SpaceX F9 : Starlink group 6-26 : CCSFS SLC-40 : 3/4 November 2023 (00:37 UTC)

[zubenelgenubi]

Thread for the Starlink 6-26 group launch.

NSF Threads for Starlink 6-26: Discussion

Launch 4 November 2023, at 00:37:20 UTC (3 Nov 8:37 pm EDT), from Canaveral SLC-40, on booster 1058-18.  The first stage successfully landed aboard A Shortfall of Gravitas.

Payload 23 Starlink V2 Mini satellites to 43 degree inclination orbit on a southeastern trajectory.  Initial orbit 285 x 293 km.

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

[zubenelgenubi]

Cross-posts re: Falcon 9 launch timing for the last third of October from Florida.
Starlink 6-26:

1532-EX-ST-2023  SpaceX Mission 1903 Starlink Group 6-26
Florida, NET September [2]
ASDS  North  25  41  37   West  75  5  42

Then,

https://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/7244

Starlink Group 6-26
Launch Time
NET November, 2023
...
SLC-40 or LC-39A, Florida, USA

O3b mPower-c was scheduled to launch NET October 22, but then:

The original FCC license application for O3b mPower-c:

0932-EX-ST-2023  Mission 1823
NET late May [NET May 25/NLT Nov 25], launching east from Florida
ASDS North  28  16  11   West  73  35  6

2033-EX-ST-2023   Mission 1823 from LC-40 at CCAFS or LC-39A at KSC
NET late November [NET Nov 25]
ASDS North  28  16  11   West  73  35  6

This application extends information from grant 0932-EX-ST-2023.

This is an extension to the 3rd O3b mPOWER mission FCC grant (assignment is not confirmed but very likely as speculated by others). Seems SpaceX thinks this may not launch until December.

Might this extension merely be like insurance?

Also, NET December could = NET Q4 in NextSF jargon = NET November/December?

Delayed again...

NextSpaceflight (Updated October 9th)
Launch NET December 2023
https://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/6943

Same day, one month earlier:

SFN Launch Schedule, updated October 9:
Launch November 2023

Therefore:

Ben Cooper's Launch Photography Viewing Guide, updated October 9; my bold:

The next SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch a Starlink batch from pad 40 on October 9 at 8:42 p.m. or later EDT. A Falcon Heavy will launch NASA's Psyche spacecraft to its namesake asteroid from pad 39A on October 12 at 10:16 a.m. EDT. The side boosters will land back at the Cape about eight minutes after launch. A Falcon 9 will launch a Starlink batch from pad 40 on October 14.  A Falcon 9 will launch a Starlink batch from pad 40 on mid-October. Upcoming launches include more Starlink missions from pad 40. A Falcon 9 will launch the CRS-29 resupply mission to the ISS from pad 39A on November 3 at 11:49 p.m. EDT. The first stage will land back at the Cape about eight minutes after launch. Upcoming launches include more Starlink batches from pad 40.

The SLC-40 Starlink mission following 6-25 (itself not yet confirmed) is likely to launch near the end of October.  Assuming that SpaceX continues to launch its Florida Starlink Group 6's in ascending numerical order, this launch will be 6-26.  It is currently listed with launch NET November, from either Kennedy LC-39A or Canaveral SLC-40.

However, LC-39A will not be available due to launch preparations for November Falcon 9 launches.

https://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/7244


Starlink 6-22 is currently scheduled to launch from SLC-40 from SLC-40 October 10 UTC, with a first stage landing aboard ASOG.

Starlink 6-23 is currently scheduled from SLC-40 NET October 14 UTC, with a first stage landing aboard JRTI.

Starlink 6-24 is currently scheduled to launch from SLC-40 NET October 19, with a first stage landing aboard ASOG. 

Starlink 6-25 could launch NET October 23, with a first stage landing aboard JRTI.  (4 day SLC-40 turnaround, 8 day ASDS turnaround)

Starlink 6-26 could launch NET October 27, with a first stage landing aboard ASOG.  (4 day SLC-40 turnaround, 8 day ASDS turnaround)

(Foul weather and sea states, including hurricanes, will break the perfect pattern.🌀 Murphy's Law.)

