a booster that has flown many times that they may retire anyhow, but you’re still paying because you pay for the expendable.”...
Maybe they'll use B1051.14 which is the second oldest active booster?
https://twitter.com/alexphysics13/status/1579444259337666560QuoteFor the first time in over 3 years SpaceX will expend a Falcon booster on purpose. But it's not just one, it'll be three boosters. If schedules hold, the order will be B1066, then B1051-14, and finally B1049-11. nextspaceflight.com/launches/agenc…Here goes a 🧵https://twitter.com/alexphysics13/status/1579444265658494977QuoteB1051-14 is a Falcon 9 booster set to fly the Galaxy 31&32 mission. It first flew on the Demo-1 mission, Crew Dragon's first flight into orbit, and it was the first booster to reach 10 flights. It'll push both Galaxy satellites into a more energetic GTO.https://twitter.com/alexphysics13/status/1579444271123685376QuoteIt'll be sad to see these three boosters go and it's been a long time since SpaceX intentionally expended one but at least they'll go out doing just what Falcon does best... which is putting stuff into orbit.
For the first time in over 3 years SpaceX will expend a Falcon booster on purpose. But it's not just one, it'll be three boosters. If schedules hold, the order will be B1066, then B1051-14, and finally B1049-11. nextspaceflight.com/launches/agenc…Here goes a 🧵
B1051-14 is a Falcon 9 booster set to fly the Galaxy 31&32 mission. It first flew on the Demo-1 mission, Crew Dragon's first flight into orbit, and it was the first booster to reach 10 flights. It'll push both Galaxy satellites into a more energetic GTO.
It'll be sad to see these three boosters go and it's been a long time since SpaceX intentionally expended one but at least they'll go out doing just what Falcon does best... which is putting stuff into orbit.
A Falcon 9 will launch the Galaxy 31 & 32 communication satellites from pad 40 on November 5.
1595-EX-ST-2022SpaceX Mission 1587 from LC-40 at CCAFS or LC-39A at KSCNET Oct 30Launching east on Falcon 9, ASDS North 28 0 5 West 72 0 46
Likely using this licenceQuote from: gongora on 09/20/2022 09:26 pm1595-EX-ST-2022SpaceX Mission 1587 from LC-40 at CCAFS or LC-39A at KSCNET Oct 30Launching east on Falcon 9, ASDS North 28 0 5 West 72 0 46
https://www.launchphotography.com/Launch_Viewing_Guide.html [October 18 update]QuoteFALCON 9The next SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch more Starlink satellites from pad 40 on October 20 at 10:50 a.m. EDT or later. A Falcon Heavy will launch USSF-44 for the U.S. Space Force from pad 39A on late October, in the late morning EDT. The side boosters will land back at the Cape about eight minutes after launch. A Falcon 9 will launch the Hotbird 13G communications satellite for Eutelsat from pad 40 on November TBD. A Falcon 9 will launch the Intelsat Galaxy 31 & 32 communication satellites from pad 40 on November TBD. A Falcon 9 from pad 40 will launch the HAKUTO-R lunar lander for iSpace on November TBD. The first stage will land back at the Cape about eight minutes after launch. And a Falcon 9 from pad 39A will launch the Dragon CRS-26 resupply mission to the ISS on November 18 around 4 or 5 p.m. EST.
FALCON 9The next SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch more Starlink satellites from pad 40 on October 20 at 10:50 a.m. EDT or later. A Falcon Heavy will launch USSF-44 for the U.S. Space Force from pad 39A on late October, in the late morning EDT. The side boosters will land back at the Cape about eight minutes after launch. A Falcon 9 will launch the Hotbird 13G communications satellite for Eutelsat from pad 40 on November TBD. A Falcon 9 will launch the Intelsat Galaxy 31 & 32 communication satellites from pad 40 on November TBD. A Falcon 9 from pad 40 will launch the HAKUTO-R lunar lander for iSpace on November TBD. The first stage will land back at the Cape about eight minutes after launch. And a Falcon 9 from pad 39A will launch the Dragon CRS-26 resupply mission to the ISS on November 18 around 4 or 5 p.m. EST.
Quote from: Josh_from_Canada on 10/16/2022 08:25 pmLikely using this licenceQuote from: gongora on 09/20/2022 09:26 pm1595-EX-ST-2022SpaceX Mission 1587 from LC-40 at CCAFS or LC-39A at KSCNET Oct 30Launching east on Falcon 9, ASDS North 28 0 5 West 72 0 46That license isn't expendable though....
Is it possible that this Intelsat G31/32 mission is no longer expendable? The Maxar article from 10/17 states launch in early Nov launch. The only expendable FCC application is NET Nov 15, hardly "early" November.
