SpaceX F9 : Starlink 4-3 : CCSFS SLC-40 : 2 December 2021 (23:12 UTC)

[zubenelgenubi]

Discussion thread for the Starlink 4-3 launch.

NSF Threads for Starlink: Discussion

Successful launch on December 2 at 6:12 pm EST (23:12 UTC) from SLC-40 with booster 1060-9. Successful ASDS first stage landing on ASOG. Fairing recovery is expected from the water.

SpaceX is targeting Thursday, December 2 for a Falcon 9 launch of 48 Starlink satellites and two BlackSky spacecraft [Global-12 and Global-13] to orbit from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The instantaneous launch window is at 6:12 p.m. EST, or 23:12 UTC.

The Falcon 9 first stage booster supporting this mission previously launched GPS III-3, Turksat 5A, Transporter-2, and five Starlink missions. Following stage separation, SpaceX will land Falcon 9’s first stage on the A Shortfall of Gravitas droneship, which will be stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.

Expected deployment orbit of approximately 430km at 53.2 degree inclination.

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

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

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 to near global coverage of the populated world by 2021. Additional information on the system can be found at starlink.com.

[Josh_from_Canada]

B1062 could be for this mission instead

Booster B1062.4 has been spotted recently at KSC with a second stage already attached, but since it wasn't used for Starlink 4-1, I'm guessing it will launch IXPE?

https://twitter.com/chancebelloise/status/1456273334186831883

[zubenelgenubi]

(We = the spaceflight community not privy to confidential information)

"We" know the next Starlink batch launch from Florida will be soon.  What we don't know are the planned particulars of that mission.

Launch Photography has mentioned this launch as TBA for some time; Next Spaceflight has listed NET November December for some time as well.

Edit Nov 15: If no Static Fire is needed, then the first we would know that the launch is imminent could be NOTAM publication and/or Falcon 9 transport to the pad about 1 day before launch.

Cross-posts from the manifest discussion thread:

SpX-23          LC-39A     August 29 (UTC)
Inspiration4  LC-39A    September 16
Crew-3           LC-39A    November 11
Starlink 4-1   SLC-40     November 13 12
??                   ??              ??
IXPE               LC-39A    December 9
Turksat 5B    SLC-40     mid Dec late 2021
SpX-24           LC-39A    December 21
CSG-2            SLC-40    December 14

An observation: If SpaceX wishes to, there is room in the launch schedule for another Starlink cluster launch from SLC-40 in late November [or early December, or late December], before Turksat 5B CSG-2. 

[Time for a SLC-40 launch campaign that does not conflict with CSG-2, as the CSG-2 launch from SLC-40 must also be accommodated.]

I don't know how much time the IXPE launch campaign needs, or I might also speculate about a launch from LC-39A in late November.

Edits: Nov 12 and 14

Congratulations SpaceX on what appears to be a flawless flight and a return of east coast Starlink flights. 

The rest of the 2021 Manifest looks like it could finish strong. Hopefully there can be 1 or two more Starlink flights before 12/31

<snip> Been meaning to do this for awhile but per Elon's tweet that SpaceX plans to launch 80t in Q4, that will definitely require at least a few more Starlink launches. Based on him saying that SpaceX launched 41t in Q3, I'll ballpark that as 13t for Inspiration4, 14t for CRS-23, and 14t for Starlink 2-1.

In Q4, we have two launches behind us and five more confirmed missions on the manifest:

Crew-3 (13t)
Starlink 4-1 (15t)
DART (0.7t)
IXPE (0.4t)
CSG-2 (2.2t)
Turksat 5B (4.5t)
CRS-24 (14t)

Altogether, that's about 50t, leaving room for two more Starlink launches to reach Elon's 80t prediction. I'd personally guess that that means one more Starlink launch from each coast before the end of the year.

SFN, SpaceX launch starts deployment of new Starlink orbital shell, November 13

At least four Falcon 9 missions are scheduled in December from Florida’s Space Coast, launching more Starlink satellites, NASA’s IXPE X-ray astronomy telescope, the Turksat 5B communications payload, and another NASA cargo mission to the space station.

Stephen Clark forgot CSG-2 (unless he knows something that he did not mention in his article).

See the CSG-2 launch thread regarding this:
https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=54913.msg2310449#msg2310449

[scr00chy]

I'm hoping this mission is called Starlink 4-2, otherwise I'll just throw myself off a cliff...

I'd also accept Starlink 3-1 if this goes to 97.6°.

[crandles57]

(We = the spaceflight community not privy to confidential information)

"We" know the next Starlink batch launch from Florida will be soon.  What we don't know are the planned particulars of that mission.

Launch Photography has mentioned this launch as TBA for some time; Next Spaceflight has listed NET December for some time as well.

Next Spaceflight has one NET November. (It gives it the name 2-2 but I think/hope that is just a leftover and likely to be wrong.)

There seem 3 4 possibilities for the 2 starlink flights:
VSFB Mid Dec or later
SLC-40 late Nov
LC39A late Nov
CSG-2 further delayed and replaced by Starlink flight
so at least one of them has to be late Nov if they are going to fit in 2 Starlink flights.

At least four Falcon 9 missions are scheduled in December from Florida’s Space Coast, launching more Starlink satellites, ...

does seem to suggest first and last options?
alternately perhaps the order of listed launches suggests SLC-40 late Nov window stretches into early Dec.

[soltasto]

If this launch is going to be called 2-2 and will be launching to 70° it will make sense. It would just confirm that the first number is the shell number.

[crandles57]

If this launch is going to be called 2-2 and will be launching to 70° it will make sense. It would just confirm that the first number is the shell number.

