1807-EX-ST-2023 Mission 2102 Starlink Group 8-1 from SLC-4EASDS North 29 52 50 West 116 45 3[NET Sep 25 2023/NLT Mar 25 2024]
Cross-post regarding first Starlink Group 8 launch:Quote from: gongora on 09/04/2023 06:41 pm1807-EX-ST-2023 Mission 2102 Starlink Group 8-1 from SLC-4EASDS North 29 52 50 West 116 45 3[NET Sep 25]
1807-EX-ST-2023 Mission 2102 Starlink Group 8-1 from SLC-4EASDS North 29 52 50 West 116 45 3[NET Sep 25]
https://www.fly.faa.gov/adv/adv_spt.jspQuoteSPACEX STARLINK 7-5 VANDENBERG SFB, CAPRIMARY : 10/21/23 0619Z-1039ZBACKUP: 10/22/23 0558Z-1017Z 10/23/23 0536Z-0956Z 10/24/23 0515Z-0934Z 10/25/23 0453Z-0912Z
SPACEX STARLINK 7-5 VANDENBERG SFB, CAPRIMARY : 10/21/23 0619Z-1039ZBACKUP: 10/22/23 0558Z-1017Z 10/23/23 0536Z-0956Z 10/24/23 0515Z-0934Z 10/25/23 0453Z-0912Z
Cross-post re: Starlink 7-5:Quote from: realnouns on 10/17/2023 07:43 pmhttps://www.fly.faa.gov/adv/adv_spt.jspQuoteSPACEX STARLINK 7-5 VANDENBERG SFB, CAPRIMARY : 10/21/23 0619Z-1039ZBACKUP: 10/22/23 0558Z-1017Z 10/23/23 0536Z-0956Z 10/24/23 0515Z-0934Z 10/25/23 0453Z-0912ZThis pushes Starlink 8-1 to NET November. I have seen no notice, beyond that noted in the opening posts, of when it will occur.
Quote from: raptorx2 on 12/02/2023 12:10 amBREAKING NEWS! FCC Approves in Part, Defers in Part SpaceX's Feb. 07, 2023 application to provide "Commercial" Direct 2 Device service. Providing SpaceX with "First Mover Advantage" in the D2D marketplaceSATMOD2023020700021https://twitter.com/FREESPEECH1017/status/1730772350646526400QuoteMore on SpaceX D2D "Scope of Grant"The most important. "Authority to Launch"This Grant authorizes SpaceX for the Launch of "Modified" satellites (up to 7,500 Gen. 2) into the three authorized Gen. 2 orbital parameters and allows "limited on-orbit check out in the PCS G Block of the satellite buss and antenna deployment for a period of 10 days or less. This authority does not permit LEOP operations. Only the initial 10 day check out period on orbit.This authorization was the first necessary step in the process. You can not authorize the "launch of satellites" on a STA. So this is the purpose of this License Grant. SpaceX will need to perform LEOP operations shortly after the payloads are past the initial checkout period. That is where the new STA SpaceX applied for today 12/01 comes into play.SES-STA-INTR2023-06753"SpaceX will conduct its payload testing activities during the launch and early orbit phase (“LEOP”) of the satellites’ mission. During the critical check-out phase, which will begin within hours of launch at an altitude between 290 km and 350 km—depending on the particulars of the specific launch—and will continue for several weeks for each satellite, SpaceX will test the functionality of each direct-to-cellular payload and its network capabilities to ensure that they are operating as intended. Permitting this initial, internal LEOP check-out testing over several weeks (or longer as necessary) for each satellite is critical to assess and address issues as they arise."Then eventually they will transition to the previously filed STA on October 2nd. for wide-spread testing with TMobile.SAT-STA-20231002-00240"Direct-to-cell STA to launch and test its non-geostationary orbit NGSO second generation Gen2 satellites with direct-to-cellular communications payloads to connect unmodified cellular phones directly to SpaceX Gen2 satellites"Every D2D operator that will provide service to the US will require authority to launch from the FCC.https://twitter.com/FREESPEECH1017/status/1730971108495823025QuoteCorrect. 10 days, then the STA will be approved fo[r] LEOP testing, 30 days, renewable. The take away is, you can't launch on a STA. Because you can not easily "unlaunch them" if the STA is not renewed. Watch for a series of filings next week for D2D missions @FCC. I suspect that the 800 satellite number will include at least 1 Starship launch.Edit/add: zubenelgenubi
BREAKING NEWS! FCC Approves in Part, Defers in Part SpaceX's Feb. 07, 2023 application to provide "Commercial" Direct 2 Device service. Providing SpaceX with "First Mover Advantage" in the D2D marketplaceSATMOD2023020700021