Intelsat License LLC (“Intelsat”) herein requests 30 days of Special Temporary Authority (“STA”), commencing November 3, 2022, to use its Castle Rock, Colorado C-band earth station, Call Sign E040174, to provide launch and early orbit phase (“LEOP”), in-orbit testing (“IOT”), and telemetry, tracking, and command (“TT&C”) services to the Galaxy 31 (S3076), Galaxy 32 (S3078), Galaxy 33 (S3015), Galaxy 34 (S3083), Galaxy 35 (S3143), and Galaxy 36 (S3148) satellites (“Galaxy Replacement Fleet”). Galaxy 31 and Galaxy 32 are scheduled to launch no earlier than November 3, 2022, Galaxy 33 and Galaxy 34 were launched together on October 8, 2022, and Galaxy 35 and Galaxy 36 are expected to launch together on December 14, 2022. Intelsat expects the LEOP, IOT, and drift periods of each satellite to their final locations to last at approximately 90-100 days.
So should we be expecting Galaxy 31 32 on Nov 3 and not Hotbird 13G (which has a 180 day STA starting 7 Nov)? despite Launch Photography and NextSpaceflight both suggesting Nov 3 for Hotbird 13G and Galaxy 31 32 later
A Falcon 9 will launch the Intelsat Galaxy 31 & 32 communication satellites from pad 40 on November 8.
So this is what an expendable F9 FCC permit looks like now (it's been so long). One of several expendable launches coming up.1708-EX-ST-2022 QuoteSpaceX Mission 1802 from LC-40 at CCAFS or LC-39A at KSC, and the experimental recovery operation following the Falcon 9 launch...The first stage booster is expendable...North 27 54 50 West 71 48 9 Boat NET mid-November
SpaceX Mission 1802 from LC-40 at CCAFS or LC-39A at KSC, and the experimental recovery operation following the Falcon 9 launch...The first stage booster is expendable...North 27 54 50 West 71 48 9 Boat
1679-EX-ST-2022SpaceX Mission 1631 from LC-40 at CCAFS or LC-39A at KSCLaunching eastASDS North 28 26 10 West 73 41 32NET end of October
Converting the ASDS coordinates to decimal degrees is 28.001389 -72.012778.The distance between that point and either LC-39A or SLC-40 is between 842 and 845 kilometers.That makes me wonder if they want to push the envelope for launching a heavier GTO satellite while maintaining a low post-MECO fuel reserve for the entry and landing burns. Maybe ignite all three engines at once without the center one being lit first.
Galaxy 31 and 32 have arrived in Florida! 🛰️ This launch continues Intelsat’s Galaxy fleet refresh plan. G-31 and G-32 are third and fourth in a total of seven new Galaxy satellites launching in the next six months. This launch follows G-33 and G-34 launched last month.
I'd expect out of the two possible FCC apps 1595 would be assigned to Galaxy 31/32, since the ASDS landing is 800+km downrangeQuote from: ZachS09 on 09/21/2022 01:31 pmConverting the ASDS coordinates to decimal degrees is 28.001389 -72.012778.The distance between that point and either LC-39A or SLC-40 is between 842 and 845 kilometers.That makes me wonder if they want to push the envelope for launching a heavier GTO satellite while maintaining a low post-MECO fuel reserve for the entry and landing burns. Maybe ignite all three engines at once without the center one being lit first.
A Falcon 9 will launch the Intelsat Galaxy 31 & 32 communication satellites from pad 40 on November 8, in the late morning EST.
A Falcon 9 will launch the Intelsat Galaxy 31 & 32 communication satellites from pad 40 on November 8, around 11:30 a.m. EST. The launch window stretches around two hours.
Launch Hazard Areas for #Intelsat G31/32 mission from CCSFS SLC-40, valid for NET 08 Nov 16:06 UTC, altern.09 to 14 Nov based on issued NOTMAR. Expendable B1051.14 water landing 863km downrange. Estimated fairing recovery position approx. 958km downrange.
310035Z OCT 22NAVAREA IV 1165/22(11,26).WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC.FLORIDA.1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING 081606Z TO 081854ZZ NOV, ALTERNATE 1606Z TO 1855Z DAILY 09 THRU 14 NOV IN AREAS BOUND BY: A. 28-39.92N 080-38.33W, 28-40.00N 079-44.00W, 28-28.00N 079-40.00W, 28-29.97N 080-32.29W, B. 27-51.00N 073-56.00W, 28-37.00N 073-55.00W, 28-40.00N 071-21.00W, 28-13.00N 069-58.00W, 27-31.00N 069-58.00W, 27-21.00N 071-43.00W.2. CANCEL THIS MSG 141955Z NOV 22.//
So it is more efficient to launch both satellites on a Falcon 9 which makes its final flight than launching them separately on two Falcon 9 which will be reused ? or was there a feasibility issues which would preclude this alternate option ?