Does it make sense? If launching to shell 2 from both coasts that seems to suggest they want to fill shell 2 as fast as possible which would seem reasonable, but in that case, why do a group 4? (Perhaps they wanted to confirm they could do a launch of 53 sat to lower inclination?)

[scr00chy]

If this launch is going to be called 2-2 and will be launching to 70° it will make sense. It would just confirm that the first number is the shell number.

Have we seen FCC filings for 70° launches from Florida? I thought we've only seen 53.2° and 97.6°.

[soltasto]

If this launch is going to be called 2-2 and will be launching to 70° it will make sense. It would just confirm that the first number is the shell number.

Have we seen FCC filings for 70° launches from Florida? I thought we've only seen 53.2° and 97.6°.

They filed for 6 missions from 40/39A with the Droneship placed at 23 17 50 N 78 58 45 W which would be fine for both polar and 70° launches. I think they would prefer to launch the polar satellites from Vandenberg to avoid the dogleg maneuver, but this wasn't confirmed anywhere. Those 6 licenses expire in Jan 2022 by the way

[zubenelgenubi]

SFN Launch Schedule, dated November 17:
Starlink 4-3
SLC-40
December 1
06:36 UTC
likely 53 satellites

No identification of the first stage.

I'm hoping this mission is called Starlink 4-2, otherwise I'll just throw myself off a cliff...

Hang in there, scr00chy!

[scr00chy]

I'm hoping this mission is called Starlink 4-2, otherwise I'll just throw myself off a cliff...

Hang in there, scr00chy!

Sigh...

[zubenelgenubi]

Space Coast launches for the immediate future.

2021 Launched:
Date - Satellite(s) - Rocket - Launch Site - Time (UTC)

December 2 NET July NET August? Aug Aug? NET October TBD Dec 1 - Starlink 4-3 4-2? (x48 x60 x53? TBD or x46) (flight 32 TBD) [v1.5 L3 TBD v1.0 L30], SXRS-2: BlackSky 12 and 13 - Falcon 9-130 (1060.9 1062.4? S) - Canaveral SLC-40 / Kennedy LC-39A - 23:12:00 06:36 23:20 ~23:00 22:57 or 23:28 or
(Starlink: launch 20-22 minutes earlier/day)

2021 Scheduled:
Date - Satellite(s) - Rocket - Launch Site - Time (UTC)

December 5 TBD Q1 February 26 TBD midyear June 23 NET late NET July NET August late Aug or early Sept? NET early Sept ? TBD NET mid-November ~22 22 Dec 4 - STP-3: STPSat-6, ROOSTER-1 (LDPE-1), small satellites (up to 4 x6?) - Atlas V 551 (AV-093) - Canaveral SLC-41 - 09:04-11:04

December 9 May 31 September 15 NET November 20 NET 17 Dec 13 - IXPE - Falcon 9-131 130? 129? 130? TBD (1062.4? previously flown S) - Kennedy LC-39A - 06:00-07:30

December 19 Q2 June Q4 end of year December mid Dec - Türksat 5B - Falcon 9-132? TBD (S) - Canaveral SLC-40 / Kennedy LC-39A - 03:58-05:28 likely night EST

December 21 October 2 November Nov 10 December 2 4 late - Dragon SpX-24 - Falcon 9-133? 131? 132? TBD (S) - Kennedy LC-39A - 10:06 ~09:00
(ISS flights: 22-26 minutes earlier/day)

NET January 2022 NET July NET September August? NET Sept? NET October TBD NET late Dec - Starlink 4-? (x53? x60) (flight TBD) [v1.5 L-TBD v1.0 L31] - Falcon 9-TBD (S) - Canaveral SLC-40? / Kennedy LC-39A
(Starlink: launch 20-22 minutes earlier/day)

NET January 2022 NET Dec 1/NLT July 2022 NET Dec - VCLS Demo 2A: BAMA-1, CURIE A, CURIE B, INCA, QubeSat, R5-S1 (ELaNa 41) - Rocket 3.x (Astra) [LV0008] - Canaveral SLC-46 Kodiak LP-3B / Kwajalein

Early 2022 TBD 2022 (NET) November 18 December Dec 14 Dec? - CSG-2 - Falcon 9-TBD 128? TBD 130? 131? (L?) - Canaveral SLC-40 / Kennedy LC-39A Kourou - ~23:11 23:11:12
(Sun-synchronous orbit satellites: launch at approximately the same time of day year-round)

Changes on September 23rd, 2020
Changes on November 5th, 2020
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Changes in November 2020
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zubenelgenubi

[zubenelgenubi]

Revision of Starlink 4-3 launch time on December 1, from SFN Launch Schedule, dated November 20:
23:20 UTC

[SPKirsch]

https://mobile.twitter.com/EmreKelly/status/1462977907626754050

[realnouns]

are we guessing 1060.9 for this?  seems like the next up, that is well used

[zubenelgenubi]

are we guessing 1060.9 for this?  seems like the next up, that is well used

"We" are not "guessing" a booster identity.

There is insufficient public information to deduce identity.

B1062.4 was observed on November 4 being transported on the grounds, as reported up-thread, circumstantial evidence that it would be used soon.

If SpaceX chooses not to conduct a Static Fire, then we may not know the booster identity until:
1) SpaceX announces it;

2) A reliable someone with a reliable source announces it;

3) Our wonderful photographers provide enough hi-res photography to identify a booster by "soot-ological" and/or markings analysis;

4) Or one of our photographers snaps a hi-res photo with the tail number.

Edit/add: We may not know booster identity until November 30 or December 1.

(The word guess can have a negative connotation in English, implying a lack of thoughtfulness in reaching a conclusion.)