[zubenelgenubi]

Cross-post:

Ben Cooper's Launch Photography Viewing Guide, updated October 9, further updates:

<snip>
A Falcon 9 will launch a Starlink batch from pad 40 on October TBD.  A Falcon 9 will launch a Starlink batch from pad 40 on October TBD. Upcoming launches include more Starlink missions from pad 40.
<snip>
Upcoming [November] launches include more Starlink batches from pad 40.

[zubenelgenubi]

O3b mPower-c:

NextSpaceflight (Updated October 17th)
Launch NET October 28th, 2023, at 21:07 UTC
https://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/6943

This would push Starlink 6-26 into NET beginning of November.

[zubenelgenubi]

Starlink 6-25:

NextSpaceflight, updated October 19:
NET October 25

However, Starlink 6-24 will be the previous launch from SLC-40 on the 22nd UTC.  SpaceX requires approximately 4 days to turn around the launch complex.

JRTI would be the ASDS and previously served a successful first stage landing on the 18th UTC.  SpaceX requires approximately 8 days to turn the Florida ASDS around.

Launch should be NET October 26 UTC.

Caveat: What if SpaceX succeeds at further reducing pad and ASDS turnarounds?

Following this progression, Starlink 6-26 could launch NET October 30 from SLC-40, with a first stage landing aboard ASOG. (Oct 26 + 4 days AND Oct 22 + 8 days)

[zubenelgenubi]

Starlink 6-25 was launching NET October 25, but now:

NextSpaceflight, updated October 21:
NET October 28

Also, my bold and strike:

Ben Cooper's Launch Photography Viewing Guide, updated October 19:

The next SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch a Starlink batch from pad 40 on October 21 at 10:23 p.m. EDT or later. A Falcon 9 will launch a Starlink batch from pad 40 on late October. A Falcon 9 will launch the CRS-29 resupply mission to the ISS from pad 39A on November 5 at 10:01 p.m. EST. The first stage will land back at the Cape about eight minutes after launch. Upcoming launches include more Starlink batches from pad 40. A Falcon 9 will launch the mPOWER-C internet satellites for SES from pad 40 on November, in the late afternoon EST. A Falcon 9 will launch the NOVA-C commercial lunar lander for Intuitive Machines & NASA from pad 39A on mid-November.

Starlink 6-26's launch is now likely at the beginning of November, maybe even November 1?

[zubenelgenubi]

Cross-post; my bold:

Ben Cooper's Launch Photography Viewing Guide, updated October 24:

The next SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch a Starlink batch from pad 40 on October 28 around 8 p.m. EDT or later. A Falcon 9 will launch a Starlink batch from pad 40 on early November. A Falcon 9 will launch the CRS-29 resupply mission to the ISS from pad 39A on November 5 at 10:01 p.m. EST. The first stage will land back at the Cape about eight minutes after launch. Upcoming launches include more Starlink batches from pad 40. A Falcon 9 will launch the mPOWER-C internet satellites for SES from pad 40 on November, in the late afternoon EST.

[Ken the Bin]

Two NGA Space Debris notices for the second stage (the same notice for two different Navigational Areas).

280130Z OCT 23
HYDROLANT 2460/23(57,61,71).
EASTERN SOUTH ATLANTIC.
INDIAN OCEAN.
DNC 01, DNC 02, DNC 03.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, SPACE DEBRIS
   2215Z TO 0515Z DAILY 02 THRU 09 NOV
   IN AREA BOUND BY
   08-53.00S 092-28.00E, 07-46.00S 089-27.00E,
   30-12.00S 061-09.00E, 40-45.00S 002-21.00W,
   42-56.00S 002-24.00W, 32-16.00S 063-10.00E.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 100615Z NOV 23.