This is an expendable launch, is recovery risk fairing related now?
How about they just slip past the 8th and 9th without even attempting to launch on both days?You know, hold off until everything is at least in the high-80s range in terms of favorable conditions.
There is a storm named Nicole heading toward Florida after the 9th.
In a press call, @INTELSAT notes that the planned Nov. 8 launch of its Galaxy 31 and Galaxy 32 satellites will likely be delayed as Subtropical Storm #Nicole makes its way towards Florida. No new launch date named yet, but likely later this week.@MyNews13 #launchdelay
There will be a two-hour launch window for the mission.Notably, unlike the most recent @INTELSAT launch, this will use an expendable @SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. So, no booster landing with this one. It allows the rocket to have more power when not reserving fuel for landing.
The vehicle and payload are secure in the hangar and will remain there through the duration of the storm
072209Z NOV 22NAVAREA IV 1177/22(11,26).WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC.UNITED STATES.FLORIDA.1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING 121606Z TO 121854Z NOV, ALTERNATE 131606Z TO 131854Z, 1607Z TO 1854Z DAILY 14 THRU 18 NOV IN AREAS BOUND BY: A. 28-39.92N 080-38.33W, 28-40.00N 079-44.00W, 28-28.00N 079-40.00W, 28-29.97N 080-32.29W, 28-39.92N 080-38.33W. B. 27-51.00N 073-56.00W, 28-37.00N 073-55.00W, 28-40.00N 071-21.00W, 28-13.00N 069-58.00W, 27-31.00N 069-58.00W, 27-21.00N 071-43.00W, 27-51.00N 073-56.00W.2. CANCEL NAVAREA IV 1165/22.3. CANCEL THIS MSG 181954Z NOV 22.
Thanks to some tactical hurricane-dodging, Bob is taking the very scenic route out to the Galaxy 31 & 32 fairing recovery LZ.Booster will be expended.
SpaceX is targeting Saturday, November 12 for launch of the Intelsat G-31/G-32 mission to a geosynchronous transfer orbit from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The 120-minute launch window opens at 11:06 a.m. ET (16:06 UTC). A backup launch opportunity is available on Sunday, November 13 with the same window.The Falcon 9 first stage booster supporting this mission previously launched Dragon's first crew demonstration mission, the RADARSAT Constellation Mission, SXM-7, and 10 Starlink missions.A live webcast of this mission will begin about 15 minutes prior to liftoff.
Galaxy 31 and 32 are set for launch tomorrow at 11:06 a.m. EST. This continues the Galaxy fleet refresh plan. They are 3rd and 4th in a total of 7 new Galaxy satellites launching in the next 6 months. This launch follows G-33 and 34 launched last month.
Is the Galaxy 31/32 stack mass the same as the Galaxy 33/34 stack (7.35 metric tons)?
For that mission, SpaceX will not recover the Falcon 9 booster, committing all of the rocket’s propellant to sending Galaxy 31 and 32 into as high of an orbit as possible. “Those satellites, Galaxy 31 and 32, are built by Maxar. They’re a little heavier, so we decided go for an expendable launch to get the extra performance,” Froeliger said.
And meanwhile, at SLC-40, Falcon 9 B1051-14 has been raised vertical ahead of tomorrow's Galaxy-31 & 32 launch!nsf.live/spacecoast
Any idea why this is launching at 11:00 local time? Normally, comstats are launched from the Cape late in the evening. Since they head east, this means the parking orbit, GTO burn, and coast to separation, all happen during the night, and then the satellite emerges into light. This gets light to the solar panels, and power, as soon as possible and through the whole first GTO orbit.My only thought is that perhaps this is an ascending node GTO injection, where they wait for the second equator crossing. This will be 180o from the first, and then lighting conditions would be the roughly the same as 23:00 local time launch.
https://spaceflightnow.com/2022/11/12/falcon-9-galaxy-31-32-live-coverage/The combined mass for Galaxy 31/Galaxy 32 is 6,600 kilograms, which is less than the Galaxy 33/34 stack.I don’t know why that one Intelsat official said the Galaxy 31/Galaxy 32 stack weighs more than the other stack.