More on SpaceX D2D "Scope of Grant"The most important. "Authority to Launch"This Grant authorizes SpaceX for the Launch of "Modified" satellites (up to 7,500 Gen. 2) into the three authorized Gen. 2 orbital parameters and allows "limited on-orbit check out in the PCS G Block of the satellite buss and antenna deployment for a period of 10 days or less. This authority does not permit LEOP operations. Only the initial 10 day check out period on orbit.This authorization was the first necessary step in the process. You can not authorize the "launch of satellites" on a STA. So this is the purpose of this License Grant. SpaceX will need to perform LEOP operations shortly after the payloads are past the initial checkout period. That is where the new STA SpaceX applied for today 12/01 comes into play.SES-STA-INTR2023-06753"SpaceX will conduct its payload testing activities during the launch and early orbit phase (“LEOP”) of the satellites’ mission. During the critical check-out phase, which will begin within hours of launch at an altitude between 290 km and 350 km—depending on the particulars of the specific launch—and will continue for several weeks for each satellite, SpaceX will test the functionality of each direct-to-cellular payload and its network capabilities to ensure that they are operating as intended. Permitting this initial, internal LEOP check-out testing over several weeks (or longer as necessary) for each satellite is critical to assess and address issues as they arise."Then eventually they will transition to the previously filed STA on October 2nd. for wide-spread testing with TMobile.SAT-STA-20231002-00240"Direct-to-cell STA to launch and test its non-geostationary orbit NGSO second generation Gen2 satellites with direct-to-cellular communications payloads to connect unmodified cellular phones directly to SpaceX Gen2 satellites"Every D2D operator that will provide service to the US will require authority to launch from the FCC.
Correct. 10 days, then the STA will be approved fo[r] LEOP testing, 30 days, renewable. The take away is, you can't launch on a STA. Because you can not easily "unlaunch them" if the STA is not renewed. Watch for a series of filings next week for D2D missions @FCC. I suspect that the 800 satellite number will include at least 1 Starship launch.
Quote from: raptorx2 on 12/02/2023 12:10 amBREAKING NEWS! FCC Approves in Part, Defers in Part SpaceX's Feb. 07, 2023 application to provide "Commercial" Direct 2 Device service. Providing SpaceX with "First Mover Advantage" in the D2D marketplace<snip>So we will get notice of the Starlink Group 8-1 launch soon.
BREAKING NEWS! FCC Approves in Part, Defers in Part SpaceX's Feb. 07, 2023 application to provide "Commercial" Direct 2 Device service. Providing SpaceX with "First Mover Advantage" in the D2D marketplace<snip>
Scheduled:Date - Satellite(s) - Rocket - Launch Site - Time (UTC)2024NET December 2023 Q1 - Starlink group 8-1 (x21) flight ?? [V2 Mini L??] - Falcon 9 (OCISLY) - Vandenberg SLC-4EChanges on December 21st
Looks like Group 8 flights will launch from Eastern Range.
Only 1 launch slot available on or around March 22nd.SpaceX applied for 7-18 - 7-23 from Vandenberg today. Looks like Group 8 flights will launch from Eastern Range.
Starlink 7-17 successfully launched earlier today [Mar 11] UTC. Is [Starlink 7-16] the next Vandenberg Falcon 9 launch, or Starlink 8-1?
And…7-18 is next, NET early March 28 UTC.
Confirmed: https://www.spacex.com/launches/mission/?missionId=sl-7-18QuoteSpaceX is targeting no earlier than Friday, March 29 for a Falcon 9 launch of 22 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Liftoff is targeted for 7:30 p.m. PT, with backup opportunities available until 11:30 p.m. PT.https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1773545771570180605QuoteStanding down from tonight’s Falcon 9 launch of @Starlink. Targeting no earlier than Friday, March 29 for liftoff.