[Ken the Bin]

NGA "Rocket Launching" notice for this launch.  No sign of an associated "Space Debris" notice for the stage 2 reentry.

Estimated  launch times:
Primary Day = Wednesday, December 1 at ~23:20 UTC (~18:20 EST).
Backup Day #1 = Thursday, December 2 at ~22:57 UTC (~17:57 EST).
Backup Day #2 = Friday, December 3 at ~22:35 UTC (~17:35 EST).
Backup Day #3 = Saturday, December 4 at ~22:12 UTC (~17:12 EST).
Backup Day #4 = Sunday, December 5 at ~21:49 UTC (~16:49 EST).
Backup Day #5 = Monday, December 6 at ~21:27 UTC (~16:27 EST).
Backup Day #6 = Tuesday, December 7 at ~21:04 UTC (~16:04 EST).
Backup Day #7 = Wednesday, December 8 at ~20:41 UTC (~15:41 EST).

261002Z NOV 21
NAVAREA IV 1061/21(11,12,26).
WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC.
FLORIDA.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING
   012220Z TO 020107Z DEC, ALTERNATE
   022157Z TO 030044Z, 032135Z TO 040022Z,
   042112Z TO 042359Z, 052049Z TO 052336Z,
   062027Z TO 062314Z, 072004Z TO 072251Z
   AND 081941Z TO 082228Z DEC
   IN AREAS BOUND BY:
   A. 28-37-13N 080-36-16W, 29-12-00N 079-53-00W,
      29-07-00N 079-49-00W, 28-35-00N 080-22-00W,
      28-29-10N 080-32-24W.
   B. 31-39-00N 077-20-00W, 33-15-00N 075-57-00W,
      33-45-00N 074-46-00W, 33-27-00N 074-14-00W,
      32-33-00N 074-39-00W, 31-25-00N 077-06-00W.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 082328Z DEC 21.

[Rondaz]

Launch Hazard Areas map for #Starlink Group 4-3 from CCSFS SLC-40 NET 01 Dec 23:20 UTC, alternatively 02 to 08 Dec based on issued NOTMAR/NOTAMs. Booster landing approx. 639km downrange, fairing recovery ~668km downrange. S2 reentry south of Australia.

https://twitter.com/Raul74Cz/status/1464337595970863109

[Ken the Bin]

The NGA "Space Debris" notice was finally issued today.  The HYDROPAC 3414/21 notice referenced to cancel was issued about an hour earlier and had a missing zero in one of the times.

271025Z NOV 21
HYDROPAC 3415/21(61,75,76).
INDIAN OCEAN.
WESTERN SOUTH PACIFIC.
DNC 03, DNC 04, DNC 05.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, SPACE DEBRIS
   020032Z TO 020252Z, ALTERNATE
   030009Z TO 030229Z, 032347Z TO 040207Z,
   042324Z TO 050144Z, 052301Z TO 060121Z,
   062239Z TO 070059Z, 072216Z TO 080036Z,
   AND 082153Z TO 090013Z DEC IN AREA BOUND BY
   29-43S 060-07E, 24-55S 064-27E,
   38-45S 084-30E, 45-12S 099-45E,
   49-46S 119-13E, 50-42S 138-19E,
   48-50S 156-44E, 51-46S 158-08E,
   54-42S 148-32E, 56-20S 131-03E,
   55-52S 107-50E, 49-11S 085-05E,
   34-32S 064-13E.
2. CANCEL HYDROPAC 3414/21.
3. CANCEL THIS MSG 090113Z DEC 21.

[Rondaz]

Finn Falgout is outbound with A Shortfall of Gravitas ahead of the Starlink 4-3 mission. Launch is scheduled NET December 1 23:20 UTC from LC-40 at Cape Canaveral SFS.

https://twitter.com/julia_bergeron/status/1464584759397568517

[Rondaz]

ASOG about to leave Port Canaveral for the Starlink launch Wednesday

https://twitter.com/baserunner0723/status/1464581877008941067

[Ken the Bin]

L-3 weather forecast: 90% 'Go' for both Wednesday and Thursday UTC/EST.  All Additional Risk Criteria are Low for both days.

[Rondaz]

Bob has departed Port Canaveral for the upcoming Starlink mission.

It will be covering droneship support and fairing recovery.

https://twitter.com/SpaceOffshore/status/1465312614477664261

[scr00chy]

https://spaceflightnow.com/2021/11/29/weather-forecast-favorable-for-spacex-launch-this-week/

SpaceX rolled out the Falcon 9 rocket for the next Starlink mission from its hangar Monday and erected it vertical on pad 40. A static fire test is planned as soon as Monday night, when SpaceX’s launch engineers will oversee the loading of kerosene and liquid oxygen into the two-stage rocket for a brief on-pad firing of the Falcon 9’s Merlin main engines.

Looks like the SF hasn't happened yet.

[lenny97]

https://spaceflightnow.com/2021/11/29/weather-forecast-favorable-for-spacex-launch-this-week/

Looks like the SF hasn't happened yet.

We are also missing the L-2 Weather Forecast... Is it me or hasn't it been published?

[Ken the Bin]

https://spaceflightnow.com/2021/11/29/weather-forecast-favorable-for-spacex-launch-this-week/

Looks like the SF hasn't happened yet.

We are also missing the L-2 Weather Forecast... Is it me or hasn't it been published?

The 45th Weather Squadron did not publicly post an L-2 weather forecast.

L-1 weather forecast.  >90% 'Go' for Wednesday UTC/EST.  90% 'Go' for Thursday UTC/EST.  All Additional Risk Criteria are Low for both days.