SpaceX Falcon 9 B1051's final launch, with Galaxy 31-32 from SLC-40 at Cape Canaveral.Overview:https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2022/11/galaxy-31-32/ Livestream:
Quote from: ZachS09 on 11/12/2022 01:21 pmhttps://spaceflightnow.com/2022/11/12/falcon-9-galaxy-31-32-live-coverage/The combined mass for Galaxy 31/Galaxy 32 is 6,600 kilograms, which is less than the Galaxy 33/34 stack.I don’t know why that one Intelsat official said the Galaxy 31/Galaxy 32 stack weighs more than the other stack.Could be the official meant the combined mass after reaching their final orbit in GEO. - Ed Kyle
Less than an hour until launch!🚀Galaxy 31 (bottom) and 32 (top) shown here stacked before being loaded into the @SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The @Maxar-built satellites are scheduled for launch at 11:06 a.m. EST today. intl.st/3TwAxNg
Deployment of @Intelsat Galaxy 31 confirmed
Falcon 9 pitches down range to deliver Intelsat Galaxy 31 & 32 to orbit
A fond farewell to Falcon 9 B1051 on its 14th and final mission 🫡
Liftoff of Falcon 9 and the Intelsat G-31/G-32 mission from Cape Canaveral, Florida at 11:06 a.m. EST this morning
Recovery ship Bob is 963km (520 nm) downrange to recover the fairing from the Galaxy 31-32 mission today.B1051 is going to buy the farm, sadly.
14th and final mission. Thank you B1051 👋 You will be missed!G-31/G-32 lifted off this morning at 11:06 ET from SLC-40.📷: Me for @SuperclusterHQ
One last ride 💔B1051 takes its final flight, launching Galaxy 31 & 32.📷: Me for @SuperclusterHQ
That’s me with my hands up! Always excited when a rocket leaves the planet.
Intelsat Announces Successful Launch of Galaxy 31 and Galaxy 32 SatellitesBy INTELSAT CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONSNovember 12, 2022Ensures reliable service to 100 million television viewersMCLEAN, Va. – Intelsat, operator of the world’s largest integrated satellite and terrestrial network and leading provider of inflight connectivity, announced the successful launch of Galaxy 31 and Galaxy 32, geosynchronous communications satellites that will ensure service continuity to Intelsat’s North American media customers.The Maxar-manufactured Galaxy 31 and Galaxy 32 satellites launched aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida at 11:06 a.m. EST.“Today’s successful launch is part of our Galaxy fleet refresh plan and is a clear demonstration of Intelsat’s commitment to our media customers,” said Intelsat CEO Dave Wajsgras. “The Galaxy fleet is the most reliable and efficient media content distribution system in North America, and our customers can continue to count on it for years to come.”Galaxy 31 separated from the vehicle at 11:46 a.m. EST, and Intelsat confirmed its signal acquisition at 11:59 a.m. EST. Galaxy 32 separated from the vehicle at 11:41 a.m. EST, and Intelsat confirmed its signal acquisition at 11:50 a.m. EST.Galaxy 31 will replace Galaxy 23 at 121 degrees west and will begin service in early 2023. The satellite will provide distribution services to cable headends throughout the United States.Galaxy 32 will replace the C-band payload of Galaxy 17 at 91 degrees west in early 2023. This satellite will provide service continuity for Intelsat’s media customers with high-performance distribution to viewers in North America.Today’s launch continues Intelsat’s Galaxy fleet refresh plan that started with Galaxy 30 in 2020 and carries the second set of a total of seven new Intelsat satellites launching in the next six months.
The Maxar-manufactured Galaxy 31 and Galaxy 32 satellites launched aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 (photo courtesy of SpaceX)
Left: me watching B1051 fly for the first time, captured by @ryanchylinski.Right: me watching B1051 fly for the last time, captured by @johnkrausphotos.It never gets old.
Quote from: LouScheffer on 11/12/2022 12:16 pmAny idea why this is launching at 11:00 local time? Normally, comstats are launched from the Cape late in the evening. Since they head east, this means the parking orbit, GTO burn, and coast to separation, all happen during the night, and then the satellite emerges into light. This gets light to the solar panels, and power, as soon as possible and through the whole first GTO orbit.The famous "solar panels need sunlight, that's why they launch during the night" rule doesn't always work, sometimes there are other constraints to launch satellites to GTO at other times that are rarely talked about.
Any idea why this is launching at 11:00 local time? Normally, comstats are launched from the Cape late in the evening. Since they head east, this means the parking orbit, GTO burn, and coast to separation, all happen during the night, and then the satellite emerges into light. This gets light to the solar panels, and power, as soon as possible and through the whole first GTO orbit.