SpaceX is targeting no earlier than Friday, March 29 for a Falcon 9 launch of 22 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Liftoff is targeted for 7:30 p.m. PT, with backup opportunities available until 11:30 p.m. PT.
Standing down from tonight’s Falcon 9 launch of @Starlink. Targeting no earlier than Friday, March 29 for liftoff.
Some NOTAMs have started to appear for this (2nd stage re-entry zone); NET early April 4 UTC. ...
https://www.spacex.com/launches/mission/?missionId=sl-7-18QuoteSpaceX is targeting no earlier than Saturday, March 30 for a Falcon 9 launch of 22 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Liftoff is targeted for 7:30 p.m. PT, with backup opportunities available until 11:30 p.m. PT. If needed, additional opportunities are also available on Sunday, March 31 starting at 7:30 p.m. PT.
SpaceX is targeting no earlier than Saturday, March 30 for a Falcon 9 launch of 22 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Liftoff is targeted for 7:30 p.m. PT, with backup opportunities available until 11:30 p.m. PT. If needed, additional opportunities are also available on Sunday, March 31 starting at 7:30 p.m. PT.
https://twitter.com/spacex/status/1774306219219689959QuoteDue to unfavorable weather, we are standing down from tonight's Falcon 9 launch of @Starlink from California. Vehicle and payload remain healthy. Teams continue to keep an eye on the weather as they work toward the next best opportunity for liftoff – we will announce a new launch date once confirmed on the Range.
Due to unfavorable weather, we are standing down from tonight's Falcon 9 launch of @Starlink from California. Vehicle and payload remain healthy. Teams continue to keep an eye on the weather as they work toward the next best opportunity for liftoff – we will announce a new launch date once confirmed on the Range.
QuoteNow targeting Monday, April 1 for Falcon 9 to launch @Starlink satellites to orbit → http://spacex.com/launcheshttps://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1774495199726805350QuoteSpaceX is targeting Monday, April 1 for a Falcon 9 launch of 22 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Liftoff is targeted for 7:30 p.m. PT, with backup opportunities available until 11:30 p.m. PT. If needed, additional opportunities are also available on Tuesday, April 2 starting at 7:30 p.m. PT.https://www.spacex.com/launches/mission/?missionId=sl-7-18
Now targeting Monday, April 1 for Falcon 9 to launch @Starlink satellites to orbit → http://spacex.com/launches
SpaceX is targeting Monday, April 1 for a Falcon 9 launch of 22 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Liftoff is targeted for 7:30 p.m. PT, with backup opportunities available until 11:30 p.m. PT. If needed, additional opportunities are also available on Tuesday, April 2 starting at 7:30 p.m. PT.
Launch likely delayed to NET April 8:Quote from: GewoonLukas_ on 03/31/2024 05:56 pmQuoteNow targeting Monday, April 1 for Falcon 9 to launch @Starlink satellites to orbit → http://spacex.com/launchesQuoteSpaceX is targeting Monday, April 1 for a Falcon 9 launch of 22 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Liftoff is targeted for 7:30 p.m. PT, with backup opportunities available until 11:30 p.m. PT. If needed, additional opportunities are also available on Tuesday, April 2 starting at 7:30 p.m. PT.https://www.spacex.com/launches/mission/?missionId=sl-7-18
QuoteNow targeting Monday, April 1 for Falcon 9 to launch @Starlink satellites to orbit → http://spacex.com/launchesQuoteSpaceX is targeting Monday, April 1 for a Falcon 9 launch of 22 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Liftoff is targeted for 7:30 p.m. PT, with backup opportunities available until 11:30 p.m. PT. If needed, additional opportunities are also available on Tuesday, April 2 starting at 7:30 p.m. PT.https://www.spacex.com/launches/mission/?missionId=sl-7-18
021937Z APR 24NAVAREA XII 216/24(21).EASTERN NORTH PACIFIC.MEXICO.1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, SPACE DEBRIS 0225Z TO 0656Z DAILY 06 THRU 12 APR IN AREA BOUND BY 30-39.00N 117-24.00W, 30-41.00N 117-19.00W, 30-04.00N 116-28.00W, 29-42.00N 116-06.00W, 29-18.00N 115-56.00W, 28-58.00N 116-22.00W, 29-12.00N 116-48.00W, 29-32.00N 117-06.00W.2. CANCEL THIS MSG 120756Z APR 24.