[scr00chy]

Two BlackSky sats will hitch a ride on this mission.

https://spaceflight.com/sxrs-2-were-taking-blacksky-to-space-again/

[scr00chy]

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) have been canceled for tomorrow, indicating the Starlink Group 4-3 mission is delayed. Restrictions remain in place for Thursday evening.

https://twitter.com/TGMetsFan98/status/1465784374545293314

[gongora]

one day slip in latest NOTMAR

302008Z NOV 21
NAVAREA IV 1077/21(11,12,26).
WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC.
FLORIDA.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING
   022157Z TO 030044Z DEC, ALTERNATE
   032135Z TO 040022Z, 042112Z TO 042359Z,
   052049Z TO 052336Z, 062027Z TO 062314Z,
   072004Z TO 072251Z AND 081941Z TO 082228Z DEC
   IN AREAS BOUND BY:
   A. 28-37-13N 080-36-16W, 29-12-00N 079-53-00W,
      29-07-00N 079-49-00W, 28-35-00N 080-22-00W,
      28-29-10N 080-32-24W.
   B. 31-39-00N 077-20-00W, 33-15-00N 075-57-00W,
      33-45-00N 074-46-00W, 33-27-00N 074-14-00W,
      32-33-00N 074-39-00W, 31-25-00N 077-06-00W.
2. CANCEL NAVAREA IV 1061/21.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 082328Z DEC 21.

[Ken the Bin]

The new Space Debris has now also been issued.

302058Z NOV 21
HYDROPAC 3446/21(61,75,76).
INDIAN OCEAN.
WESTERN SOUTH PACIFIC.
DNC 03, DNC 04, DNC 05.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, SPACE DEBRIS
   030009Z TO 030229Z DEC, ALTERNATE
   032347Z TO 040207Z, 042324Z TO 050144Z,
   052301Z TO 060121Z, 062239Z TO 070059Z,
   072216Z TO 080036Z AND 082153Z TO 090013Z DEC
   IN AREA BOUND BY
   29-43S 060-07E, 24-55S 064-27E,
   38-45S 084-30E, 45-12S 099-45E,
   49-46S 119-13E, 50-42S 138-19E,
   48-50S 156-44E, 51-46S 158-08E,
   54-42S 148-32E, 56-20S 131-03E,
   55-52S 107-50E, 49-11S 085-05E,
   34-32S 064-13E.
2. CANCEL HYDROPAC 3415/21.
3. CANCEL THIS MSG 090113Z DEC 21.

[Rondaz]

ASOG droneship has arrived at the LZ and support ship Bob is closing in fast. Seems like they might have a few days to wait.

https://twitter.com/SpaceOffshore/status/1465785213599027208

[ZachS09]

I hope the delay’s not due to extra preflight checks needed.

[zubenelgenubi]

No pics, even low resolution, of the rocket on the pad? (my bold)

https://spaceflightnow.com/2021/11/29/weather-forecast-favorable-for-spacex-launch-this-week/

SpaceX rolled out the Falcon 9 rocket for the next Starlink mission from its hangar Monday and erected it vertical on pad 40. A static fire test is planned as soon as Monday night, when SpaceX’s launch engineers will oversee the loading of kerosene and liquid oxygen into the two-stage rocket for a brief on-pad firing of the Falcon 9’s Merlin main engines.

Also, we'll see how soon the launch is after a successful Static Fire.  NLT December 1 evening EST for a December 2 evening EST launch?


If 53 Starlink satellites is the default number per launch from Florida to this orbital inclination, how many less Starlinks will there be to accommodate the BlackSky satellites?

1 to 1 correspondence?

Perhaps no decrease in Starlinks?

Two BlackSky sats will hitch a ride on this mission.

https://spaceflight.com/sxrs-2-were-taking-blacksky-to-space-again/
[dated November 30]

[vaporcobra]

No pics, even low resolution, of the rocket on the pad? (my bold)

https://twitter.com/DerekdotSpace/status/1465768007704195077

[zubenelgenubi]

Further clarification of December 2 launch time from November 30 update of https://nextspaceflight.com/
= 2 Dec 22:57 UTC = 5:57 pm EST

[Galactic Penguin SST]

Further clarification of December 2 launch time from November 30 update of https://nextspaceflight.com/
= 2 Dec 22:57 UTC = 5:57 pm EST

Sorry for the confusion, I made this very edit in their system based on this post above, specifically the observation that the original launch time for December 1 was confirmed to be correct. Also Ben Cooper lists December 2 ~6pm EST on his site which seems to correlate to that as well.

NGA "Rocket Launching" notice for this launch.  No sign of an associated "Space Debris" notice for the stage 2 reentry.

Estimated  launch times:
Primary Day = Wednesday, December 1 at ~23:20 UTC (~18:20 EST).
Backup Day #1 = Thursday, December 2 at ~22:57 UTC (~17:57 EST).
Backup Day #2 = Friday, December 3 at ~22:35 UTC (~17:35 EST).
Backup Day #3 = Saturday, December 4 at ~22:12 UTC (~17:12 EST).
Backup Day #4 = Sunday, December 5 at ~21:49 UTC (~16:49 EST).
Backup Day #5 = Monday, December 6 at ~21:27 UTC (~16:27 EST).
Backup Day #6 = Tuesday, December 7 at ~21:04 UTC (~16:04 EST).
Backup Day #7 = Wednesday, December 8 at ~20:41 UTC (~15:41 EST).