Quote from: Alexphysics on 11/12/2022 12:45 pmQuote from: LouScheffer on 11/12/2022 12:16 pmAny idea why this is launching at 11:00 local time? Normally, comstats are launched from the Cape late in the evening. Since they head east, this means the parking orbit, GTO burn, and coast to separation, all happen during the night, and then the satellite emerges into light. This gets light to the solar panels, and power, as soon as possible and through the whole first GTO orbit.The famous "solar panels need sunlight, that's why they launch during the night" rule doesn't always work, sometimes there are other constraints to launch satellites to GTO at other times that are rarely talked about. This makes perfect sense - I'm sure they had their reasons for the launch time they picked. I was wondering what those "other constraints" were for this mission. After all, the vast majority of GTO launches pick a night-time slot.
Quick GIF of B1051 launching from SLC-40 earlier this morning
We are please to announce that Galaxy 31 and Galaxy 32, built for @Intelsat, are performing as expected after being launched aboard a @SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from #CapeCanaveral, Florida, earlier this morning.
Maxar-built Galaxy 31 and Galaxy 32 Satellites for Intelsat Performing Properly After LaunchNovember 12, 2022WESTMINSTER, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Maxar Technologies (NYSE:MAXR) (TSX:MAXR), provider of comprehensive space solutions and secure, precise, geospatial intelligence, today announced that Galaxy 31 and Galaxy 32, built for Intelsat, are performing as expected after being launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida.These two geostationary satellites will enable Intelsat, operator of the world’s largest integrated satellite and terrestrial network and leading provider of inflight connectivity, to transfer its services—uninterrupted—as part of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) plan to reallocate parts of the C-band spectrum for 5G terrestrial wireless services. Galaxy 31 and Galaxy 32 are the first of five satellites that Intelsat contracted Maxar to build for the C-band transition. All five satellites will be built on Maxar’s proven 1300-class platform, which offers the flexibility and power needed for a broad range of customer missions.Shortly after launch earlier today, both satellites deployed their solar arrays and began receiving and sending signals. Next, Galaxy 31 and Galaxy 32 will begin firing thrusters to commerce their journeys to final geostationary orbit.“Today’s launch of Galaxy 31 and Galaxy 32 is another milestone in Maxar and Intelsat’s decades-long relationship,” said Chris Johnson, Maxar Senior Vice President and General Manager of Space. “Our team will begin initial on-orbit checkout and Intelsat will proceed with commissioning activities of these satellites so that Intelsat can start moving their services to the new spectrum.”“The Intelsat Galaxy fleet is the most reliable and efficient media content distribution system in North America, enabled by Maxar’s engineering and manufacturing expertise,” said David C. Wajsgras, Intelsat CEO. “This investment will deliver a high-performance technology path through the next decade.”Maxar also manufactured Intelsat’s Galaxy 35 and Galaxy 36, which are preparing for launch in mid-December 2022.
CelesTrak has GP data for 1 object from the launch (2022-153) of GALAXY 31 & 32 atop a Falcon 9 from Cape Canaveral on Nov 12 at 1606 UTC: spaceflightnow.com/2022/11/12/fal….
Two objects cataloged so far from today's Falcon 9 launch in supersync transfer orbit: 283 x 58433 km x 24.2 deg, 306 x 58459 km x 22.3 deg. Expecting three objects: G-31, G-32 and the F9 second stage.
A rare expendable SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches Intelsat G-31 & G-32 to orbit
Quote from: Rondaz on 11/12/2022 11:56 pmA rare expendable SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches Intelsat G-31 & G-32 to orbitOnly the 5th Falcon 9 Block 5 first stage to be intentionally expended. The Boosters B1054 and B1066 were expended on their first flight, B1047 on it's third, B1046 on it's fourth, and B1051 on it's 14th.B1054 - 23 December 2018 - GPS III SV01.B1047.3 - 6 August 2019 - AMOS-17 (Replacement for AMOS-6.B1046.4 - 19 January 2020 - Crew Dragon MaxQ test. Only Block 5 to have a suborbital mission.B1066 - 1 November 2022 - Core booster of USSF-44.B1051.14 - 12 November 2022 - Intelsat Galaxy 31 and 32.
Sent with no return label.
With this flight we can re-calibrate the loss of payload for recoverability. This flight staged at 9777 km/hr = 2715 m/s. The preceding G33/G34 flight (with recovery) staged at 8340 km/hr = 2316 m/s. Thus the first stage provided roughly 400 m/s more (roughly because the differing payload masses will have some small effect on first stage dV).Now making the usual second stage assumptions (fuel = 107t, empty mass + residual = 5.5t, ISP = 348), then how much can you increase the payload from the nominal 5.5t if the second stage needs to produce 400 m/s less? Turns out it's 7.03t. So any orbit the recoverable rocket can reach with a 5.5t payload, the expendable one can reach with a 7.03t payload.A 5.5t payload is 78% of a 7.03t payload, so the F9 Block 5 loses 22% of its GTO payload when recovering the first stage.