NGA Space Debris notice that is effectively a Rocket Launching notice.
https://www.fly.faa.gov/adv/adv_spt.jsp now shows this on NET April 6 UTC/late 5th PDT: SPACE X STARLINK 8-1,VANDENBERG SFB, CAPRIMARY: 04/06/24 0225Z-0656ZBACKUP: 04/07/24 0225Z-0656Z 04/08/24 0225Z-0656Z 04/09/24 0225Z-0656Z 04/10/24 0225Z-0656Z 04/11/24 0225Z-0656Z 04/12/24 0225Z-0656Z
NGA Space Debris notice that is effectively a Rocket Launching notice.Quote from: NGA021937Z APR 24NAVAREA XII 216/24(21).EASTERN NORTH PACIFIC.MEXICO.1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, SPACE DEBRIS 0225Z TO 0656Z DAILY 06 THRU 12 APR IN AREA BOUND BY 30-39.00N 117-24.00W, 30-41.00N 117-19.00W, 30-04.00N 116-28.00W, 29-42.00N 116-06.00W, 29-18.00N 115-56.00W, 28-58.00N 116-22.00W, 29-12.00N 116-48.00W, 29-32.00N 117-06.00W.2. CANCEL THIS MSG 120756Z APR 24.
How is SpaceX going to turnaround OCISLY back to the landing zone in 4 days?Quote from: Galactic Penguin SST on 04/02/2024 01:30 amhttps://www.fly.faa.gov/adv/adv_spt.jsp now shows this on NET April 6 UTC/late 5th PDT: SPACE X STARLINK 8-1,VANDENBERG SFB, CAPRIMARY: 04/06/24 0225Z-0656ZBACKUP: 04/07/24 0225Z-0656Z 04/08/24 0225Z-0656Z 04/09/24 0225Z-0656Z 04/10/24 0225Z-0656Z 04/11/24 0225Z-0656Z 04/12/24 0225Z-0656ZQuote from: Ken the Bin on 04/02/2024 08:38 pmNGA Space Debris notice that is effectively a Rocket Launching notice.Quote from: NGA021937Z APR 24NAVAREA XII 216/24(21).EASTERN NORTH PACIFIC.MEXICO.1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, SPACE DEBRIS 0225Z TO 0656Z DAILY 06 THRU 12 APR IN AREA BOUND BY 30-39.00N 117-24.00W, 30-41.00N 117-19.00W, 30-04.00N 116-28.00W, 29-42.00N 116-06.00W, 29-18.00N 115-56.00W, 28-58.00N 116-22.00W, 29-12.00N 116-48.00W, 29-32.00N 117-06.00W.2. CANCEL THIS MSG 120756Z APR 24.
SpaceX@SpaceX Targeting Friday, April 5 for two Falcon 9 launches of @Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Florida and California → http://spacex.com/launches6:35 PM · Apr 4, 2024·
From Tony: This is not happening tomorrow due to the weather conditions (yeah again) another front arrives tomorrow. But SpaceX updates anyway.QuoteSpaceX@SpaceX Targeting Friday, April 5 for two Falcon 9 launches of @Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Florida and California → http://spacex.com/launches6:35 PM · Apr 4, 2024·
Alejandro Alcantarilla Romera (Alex)@Alexphysics13If SpaceX pulls off the Vandenberg launch tomorrow night, that'll be the fastest turnaround time at SLC-4E. The current record is 5 days, 5 hours, 22 minutes, and 20 seconds, new record could be as short as 3 days, 23 hours, and 55 minutes.
SpaceX is targeting Friday, April 5 for a Falcon 9 launch of 21 Starlink satellites, including six with Direct to Cell capabilities, to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Liftoff is targeted for 7:31 p.m. PT, with backup opportunities available until 11:25 p.m. PT. If needed, additional opportunities are also available on Saturday, April 6 starting at 7:25 p.m. PT.A live webcast of this mission will begin on X @SpaceX about five minutes prior to liftoff. Watch live.This is the sixth flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched Crew-7, CRS-29, PACE, Transporter-10, and one Starlink mission. Following stage separation, the first stage will land on the Of Course I Still Love You droneship, which will be stationed in the Pacific Ocean.