280130Z OCT 23
HYDROPAC 3410/23(57,61,71).
EASTERN SOUTH ATLANTIC.
INDIAN OCEAN.
DNC 01, DNC 02, DNC 03.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, SPACE DEBRIS
   2215Z TO 0515Z DAILY 02 THRU 09 NOV
   IN AREA BOUND BY
   08-53.00S 092-28.00E, 07-46.00S 089-27.00E,
   30-12.00S 061-09.00E, 40-45.00S 002-21.00W,
   42-56.00S 002-24.00W, 32-16.00S 063-10.00E.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 100615Z NOV 23.

[Ken the Bin]

And now the NGA Rocket Launching notice.

251932Z OCT 23
NAVAREA IV 1249/23(11,26).
WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC.
BAHAMAS.
FLORIDA.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING 
   022248Z TO 030319Z NOV, ALTERNATE
   032237Z TO 040254Z, 042158Z TO 050228Z,
   052132Z TO 060203Z, 062107Z TO 070138Z,
   072042Z TO 080113Z, 082017Z TO 090048Z NOV
   IN AREAS BOUND BY:
   A. 28-38.95N 080-37.65W, 28-37.00N 080-25.00W,
      28-26.00N 080-04.00W, 28-21.00N 079-57.00W,
      28-17.00N 079-59.00W, 28-30.67N 080-33.12W.
   B. 26-15.00N 076-00.00W, 26-06.00N 074-58.00W,
      25-36.00N 074-03.00W, 25-23.00N 073-53.00W,
      25-09.00N 074-01.00W, 25-06.00N 074-16.00W,
      25-08.00N 074-38.00W, 25-18.00N 075-00.00W,
      25-58.00N 075-59.00W.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 090148Z NOV 23.

[OneSpeed]

Two NGA Space Debris notices for the second stage (the same notice for two different Navigational Areas).

And now the NGA Rocket Launching notice.

It appears the Launch Hazard Area has changed with Starlink 6-25, such that there is now a small dogleg for the booster, and less of one for the second stage. Open the first image to view an animation. The second stage Space Debris area has not changed.

[zubenelgenubi]

Which first stage will be used for this launch (semi-rhetorical question)?

The May 16 press briefing revealed Falcon 9 first stages are now cleared for use up to twenty times for Starlink launches.

1064.5 and 1065.5 are reserved as the Falcon Heavy side boosters for USSF-52.

1072.1 is reserved for Cygnus NG-20.

1076.9 and 1073.11 may undergo modifications to become Falcon Heavy side boosters for a future launch, but both are available for "single-stick" launches currently.  The maximum payload for B1073 is apparently one less Starlink satellite than other first stages.

One of the lesser-used first stages will likely be held for Cargo Dragon SpX-29, currently launching Nov 6 UTC.

Available first stages, with UTC date of most recent recovery:
1081.2    Aug 26 (reserved for SpX-29?)
1073.11  Sep 4 (1 less Starlink?)
1078.6    Sep 16
1058.18  Sep 20
1060.18  Sep 24
1069.11  Sep 30
1076.9    Oct 5
1067.15  Oct 13 (maybe)

And, will this launch carry 23 satellites?

Edit November 3: It's B1058.18, carrying 23 satellites.

Edited

[zubenelgenubi]

Re: Starlink 6-25:
https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1718785875017126090

Standing down from tonight’s [Oct 30] Falcon 9 launch attempt, next available opportunity is 7:20 p.m. ET tomorrow night → http://spacex.com/launches

Starlink 6-26 launch likely delayed to NET November 3.

[zubenelgenubi]

Starlink 6-26 launch likely delayed to NET November 3.

Cross-posts; my bold:

And now the NGA Rocket Launching notice.

251932Z OCT 23
NAVAREA IV 1249/23(11,26).
WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC.
BAHAMAS.
FLORIDA.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING 
   022248Z TO 030319Z NOV, ALTERNATE
   032237Z TO 040254Z, 042158Z TO 050228Z,
   052132Z TO 060203Z, 062107Z TO 070138Z,
   072042Z TO 080113Z, 082017Z TO 090048Z NOV
<snip>

Ben Cooper's Launch Photography Viewing Guide, updated October 30:

The next SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch a Starlink batch from pad 40 on October 30 28 at 7:20 p.m. EDT or later. A Falcon 9 will launch a Starlink batch from pad 40 on November 3 around 7 p.m. EDT or later. A Falcon 9 will launch the CRS-29 resupply mission to the ISS from pad 39A on November 5 at 10:01 p.m. EST. The first stage will land back at the Cape about eight minutes after launch. Upcoming launches include more Starlink batches from pad 40. A Falcon 9 will launch the mPOWER-C internet satellites for SES from pad 40 on November at 4 p.m. EST.