Quote from: LouScheffer on 11/13/2022 01:17 amWith this flight we can re-calibrate the loss of payload for recoverability. This flight staged at 9777 km/hr = 2715 m/s. The preceding G33/G34 flight (with recovery) staged at 8340 km/hr = 2316 m/s. Thus the first stage provided roughly 400 m/s more (roughly because the differing payload masses will have some small effect on first stage dV).Now making the usual second stage assumptions (fuel = 107t, empty mass + residual = 5.5t, ISP = 348), then how much can you increase the payload from the nominal 5.5t if the second stage needs to produce 400 m/s less? Turns out it's 7.03t. So any orbit the recoverable rocket can reach with a 5.5t payload, the expendable one can reach with a 7.03t payload.A 5.5t payload is 78% of a 7.03t payload, so the F9 Block 5 loses 22% of its GTO payload when recovering the first stage.Doesn't match the SpaceX claims of 8.3 tonnes GTO and 22.8 tonnes LEO, which date back to the start of Block 5 I think. Maybe they gave up payload to beef up the fairings for sea recovery? - Ed Kyle
Quote from: LouScheffer on 11/13/2022 01:17 amWith this flight we can re-calibrate the loss of payload for recoverability. This flight staged at 9777 km/hr = 2715 m/s. The preceding G33/G34 flight (with recovery) staged at 8340 km/hr = 2316 m/s. Thus the first stage provided roughly 400 m/s more (roughly because the differing payload masses will have some small effect on first stage dV).Now making the usual second stage assumptions (fuel = 107t, empty mass + residual = 5.5t, ISP = 348), then how much can you increase the payload from the nominal 5.5t if the second stage needs to produce 400 m/s less? Turns out it's 7.03t. So any orbit the recoverable rocket can reach with a 5.5t payload, the expendable one can reach with a 7.03t payload.A 5.5t payload is 78% of a 7.03t payload, so the F9 Block 5 loses 22% of its GTO payload when recovering the first stage.Doesn't match the SpaceX claims of 8.3 tonnes GTO and 22.8 tonnes LEO, which date back to the start of Block 5 I think. Maybe they gave up payload to beef up the fairings for sea recovery?
Quote from: edkyle99 on 11/13/2022 04:28 pmQuote from: LouScheffer on 11/13/2022 01:17 amWith this flight we can re-calibrate the loss of payload for recoverability. This flight staged at 9777 km/hr = 2715 m/s. The preceding G33/G34 flight (with recovery) staged at 8340 km/hr = 2316 m/s. Thus the first stage provided roughly 400 m/s more (roughly because the differing payload masses will have some small effect on first stage dV).Now making the usual second stage assumptions (fuel = 107t, empty mass + residual = 5.5t, ISP = 348), then how much can you increase the payload from the nominal 5.5t if the second stage needs to produce 400 m/s less? Turns out it's 7.03t. So any orbit the recoverable rocket can reach with a 5.5t payload, the expendable one can reach with a 7.03t payload.A 5.5t payload is 78% of a 7.03t payload, so the F9 Block 5 loses 22% of its GTO payload when recovering the first stage.Doesn't match the SpaceX claims of 8.3 tonnes GTO and 22.8 tonnes LEO, which date back to the start of Block 5 I think. Maybe they gave up payload to beef up the fairings for sea recovery? - Ed Kyleof course it does not match - these are different GTOs:The original claim by SpaceX - "8.3 t to GTO" - implies GTO(-1800 m/s)In this flight the payload was delivered to substantially *higher* GTO ~ -1600 m/s
Well in terms of expendable F9, this mission performed better than the last time they tried the same. For reference, Amos 17 went into a GTO-1784 vs GTO-1611 achieved on this launch. Would be interesting to compare the telemetry from both missions... *wink wink*
That gets close to GTO-1500 from French Guiana
Quote from: Alexphysics on 11/13/2022 05:37 pmWell in terms of expendable F9, this mission performed better than the last time they tried the same. For reference, Amos 17 went into a GTO-1784 vs GTO-1611 achieved on this launch. Would be interesting to compare the telemetry from both missions... *wink wink*The payloads for AMOS-17 and G31-32 were the same, at 6,500kg. The AMOS-17 booster profile was unusual because there was no throttle up after MaxQ, and so gravity losses would have been a little higher. MECOs were at 2644 and 2716m/s respectively.Second stage burn times:MissionLEO sGTO sAMOS-1731561G31-3230871So, the G31-32 second stage burn to LEO was 7s shorter, and her (lower throttle) burn to GTO was 10s longer.