QuoteAlejandro Alcantarilla Romera (Alex)@Alexphysics13If SpaceX pulls off the Vandenberg launch tomorrow night, that'll be the fastest turnaround time at SLC-4E. The current record is 5 days, 5 hours, 22 minutes, and 20 seconds, new record could be as short as 3 days, 23 hours, and 55 minutes.
Alejandro Alcantarilla Romera (Alex)@Alexphysics13Sorry, new record could be as low as 4 days and 1 minute.6:54 PM · Apr 4, 2024
https://www.spacex.com/launches/mission/?missionId=sl-8-1Quote from: SpaceXSpaceX is targeting Friday, April 5 for a Falcon 9 launch of 21 Starlink satellites, including six with Direct to Cell capabilities...
SpaceX is targeting Friday, April 5 for a Falcon 9 launch of 21 Starlink satellites, including six with Direct to Cell capabilities...
Interesting. Only 6 direct-to-cell Starlink satellites on board.
CelesTrak has pre-launch SupGP data for the @Starlink Group 8-1 launch from Vandenberg SFB on 2024-04-06 at 02:31:00 UTC: celestrak.org/NORAD/elements…. Deployment of 21 satellites at 03:33:37.620 UTC. Data for 9 backup launch opportunities also provided:
Starlink G8-1 Pre-Launch Lŕ 18 mDerived from a pre-launch Starlink-8-1 state vector, provided by SpaceX. SupGP data is provided for the entire stack, as well as one for a single satellite.Launch: 2024-04-06 02:31:00 UTC.Deploy: 2024-04-06 03:33:37.620 UTC.Backup Launch Opportunity #1 L E com Launch: 2024-04-06 03:13:00 UTC.Deploy: 2024-04-06 04:15:37.620 UTC.Backup Launch Opportunity #2 mE coLaunch: 2024-04-06 03:39:00 UTC.Deploy: 2024-04-06 04:41:37.620 UTC.Backup Launch Opportunity #3日Launch: 2024-04-06 04:13:00 UTC.Deploy: 2024-04-06 05:15:37.620 UTC.Backup Launch Opportunity #4田+Launch: 2024-04-06 04:45:00 UTC.Deploy: 2024-04-06 05:47:37.620 UTC.Backup Launch Opportunity #5 m 0 cLaunch: 2024-04-06 05:17:00 UTC.Deploy: 2024-04-06 06:19:37.620 UTC.Backup Launch Opportunity #6 LE cLaunch: 2024-04-06 05:27:00 UTC.Deploy: 2024-04-06 06:29:37.620 UTC.Backup Launch Opportunity #7日田（Launch: 2024-04-06 05:53:00 UTC.Deploy: 2024-04-06 06:55:37.620 UTC.Backup Launch Opportunity #8 EE cmLaunch: 2024-04-06 06:23:00 UTC.Deploy: 2024-04-06 07:25:37.620 UTC.
Up next, targeting this evening for a Falcon 9 launch of 21 @Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from California, including six with Direct to Cell capabilities → http://spacex.com/launches
SpaceX is targeting Saturday, April 6 for a Falcon 9 launch of 21 Starlink satellites, including six with Direct to Cell capabilities, to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Liftoff is targeted for 7:25 p.m. PT, with backup opportunities available until 11:17 p.m. PT. If needed, additional opportunities are also available on Sunday, April 7 starting at 7:25 p.m. PT.
Standing down from tonight’s Falcon 9 launch of @Starlink satellites due to unfavorable weather. Now targeting tomorrow, April 6 → http://spacex.com/launches
https://www.spacex.com/launches/mission/?missionId=sl-8-1QuoteSpaceX is targeting Saturday, April 6 for a Falcon 9 launch of 21 Starlink satellites, including six with Direct to Cell capabilities, to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Liftoff is targeted for 7:25 p.m. PT, with backup opportunities available until 11:17 p.m. PT. If needed, additional opportunities are also available on Sunday, April 7 starting at 7:25 p.m. PT.New launch date is April 7th at 02:25 UTC.
T.S. Kelso@TSKelsoCelesTrak has pre-launch SupGP data for the @Starlink Group 8-1 launch from Vandenberg SFB on 2024-04-07 at 02:25:00 UTC: https://celestrak.org/NORAD/elements/supplemental/table.php?FILE=starlink-g8-1. Deployment of 21 satellites at 03:27:37.620 UTC. Data for 6 backup launch opportunities also provided: https://celestrak.org/NORAD/elements/supplemental/.