261002Z NOV 21
NAVAREA IV 1061/21(11,12,26).
WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC.
FLORIDA.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING
   012220Z TO 020107Z DEC, ALTERNATE
   022157Z TO 030044Z, 032135Z TO 040022Z,
   042112Z TO 042359Z, 052049Z TO 052336Z,
   062027Z TO 062314Z, 072004Z TO 072251Z
   AND 081941Z TO 082228Z DEC
   IN AREAS BOUND BY:
   A. 28-37-13N 080-36-16W, 29-12-00N 079-53-00W,
      29-07-00N 079-49-00W, 28-35-00N 080-22-00W,
      28-29-10N 080-32-24W.
   B. 31-39-00N 077-20-00W, 33-15-00N 075-57-00W,
      33-45-00N 074-46-00W, 33-27-00N 074-14-00W,
      32-33-00N 074-39-00W, 31-25-00N 077-06-00W.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 082328Z DEC 21.

[zubenelgenubi]

The NextSpaceflight information may have been posted after the NOTAM. No harm, no foul!

[scr00chy]

New weather report confirms the launch is currently scheduled for Dec 2, 22:57 UTC.

[ZachS09]

Two BlackSky satellites hitching ride on SpaceX Starlink mission
https://spaceflightnow.com/2021/11/30/two-blacksky-satellites-hitching-ride-on-spacex-starlink-mission/

[zubenelgenubi]

Two BlackSky satellites hitching ride on SpaceX Starlink mission
https://spaceflightnow.com/2021/11/30/two-blacksky-satellites-hitching-ride-on-spacex-starlink-mission/

Noting article lists launch date as NET December 2, and launch time on December 2 at 23:28 UTC.

The article is dated November 30, as is the same information in the most recent update of the SFN Launch Schedule.

Which time is most current and correct?

[Orbiter]

I wonder if this will produce the "jellyfish" effect like on Crew-2 and Inspiration4?  22:57 UTC is about 30 minutes after sunset.

[zubenelgenubi]

one day slip in latest NOTMAR

Noting from this that if this launch were sufficiently delayed, it could go within hours of either the STP-3 Atlas launch or the IXPE Falcon 9 launch from LC-39A.

Ain't technology great?!

[Ken the Bin]

Two BlackSky satellites hitching ride on SpaceX Starlink mission
https://spaceflightnow.com/2021/11/30/two-blacksky-satellites-hitching-ride-on-spacex-starlink-mission/

Noting article lists launch date as NET December 2, and launch time on December 2 at 23:28 UTC.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Center has that also.  At this point I'm sticking with my estimated time of 22:57.  That's consistent with the NGA, FAA, and 45th Weather Squadron information (though 23:28 does also fall within the warning periods).

[gongora]

I'll assume for the moment that this means 46 Starlinks and 2 BlackSky.  Could also mean 48 Starlinks and 2 BlackSky?

https://twitter.com/TSKelso/status/1466135013875798019

CelesTrak has pre-launch SupTLEs for the @SpaceX #Starlink Group 4-3 launch set for Dec 2 at 2312 UTC. Deployment of 48 satellites is set to occur 2021-12-03 00:41:43.01 UTC.

[zubenelgenubi]

Any indications of a Static Fire this evening or overnight?

[Ken the Bin]

I'll assume for the moment that this means 46 Starlinks and 2 BlackSky.  Could also mean 48 Starlinks and 2 BlackSky?

https://twitter.com/TSKelso/status/1466135013875798019

CelesTrak has pre-launch SupTLEs for the @SpaceX #Starlink Group 4-3 launch set for Dec 2 at 2312 UTC. Deployment of 48 satellites is set to occur 2021-12-03 00:41:43.01 UTC.

The tweet only references Starlink, so my guess is 48 Starlinks and 2 BlackSky.

[crandles57]

I'll assume for the moment that this means 46 Starlinks and 2 BlackSky.  Could also mean 48 Starlinks and 2 BlackSky?

The tweet only references Starlink, so my guess is 48 Starlinks and 2 BlackSky.

Starlink v1 L9 took 2 blacksky and 57 Starlink Sat so only lost 3 Starlink v1 compared to normal 60.

48 would mean losing 5 V1.5 Sats, while 46 would mean losing 7 V1.5 Sats (compared to Starlink 4-1 doing 53 to this inclination).

5 seems a lot let alone 7, so I would guess 48 Starlink Sats, but it is just a guess - quite possible that different orbits are much more demanding this time.

[RocketLover0119]

T-20 vent occurring. Static fire at 6:30pm local.

Credit: SpaceflightNow

[RocketLover0119]

TE is retracting. 4 minutes to ignition!

[RocketLover0119]

Static fire complete!

Credit: SpaceflightNow

[zubenelgenubi]

NSF Fleetcam also pointed at SLC-40 for the Static Fire.

[zubenelgenubi]

CelesTrak has pre-launch SupTLEs for the @SpaceX #Starlink Group 4-3 launch set for Dec 2 at 2312 UTC. Deployment of 48 satellites is set to occur 2021-12-03 00:41:43.01 UTC.

SFN Launch Schedule is further updated today with launch at December 2, 23:12 UTC, matching TS Kelso.

Launch Photography Launch Viewing Guide December 1 update also lists December 2, 23:12 UTC.

Ditto now from NextSpaceflight.

No ID yet on the Falcon 9 first stage.


Edit Dec 2: Soyuz launch delayed 23 hours, 56 minutes.

A pair of Galileo satellites are scheduled to launch aboard a Soyuz from Kourou on December 3 at 00:27 UTC, 75 minutes later.

[crandles57]

https://spaceexplored.com/2021/12/01/spacex-to-launch-another-batch-of-starlink-v1-5-satellites/
 says booster 1060

[Conexion Espacial]

SpaceX confirmation for tonight's launch
https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1466440518271832064

[TrueBlueWitt]

It keeps getting harder to find links to the SpaceX YouTube feeds for these launches. I'm struggling to find a link for the NSF feed for this (will there be one?) as well.  Anyone have the links?