I have a question:Why would the second burn of the G31-32 second stage be so delayed when compared to that for AMOS-17?The general principle is that this burn should occur over the equator.However, as the dosnrange distances are equal to the resolution of the graph, a difference in timing would equate to a difference in downrange distance, longitude, and, most significantly, lattitude.Is there a detail in the data that I am missing that allows both to be over the Equator?If not, why would this be chosen when it appears to be other than optimal?
I thought Galaxy 31/Galaxy 32 weighed 6.6 tons.
Please can someone remind me (or point at an explanation) of what the GTO-xxxx numbers mean?
Quote from: litton4 on 11/14/2022 11:11 amPlease can someone remind me (or point at an explanation) of what the GTO-xxxx numbers mean?Sure, the XXXX is the number of m/s left to get into geosynchronous orbit, so smaller numbers are better. It's a combination of two tasks - to circularize the orbit at geosynchronous height, and to remove any remaining inclination from the transfer orbit. As an example, a GTO with a GEO apogee from the Cape is about GTO-1800, whereas a GTO with GEO apogee from French Guiana is typically about GTO-1500, since the spacecraft has less inclination to remove.If your rocket has more dV than needed to simply reach GTO apogee, you can spend it by increasing the apogee above geosynchronous (which makes the plane change cheaper, by reducing the inclination cost), or reducing the inclination of the transfer orbit.
Quote from: litton4 on 11/14/2022 11:11 amPlease can someone remind me (or point at an explanation) of what the GTO-xxxx numbers mean?Sure, the XXXX is the number of m/s left to get into geosynchronous orbit, so smaller numbers are better. It's a combination of two tasks - to circularize the orbit at geosynchronous height, and to remove any remaining inclination from the transfer orbit. As an example, a GTO with a GEO apogee from the Cape is about GTO-1800, whereas a GTO with GEO apogee from French Guiana is typically about GTO-1500, since the spacecraft has less inclination to remove.
Still only 2 objects cataloged from the launch (although there is currently a gap, 54245, which could be the third object).It seems unlikely that the second stage was deorbited given the performance concerns, so I assume the third object will eventually show up.
Bob is due to arrive at Port Canaveral at midnight tonight with the fairing from Galaxy 31 & 32.
Quote from: jcm on 11/14/2022 02:09 pmStill only 2 objects cataloged from the launch (although there is currently a gap, 54245, which could be the third object).It seems unlikely that the second stage was deorbited given the performance concerns, so I assume the third object will eventually show up.Also, the two that are there have quite different inclinations (24.2 and 22.3), if I'm reading the elements right. This seems odd - I can't see any reason to change the inclination without changing the perigee. It's quite a bit less efficient than combining the maneuvers. So something is odd....
When there's a deorbit, there's usually a marine hazard map for that. GPS missions include deorbit burns and they issue these notices as well.
Also just cataloged, the expected third object from the last F9 launch, as 54248 /2022-153C in a 150 x 58270 kmx 24.4 deg orbit; probably the F9 second stage.This leaves 54245 as an unexpected gap in the @18thSDS catalog
Quote from: LouScheffer on 11/14/2022 11:36 amQuote from: litton4 on 11/14/2022 11:11 amPlease can someone remind me (or point at an explanation) of what the GTO-xxxx numbers mean?Sure, the XXXX is the number of m/s left to get into geosynchronous orbit, so smaller numbers are better. It's a combination of two tasks - to circularize the orbit at geosynchronous height, and to remove any remaining inclination from the transfer orbit. As an example, a GTO with a GEO apogee from the Cape is about GTO-1800, whereas a GTO with GEO apogee from French Guiana is typically about GTO-1500, since the spacecraft has less inclination to remove.If your rocket has more dV than needed to simply reach GTO apogee, you can spend it by increasing the apogee above geosynchronous (which makes the plane change cheaper, by reducing the inclination cost), or reducing the inclination of the transfer orbit.Also, you can use the spare delta-v to raise the perigee significantly and reduce the inclination a bit more at apogee.