A Falcon 9 rocket is scheduled for launch from Vandenberg SFB, Calif. this evening (April 6). The vehicle is slated to leave the south base between 7:25 and 11:17 p.m. PDT and carry 21 Starlink satellites into orbit.If the vehicle lifts off early in the launch window, a large portion of the southwestern U.S. and northwest Mexico could be treated to an interesting display as the rocket's exhaust is illuminated by the Sun at high altitude while suspended in a dusk or dark sky.Following stage 1/stage 2 separation, three white, star-like objects may appear to follow the rocket. The two objects closest to the rocket are the jettisoned halves of the protective payload shroud (nose cone). The object farthest behind the Falcon 9 is the first stage.Observers with an unobstructed horizon may briefly see the bright orange flame from the first stage as it prepares to land on a drone ship downrange.If the Falcon 9 is launched later, the event could still be visible to the unaided eye for hundreds of miles, but the exhaust plume will be much less pronounced.Although this event could be visible to the unaided eye over a wide area, tripod-mounted binoculars or a telescope may provide a surreal view.Source: Launch Alert via Launch-Alert
Watch Falcon 9 launch 21 @Starlink satellites to orbit, including six with Direct to Cell capabilities.
John Sirlin@SirlinJohnBeautiful SpaceX Falcon 9 launch out of Vandenberg, sailing over the desert this evening! 🚀 #azwx
Vandenberg Space Force Base@SLDelta30Today, April 6 at 7:25 p.m. local, a SpaceX Falcon 9 launched from Space Launch Complex 4 East marking the 12th launch from the United States Space Force’s West Coast Spaceport at Vandenberg Space Force Base in 2024! 🚀 #AimHigh #sempersupra
SpaceX@SpaceXThe Direct to Cell network leverages existing Starlink infrastructure to enable seamless access to text, voice, and data for LTE phones – eliminating deadzones across the globe
Chris Bergin - NSF@NASASpaceflightAnd another booster back home. Some fire out of the aft is usual after touchdown, but it seemed like a lot that time - before they cut off. Could have been the lighting.
William Harwood@cbs_spacenewsF9/Starlink 8-1 (04/06/24 10:25 PM EDT/0225 UTC): LIFTOFF of SpaceX's 34th Falcon 9 so far this year, the 319th since the rocket's debut in 2010, the 155th Starlink flight overall and the 23rd so far this year
Deployment of 21 @Starlink satellites confirmed. The six with Direct to Cell capabilities have an advanced modem on board that act as a cellphone tower in space, allowing network integration similar to a standard roaming partner.
William Harwood@cbs_spacenewsF9/Starlink 8-1 (04/06/24 11:33 PM EDT/0333 UTC): SpaceX confirms deploy of 21 Starlink internet satellites. The company has now launched 6,168 Starlinks in 155 missions8:35 PM · Apr 6, 2024
Updated orbital launch count as of Apr. 6 (Apr. 7 UTC):Earth 🌎 — 65/66USA 🇺🇸 — 39/39China 🇨🇳 — 15/15* (1 partial failure)Russia 🇷🇺 — 5/5Japan 🇯🇵 — 2/3Iran 🇮🇷 — 2/2India 🇮🇳 — 2/21/3Orbital launches by organization:🇺🇸 — 34 SpaceX, 4 Rocket Lab, 1 ULA🇨🇳 — 11 CASC (1 partial failure), 2 CASIC, 1 OrienSpace, 1 CAS Space🇷🇺 — 5 TsSKB Progress🇯🇵 — 2 MHI, 1 Space One ❌🇮🇳 — 2 ISRO🇮🇷 — 1 IRGC, 1 ISA2/3Launches by spaceport:🇺🇸 — 16 CCSFS, 12 Vandy, 7 KSC, 1 Wallops🇨🇳 — 5 Xichang, 4 Jiuquan, 3 Wenchang, 2 offshore, 1 Taiyuan🇳🇿 — 3 Māhia🇷🇺 — 3 Baikonur, 1 Plesetsk, 1 Vostochny🇯🇵 — 2 Tanegashima, 1 Space Port Kii🇮🇳 — 2 Satish Dhawan🇮🇷 — 1 Shahrud, 1 Semnan3/3
Jonathan McDowell@planet4589The recent shells bear no relation to the ones specified in the FCC filings, but it seems that this launch is heading for 53 deg like Group 7. Unclear what their operational altitude will be.7:32 PM · Apr 6, 2024
https://twitter.com/michaelnicollsx/status/1776801323528122382QuoteWith tonight’s first Group 8 launch we kick off deployment of our commercial direct to cell constellation! @Starlink
With tonight’s first Group 8 launch we kick off deployment of our commercial direct to cell constellation! @Starlink
Falcon 9 launches 21 @Starlink satellites – including six with Direct to Cell capabilities – to orbit from California following the first successful demo of Direct to Cell texting in early 2024
rykllan@_rykllanRecent 23rd #Starlink launch of this year via #SpaceX's #Falcon9 vehicle
rykllan@_rykllanBooster that supported this mission
Tonight’s #Falcon9 launch during first stage flight. Taken from Mesa, Arizona with my Canon T7i and zoom lens.