[Conexion Espacial]

It keeps getting harder to find links to the SpaceX YouTube feeds for these launches. I'm struggling to find a link for the NSF feed for this (will there be one?) as well.  Anyone have the links?

SpaceX mission and broadcast information will be posted soon on the SpaceX website.

[gongora]

It keeps getting harder to find links to the SpaceX YouTube feeds for these launches. I'm struggling to find a link for the NSF feed for this (will there be one?) as well.  Anyone have the links?

The NSF feed hasn't been created yet, our broadcast should start at 5:30pm EST (22:30 UTC).  I've never had a problem finding the SpaceX feed closer to the launch time.

[TrueBlueWitt]

It keeps getting harder to find links to the SpaceX YouTube feeds for these launches. I'm struggling to find a link for the NSF feed for this (will there be one?) as well.  Anyone have the links?

The NSF feed hasn't been created yet, our broadcast should start at 5:30pm EST (22:30 UTC).  I've never had a problem finding the SpaceX feed closer to the launch time.

Was trying to send to a friend ahead of time, that's why I asked.

Very much dislike that YouTube no longer prioritizes live streams in search and usually pushes clickbait try the top. Ugh

[lenny97]

Official Livestreaming:



Also, confirmed B1060-9 on SpaceX website.

[Conexion Espacial]

SpaceX confirms that the Falcon 9 flying on this mission is B1060.9

The Falcon 9 first stage booster supporting this mission previously launched GPS III-3, Turksat 5A, Transporter-2, and five Starlink missions. Following stage separation, SpaceX will land Falcon 9’s first stage on the A Shortfall of Gravitas droneship, which will be stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.

[zubenelgenubi]

https://spaceexplored.com/2021/12/01/spacex-to-launch-another-batch-of-starlink-v1-5-satellites/
 says booster 1060

Good scoop!

[Conexion Espacial]

https://spaceexplored.com/2021/12/01/spacex-to-launch-another-batch-of-starlink-v1-5-satellites/
 says booster 1060

Good scoop!

The truth, looking at the upcoming missions and the boosters that are ready or almost ready, it was the most obvious, the other optional boosters have few flights and are the ones that will be used in the last three important missions of 2021.

[alugobi]

It keeps getting harder to find links to the SpaceX YouTube feeds for these launches. I'm struggling to find a link for the NSF feed for this (will there be one?) as well.  Anyone have the links?

Just bookmark this link.

It will open either the most recent launch, or the one upcoming, when SX makes it available.

[Rondaz]

A busy December on the space coast begins tonight with the Starlink Group 4-3 mission. 48 Starlink satellites and 2 BlackSky Global rideshares will launch from SLC-40 at 6:12 PM EST (23:12 UTC).

https://twitter.com/TGMetsFan98/status/1466491507758837762

[Ken the Bin]

It keeps getting harder to find links to the SpaceX YouTube feeds for these launches. I'm struggling to find a link for the NSF feed for this (will there be one?) as well.  Anyone have the links?

Just bookmark this link.

It will open either the most recent launch, or the one upcoming, when SX makes it available.

That's old URL, which automatically redirects to the new one: https://www.spacex.com/launches/

[soltasto]

Captured "press kit" with OCR

[Ken the Bin]

Mission Control Audio (video id S5gTjYvUO7g):

[Steven Pietrobon]

SpaceX coverage has started.

[Steven Pietrobon]

T-10 minutes. ASOG at sea.

[zubenelgenubi]

NSF live coverage:

[Steven Pietrobon]

T-5 minutes.

[zubenelgenubi]

Have the two BlackSky satellites been identified?

[Steven Pietrobon]

T-2 minutes. They haven't said what the Blacksky satellites are.

[Steven Pietrobon]

T-1 minute. Falcon 9 is in startup.

[Steven Pietrobon]

Liftoff!

[Steven Pietrobon]

T+1 minute.

[Steven Pietrobon]

T+2 minutes.

[Steven Pietrobon]

First stage separation.

[Steven Pietrobon]

Fairing separation.

[Steven Pietrobon]

T+5 minutes.

[Steven Pietrobon]

Entry burn.

[Steven Pietrobon]

Landing burn.

[Steven Pietrobon]

Touchdown!

[Steven Pietrobon]

Second stage cutoff. Nominal orbital insertion.

[Steven Pietrobon]

Orbit views. Satellite deployments begin at T+1:03:43.

[zubenelgenubi]

Any mention of launch time to the second?
Milliseconds would be even better.

[Steven Pietrobon]

There is a second burn at apogee as indicated by the SECO-2 (second engine cutoff) on the timeline below. Unfortunately, the press kit does not give the times of the ignition and cutoff, but they look to be about four minutes before the Blacksky satellites are deployed.

[Jim]

Saw the entry burn from Merritt Island.  Clear night and we were on a bridge

[Rondaz]

There goes the #Falcon9 with another group of #Starlink sats for #SpaceX! An absolute gorgeous evening for the launch! 2
@BlackSky_Inc sats also joined for the ride to orbit!

https://twitter.com/RDAnglePhoto/status/1466559469710544897

[Rondaz]

Beachside view of Falcon 9 launching the Starlink 4-3 rideshare mission.

https://twitter.com/julia_bergeron/status/1466551141609652231

[Rondaz]

My first launch after the accident. SpaceX Starlink 4-3

https://twitter.com/JennyHPhoto/status/1466549232895209473

[Steven Pietrobon]

Second ignition in next minute.