Quote from: LouScheffer on 11/14/2022 11:36 amQuote from: litton4 on 11/14/2022 11:11 amPlease can someone remind me (or point at an explanation) of what the GTO-xxxx numbers mean?Sure, the XXXX is the number of m/s left to get into geosynchronous orbit, so smaller numbers are better. It's a combination of two tasks - to circularize the orbit at geosynchronous height, and to remove any remaining inclination from the transfer orbit. As an example, a GTO with a GEO apogee from the Cape is about GTO-1800, whereas a GTO with GEO apogee from French Guiana is typically about GTO-1500, since the spacecraft has less inclination to remove.It's more commonly, and more appropriately in my opinion, written as GEO-1500, as in "GEO(stationary orbit) minus 1500 (m/s)". "GTO-1500" sounds like it would be 1500 m/s shy of the elliptical transfer orbit (with perigee at a couple hundred kilometers and apogee at ~36000 km), instead of 1500 m/s shy of the actual circular geostationary orbit. Nitpicking, I know, but that allows you to generalize it and say things like "TLI-100" (trans-lunar injection minus 100).On another note, it can be worth mentioning that one way of lowering the amount of Δv needed by the satellite to enter GEO, is to insert it into an orbit with apogee higher than 36000 km; this is called a super-synchronous transfer orbit. Since the velocity at the apogee is then lower, you need less energy to change the inclination. And this is what was done in this particular launch, putting the apogee at 38000 km. (Another way is of course to raise the perigee of the transfer orbit instead, so the satellite will need less energy to circularize. That however means that the upper stage of the launch rocket will need to reserve some propellant to lower its perigee again afterwards, so it can deorbit in a reasonable time.)
The booster has now been cataloged, 54248 in a 150 x 58270 km x 24.4 deg orbit.
Quote from: jcm on 11/15/2022 03:43 amThe booster has now been cataloged, 54248 in a 150 x 58270 km x 24.4 deg orbit.Interesting. The apogee is higher, and the perigee lower, then the initial transfer orbit (though not by much in m/s). Intuitively, this could be explained by a fuel dump or small maneuver at right angles to the flight path. This would not change the earth-relative velocity much (same orbital energy) but would change the eccentricity, potentially resulting in both a higher apogee and lower perigee.
Quote from: LouScheffer on 11/15/2022 01:06 pmQuote from: jcm on 11/15/2022 03:43 amThe booster has now been cataloged, 54248 in a 150 x 58270 km x 24.4 deg orbit.Interesting. The apogee is higher, and the perigee lower, then the initial transfer orbit (though not by much in m/s). Intuitively, this could be explained by a fuel dump or small maneuver at right angles to the flight path. This would not change the earth-relative velocity much (same orbital energy) but would change the eccentricity, potentially resulting in both a higher apogee and lower perigee.The apogee raise here is still a puzzle. It's not like it's a huge maneuver (50 m/s at an altitude of 20,000 km could do both the perigee drop and the apogee raise), but you can always do the perigee drop more efficiently by omitting any prograde component of the burn (and so not raising the apogee). For the same delta V (in this hypothetical case, and many others I've tried) they could have de-orbited the second stage completely.
Quote from: LouScheffer on 11/16/2022 12:52 pmQuote from: LouScheffer on 11/15/2022 01:06 pmQuote from: jcm on 11/15/2022 03:43 amThe booster has now been cataloged, 54248 in a 150 x 58270 km x 24.4 deg orbit.Interesting. The apogee is higher, and the perigee lower, then the initial transfer orbit (though not by much in m/s). Intuitively, this could be explained by a fuel dump or small maneuver at right angles to the flight path. This would not change the earth-relative velocity much (same orbital energy) but would change the eccentricity, potentially resulting in both a higher apogee and lower perigee.The apogee raise here is still a puzzle. It's not like it's a huge maneuver (50 m/s at an altitude of 20,000 km could do both the perigee drop and the apogee raise), but you can always do the perigee drop more efficiently by omitting any prograde component of the burn (and so not raising the apogee). For the same delta V (in this hypothetical case, and many others I've tried) they could have de-orbited the second stage completely.Could they have done it in the same phase of flight? The upper stage only has a few hours of endurance until the propellants are boiled off, and that is with the extension kit. They might well have done the most efficient disposal burn they could an hour after launch.
I'm back on a ship operating out of Port Canaveral. This time CT5 directly opposite the @SpaceX fleet. Got some great pics of MV Bob and Megan alongside. And a fairing half that's been fished out. @SpaceOffshore
Intelsat License LLC (“Intelsat”) herein requests an additional 30 days of Special Temporary Authority (“STA”)1 previously granted to Intelsat to drift Galaxy 32 (S3078) from its in-orbit testing (“IOT”) location of 149.05° W.L. to its permanent location of 91.0° W.L.2 Galaxy 32 was launched on November 12, 2022. The satellite completed its IOT at 149.05° W.L. on January 7, 2023.3 Galaxy 32 began its drift to 91.0° W.L. on January 11, 2023, and is expected to arrive on-station by the end of February 2023.