Road-tripping through Arizona remembering there’s a rocket launch in 8 minutes. 😅 Thankfully it’s all sky through these parts. Another gorgeous Vandy Starlink mission.
And it looks like Stage 2 has a Mission Extension Kit installed, hence the gray band on the bottom half.
Quote from: ZachS09 on 04/07/2024 02:23 amAnd it looks like Stage 2 has a Mission Extension Kit installed, hence the gray band on the bottom half.Wonder why. Also wondering what 1081 will look like upon return. - Ed Kyle
The next extra-long Falcon 9 mission is coming soon, Galileo.Maybe SpaceX wanted to test something at this launch, if a “Mission Extension Kit” was on board.This kit probably includes further extensions that cannot be seen from the outside.
View of last night's deployment of 21 @Starlink satellites, six of which have Direct to Cell capabilities that help eliminate mobile network dead zones around the world → https://www.starlink.com/business/direct-to-cell
I saw the launch "comet" seen from Albuquerque tonight. I did not look for some of the first stage stuff so I don't know how much of that would be visible above the horizon.Now that I know its doable, I might have to go to a place with a more unobstructed view for a future launch.
Apr 7, 2024Caught the 2nd Starlink launch from Vandenberg SFS in a week. Higher vantage point this time (240m) and slightly shorter distance (370 km). Stills, nearly a minute of flight time before the rocket was visible, passing 7000m altitude. The 20-second gap in the middle of the sequence due to loss of focus and stopping/restarting recording to switch to manual. Tracked 1st stage return entry burn in the final sequence of recording. The Inset video is SpaceX's video feed. Audio commentary is SpaceFlightNow narrator.
Quote from: edkyle99 on 04/07/2024 02:29 pmQuote from: ZachS09 on 04/07/2024 02:23 amAnd it looks like Stage 2 has a Mission Extension Kit installed, hence the gray band on the bottom half.Wonder why. Also wondering what 1081 will look like upon return. - Ed KyleWhat does B1081 have to do with the MEK? The MEK is installed on the RP-1 tank of Stage 2, which I'm not sure if it did something else after payload separation.
Quote from: ZachS09 on 04/07/2024 03:25 pmQuote from: edkyle99 on 04/07/2024 02:29 pmQuote from: ZachS09 on 04/07/2024 02:23 amAnd it looks like Stage 2 has a Mission Extension Kit installed, hence the gray band on the bottom half.Wonder why. Also wondering what 1081 will look like upon return. - Ed KyleWhat does B1081 have to do with the MEK? The MEK is installed on the RP-1 tank of Stage 2, which I'm not sure if it did something else after payload separation.Nothing. Two separate thoughts. I'm wondering about 1081 because when we last saw it after landing it was on fire and SpaceX abruptly cut its feed. - Ed Kyle
Ed I saw that and wonder about that too. My photographer contact who records all the boosters coming into the port has left so I won't be able to verify how it looks.
Guess we will have to wait to see the B1081 turnaround time to see if the fire was a thing or nothing. - Ed Kyle
Lindsay C + OCISLY + B1081 returned to PoLB on Apr 8 @ 5:27pm PT / 8:27pm ET