[Steven Pietrobon]

Second ignition and cutoff. Good orbit.

[Steven Pietrobon]

Mention of satellite mass of 500 lb (227 kg).

[Steven Pietrobon]

Global 12 payload deploy confirmed.

[Steven Pietrobon]

Global 13 payload deploy confirmed. First satellite can be seen above Starlink satellites.

[Steven Pietrobon]

Last view before LOS. Can't see the second satellite yet. Starlink deployment is at T+1:29:28 in about 18 minutes.

[Steven Pietrobon]

One minute to Starlink separation.

[Steven Pietrobon]

Expected time of separation. No confirmation yet.

[Steven Pietrobon]

Separation confirmed!

[Steven Pietrobon]

AOS and view of deployed satellites.

Congratulations to SpaceX and Starlink for the successful launch!

[zubenelgenubi]

Thank you, Steven!

And another great job by our NSF webcast team!

[JuaniX]

Any mention of launch time to the second?
Milliseconds would be even better.

This is the best I've found so far:
https://spaceflightnow.com/2021/12/02/falcon-9-starlink-4-3-mission-status-center/

T-minus 90 seconds and counting. Everything is on track for liftoff of the Falcon 9 rocket at 6:12:00 p.m. EST (2312:00 GMT). The Falcon 9 is confirmed on internal power at this time.

But I suspect deviations happen even when everything is on track, right? Small perturbations, let's call them. =P So, if anyone knows of the actual launch time, I'd be very grateful.

[ZachS09]

Based on T.S. Kelso's tweet regarding the Starlink separation time at 00:41:43 UTC on December 3rd, I subtracted that by the mission duration of 1 hour, 29 minutes, 28 seconds.

As a result, I got 23:12:15 UTC (6:12:15 PM EST).

[Rondaz]

Deployment of BlackSky satellites confirmed

https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1466562877649604612

Deployment of 48 Starlink satellites confirmed

https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1466569300492259329

[scr00chy]

Have the two BlackSky satellites been identified?

Global-12 and Global-13

https://twitter.com/planet4589/status/1466562944448311299

[SPKirsch]

https://twitter.com/TGMetsFan98/status/1466569540914008068

Starlink separation confirmed! 48 new Starlink satellites in orbit, plus a pair of BlackSky rideshares, after a successful launch and landing by Falcon 9!

Updated article: https://nasaspaceflight.com/2021/12/spacex-busy-december-starlink/

Photo: @spacecoast_stve for @NASASpaceflight

[zubenelgenubi]

Mention was made during the SpaceX webcast that both fairing halves are new.

[Rondaz]

Here is the newly launched Starlink satellite batch as it appeared a half hour ago from Joshua Tree. This was about half a degree long in the sky, about the apparent diameter of the full Moon.

https://twitter.com/DDAVISSPACEART/status/1466604176935321600

[Orbiter]

My shot of tonight's launch. Had it been ten minutes earlier it would've been quite the spectacle!

[scr00chy]

Launch photos from Ben Cooper and SpaceX website

https://twitter.com/LaunchPhoto/status/1466591984131268611

[MarekCyzio]

It was a beautiful launch. My photo.

[SPKirsch]

https://mobile.twitter.com/TSKelso/status/1466663692540407815

[hektor]

It was a beautiful launch. My photo.

Looks like you took it from the Rising Tide.

[clongton]

Unless I miscounted, I believe that SpaceX has now successfully landed 10 more launch vehicles than the total number of Atlas-Vs that have flown.

[RocketLover0119]

Had wonderful viewing of the launch from Tampa last night. Condolences in advance for the crappy phone pics.

First 3 pics are of ascent, final pic is stage 1 entry burn 

[Rondaz]

Mysterious lights were seen over north Indian states and videos shared on social media. Defence sources confirm it was a satellite, earlier media reports say it is Elon Musk-led ‘Starlink’ satellites.

https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1466802461054627841

[SPKirsch]

https://mobile.twitter.com/julia_bergeron/status/1466894322641649674

ASOG and Finn are still at the Starlink landing zone prepping for departure. Unsure if it's weather or Octagrabber challenges. I guess we'll have to see if chains are involved upon return. B1058 for reference.

[OneSpeed]

Here is a comparison of the mission telemetry from Starlink L9 and 4-3.

1. Both missions deployed two 57kg BlackSky satellites as ride-shares.
2. L9 had a payload of 57 260kg Starlink satellites, whilst 4-3 had 48, a significant difference.
3. L9 was intended to deploy to 400 x 380km at 53° inclination, whilst 4-3 flew to 440 x 425km at 53.22°, a difference of some 12m/s.
4. If we made the crude assumption that the difference in the number of Starlink satellites was purely due to the difference in mass between the V1.0 and 1.5 versions, then that would make each Starlink 1.5 310kg.
5. Perhaps the real value is closer to 300kg?

[vaporcobra]

Here is a comparison of the mission telemetry from Starlink L9 and 4-3.

1. Both missions deployed two 57kg BlackSky satellites as ride-shares.
2. L9 had a payload of 57 260kg Starlink satellites, whilst 4-3 had 48, a significant difference.
3. L9 was intended to deploy to 400 x 380km at 53° inclination, whilst 4-3 flew to 440 x 425km at 53.22°, a difference of some 12m/s.
4. If we made the crude assumption that the difference in the number of Starlink satellites was purely due to the difference in mass between the V1.0 and 1.5 versions, then that would make each Starlink 1.5 310kg.
5. Perhaps the real value is closer to 300kg?