NextSpaceflight, updated October 30:

Starlink Group 6-26
Launch Time
Fri Nov 3, 2023 22:37 GMT

[rocketenthusiast]

it looks like B1058.18 will be the booster for this mission as we saw it with second stage attached recently!
i wonder why they skipped over B1073 and B1078

[GewoonLukas_]

i wonder why they skipped over B1073 and B1078

It's possible that those boosters are reserved for upcoming customer missions (such as CRS-29 and mPOWER-C) which B1058 isn't certified to fly

[Zed_Noir]

it looks like B1058.18 will be the booster for this mission as we saw it with second stage attached recently!
i wonder why they skipped over B1073 and B1078

Maybe SpaceX want to get a booster with 20 flights to examined sooner.

[zubenelgenubi]

i wonder why they skipped over B1073 and B1078

It's possible that those boosters are reserved for upcoming customer missions (such as CRS-29 and mPOWER-C) which B1058 isn't certified to fly

Maybe SpaceX want to get a booster with 20 flights to examined sooner.

See my observation here, in my recently edited post:

<snip>
The maximum payload for B1073 is apparently one less Starlink satellite than other first stages.
<snip>
Available first stages, with UTC date of most recent recovery:
1081.2    Aug 26 (reserved for SpX-29?)
1073.11  Sep 4 (1 less Starlink?)
1078.6    Sep 16
1058.18  Sep 20
1060.18  Sep 24
1069.11  Sep 30
1076.9    Oct 5
1067.15  Oct 13 (maybe)

And, will this launch carry 23 satellites?

[Martin_G]

https://www.fly.faa.gov/adv/adv_spt.jsp:

STARLINK 6-26:CAPE CANAVERAL SFS, FL
PRIMARY:   11/02/23   2248Z-0319Z
BACKUP:      11/03/23   2223Z-0254Z
      11/04/23   2158Z-0228Z
      11/05/23   2132Z-0203Z
      11/06/23   2107Z-0138Z
      11/07/23   2042Z-0113Z
      11/08/23   2017Z-0048Z

[Ken the Bin]

As expected, a cancel-and-replace NGA Rocket Launching notice postponing to November 3.

302211Z OCT 23
NAVAREA IV 1258/23(11,26).
WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC.
BAHAMAS.
UNITED STATES.
FLORIDA.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING
   032223Z TO 040254Z NOV, ALTERNATE  042158Z TO 050228Z,
   052132Z TO 060203Z, 062107Z TO 070138Z,
   072042Z TO 080113Z, 082017Z TO 090048Z NOV
   IN AREAS BOUND BY:
   A. 28-37.00N 080-25.00W, 28-38.00N 080-37.00W,
      28-30.00N 080-33.00W, 28-17.00N 079-59.00W,
      28-21.00N 079-57.00W, 28-26.00N 080-04.00W.
   B. 25-36.00N 074-03.00W, 26-06.00N 074-58.00W,
      26-15.00N 076-00.00W, 25-58.00N 075-59.00W,
      25-18.00N 075-00.00W, 25-08.00N 074-38.00W,
      25-06.00N 074-16.00W, 25-09.00N 074-01.00W,
      25-23.00N 073-53.00W.
2. CANCEL NAVAREA IV 1249/23.
3. CANCEL THIS MSG 090148Z NOV 23.

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/spaceoffshore/status/1719398411210744032

Departure! A Shortfall of Gravitas SpaceX droneship is heading to sea to support Starlink 6-26. Tug Crosby Skipper is towing.

nsf.live/spacecoast