Unless SpaceX shaved a lot of mass off the payload adapter or something else changed, Starlink 4-1 is the key as a more or less 1:1 point of comparison with all non-rideshare V1.0 launches. If ~15,600 kg(60*260) is the max Starlink payload, 4-1 strongly implies that V1.5 satellites weigh ~295 kg.

There's no logical performance-based explanation for why SpaceX removed 5x295 kg satellites for 4-3 but 3x260kg sats for L9's virtually identical mission profile. I doubt the extra ~12 m/s of dV explains 4-3's apparent 660 kg payload reduction (4-5%) relative to V1 L9. Almost makes me think that SpaceX was two satellites short (or two sats had to be withdrawn right before or after stacking) but decided to launch on time rather than delaying Blacksky's launch to wait for replacements.

[Elthiryel]

Group 4-1 was supposed to be deployed in 339 x 212 km orbit according to pre-launch SupTLEs, while Group 4-3 was deployed in 440 x 425 km orbit (no difference in inclination, 53.2 deg). I don't know the dV difference (and the resulting mass-to-orbit difference) between these orbits, but this may be another reason.

EDIT: V9 was supposed to be deployed in 401 x 388 km orbit, it's a bit lower, but I'm not really sure it's enough for this mass difference.

[Rondaz]

ASOG and Finn are still at the Starlink landing zone prepping for departure. Unsure if it's weather or Octagrabber challenges. I guess we'll have to see if chains are involved upon return. B1058 for reference.

https://twitter.com/julia_bergeron/status/1466894322641649674

[kdhilliard]

Separation confirmed!

"Starlink separation confirmed" callout at T+1:31:54 (1h46m49s in the webcast), moments before "Acquisition of Signal, South Texas" is announced.

At T+1:32:31 (1h47m26s in the webcast) we got a 10 second view from the +X facing camera, showing the train of Starlink satellites nearly hidden in the lens flare.  At T+01:33:04 (1h47m59s in the webcast) we get another 17 seconds from that camera, showing a few of the satellites silhouetted against the Earth.

[Rondaz]

ASOG droneship is progressing well towards Florida. Estimating arrival on Tuesday.

https://twitter.com/SpaceOffshore/status/1467303170808365056

[catdlr]

SpaceX - Starlink 4-3 - Tracked Over 2200 Miles

Incredibly clear evening. Ed has never tracked this far away before. He followed stage two until the first burn cutoff. If anyone knows how far away from Pad 40 too second stage engine cutoff, please let us know. Just did the math for 8 minutes at 17000 mph. Did not include the first one minute 9 seconds.

[Rondaz]

Welcome back to Port Canaveral Bob! It appears that two fairing halves have been retrieved from the recent Starlink 4-3 mission.

https://twitter.com/julia_bergeron/status/1467668403288690694

[Rondaz]

Bob put some pep in their step towards Port Canaveral. It looks like they'll do a fairing dump and run to get back out for IXPE fairing recovery to meet Doug who is progressing towards the Eastern LZ with JRTI. Finn is still a ways out with ASOG and B1060.

https://twitter.com/julia_bergeron/status/1467617114534068231

[Rondaz]

Arrival! Bob has returned to Port Canaveral with two intact fairing halves from the latest Starlink mission.

https://twitter.com/SpaceOffshore/status/1467668397949399043

[Rondaz]

Bob has returned to Port Canaveral with the fairing halves from the latest starlink and they appear to be intact.

https://twitter.com/Kyle_M_Photo/status/1467668320824475654

[Rondaz]

Estimating around dawn on Tuesday

https://twitter.com/SpaceOffshore/status/1467713095753732097

[Rondaz]

They already started pulling off the tarps, they might be offloading the fairings soon.

https://twitter.com/Kyle_M_Photo/status/1467674841142734854

[Rondaz]

The first fairing half has been lifted off of Bob

https://twitter.com/Kyle_M_Photo/status/1467701432610607104

[Rondaz]

The second fairing half has be lifted off of Bob.

https://twitter.com/Kyle_M_Photo/status/1467715135657713670

[Rondaz]

The crane is now in its stowed position, Bob should be departing soon to catcth up with Doug for IXPE.

https://twitter.com/Kyle_M_Photo/status/1467717447528718336

[Rondaz]

ASOG droneship is closing in on Port Canaveral. They should be just offshore by 10pm ET tonight but they will generally wait until early the following morning, around sunrise, to enter.

https://twitter.com/SpaceOffshore/status/1467868095402369027

[Rondaz]

I'm tired. Should be asleep. Instead, I'm operating Fleetcam cause @SpaceXFleet is nowhere to be found at his computer!

https://twitter.com/nextspaceflight/status/1468180714466078723

[Rondaz]

Welcome to Port Canaveral!

Finn Falgout has returned with A Shortfall of Gravitas and B1060 bringing the Starlink 4-3 mission to an end.

https://twitter.com/julia_bergeron/status/1468181718712659971

[Rondaz]

Oh THERE it is!

https://twitter.com/SpaceOffshore/status/1468296802298388485

[Rondaz]

It's so great to see a booster in Port again! B1060-9 arrived in the fog yesterday morning, but the sunset made beautiful lighting.

https://twitter.com/JennyHPhoto/status/1468580866980995079

[Rondaz]

It's leg day in Port Canaveral.

https://twitter.com/julia_bergeron/status/1468986958097653770

[Rondaz]

leg retraction ongoing with B1060.

https://twitter.com/SpaceOffshore/status/1468971705372590081

[Rondaz]

The final landing leg has been retracted. Next up is lifting it off the drone ship.

https://twitter.com/Cygnusx112/status/1469025872984383497

[Rondaz]

Well that was the most amazing moment of my life

https://twitter.com/SpaceOffshore/status/1469338483013660683