SpaceX F9 : Starlink group 7-13 : VSFB SLC-4E : 9/10 February 2024 (00:34 UTC)

[zubenelgenubi]

Thread for the Starlink Group 7-13 launch.

Launch 10 February 2024, at 00:34:00 UTC (9 Feb 4:34 pm PST), from Vandenberg SFB SLC-4E, on booster 1071-14.  The first stage successfully landed aboard Of Course I Still Love You.

Payload 22 Starlink V2 Mini satellites to 53 degree inclination orbit on a southeastern trajectory.  Initial orbit 286 x 295 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

Four more Starlinks from Vandy
<snip>
2091-EX-ST-2023  Mission 2195 Starlink Group 7-13
<snip>
ASDS       North  29  52  50   West  116  45  3
[Launch NET Nov 12 2023]

https://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/7324

Starlink Group 7-13
Launch Time
NET December 2023

https://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/7324

Starlink Group 7-13
Launch Time
NET January 2024

Circa January 22nd, the listing was further updated to NET February 2024.

Starlink 7-13 likely follows Starlink 7-12, with a launch NET early February.  Starlink 7-12 is currently scheduled to launch NET January 29.  SpaceX is attempting a five day turnaround?

Starlink 7-11 Jan 24 UTC

+ 5 days
Starlink 7-12 Jan 29 UTC

+ 5 days
Starlink 7-13 Feb 3 UTC?

[Galactic Penguin SST]

NET early February 3rd UTC per this 2nd stage de-orbit zone NOTAM:

A0193/24 NOTAMN
Q) SEFG/QXXLW/IV/NBO/AE/000/999/0110S11654W999
A) SEXX B) 2402030443 C) 2402090702
D) FEB 03 0443-0911, FEB 04 0422-0850, FEB 05 0400-0828, FEB 06
0339-0807, FEB 07 0317-0745, FEB 08 0256-0724 AND FEB 09 0234-0702.
E) FALCON 9 STARLINK 7-13 STAGE 2 REENTRY AND SPLASHDOWN IN THE
UNASSIGNED FIR, SECT DELIMITED BY THE FOLLOWING COORD 0119S 11654W,
0010S 11517W, 1500S 10441W, 1500S 10724W AND 0119S 11654W.
F) SFC G) UNL

[zubenelgenubi]

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

Falcon 9 first stages are apparently now cleared for use up to twenty times for non-human spaceflight missions, although that number is apparently more restricted for Cargo Dragon and Cygnus than these other payloads.

Available first stages, with UTC date of most recent recovery:
1071.14   Dec 8
1082.2     Jan 3
1061.19   Jan 14 (maybe)

Edit February 7 UTC: It's B1071.14.

[catdlr]

Glad this launch is this weekend,  High winds and a storm front pass arrive Tuesday with winds and rain through Thursday.

[Ken the Bin]

No NGA notices yet, but it is now in the FAA ATCSCC Current Operations Plan Advisory. As always, bear in mind that this is advisory information and while helpful is not necessarily correct nor complete.

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

SPACE X STARLINK 7-13, VANDENBERG SFB, CA
PRIMARY:02/03/24        0304Z-0733Z
BACKUP: 02/04/24        0243Z-0712Z
        02/05/24        0221Z-0650Z

[wannamoonbase]

If they can pull of this kind of west coast cadence the wow just wow

[catdlr]

If they can pull of this kind of west coast cadence the wow just wow

weather permitting.

https://twitter.com/US_Stormwatch/status/1752465844544958949

https://twitter.com/jason61987/status/1752497128101048679

[Ken the Bin]

NGA Space Debris notice that is effectively a Rocket Launching notice.

312111Z JAN 24
NAVAREA XII 45/24(21).
EASTERN NORTH PACIFIC.
MEXICO.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, SPACE DEBRIS  
   040243Z TO 040712Z FEB, ALTERNATE
   050221Z TO 050650Z, 060200Z TO 060629Z,
   070138Z TO 070607Z, 080117Z TO 080546Z,
   090055Z TO 090524Z, 100034Z TO 100503Z FEB
   IN AREA BOUND BY
   29-05.00N 116-26.00W, 29-25.00N 116-52.00W, 
   30-28.00N 117-21.00W, 30-39.00N 117-20.00W, 
   30-30.00N 117-03.00W, 29-51.00N 116-17.00W, 
   29-23.00N 116-02.00W.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 100603Z FEB 24.

Here are the two multi-launch NGA Space Debris notices that are still in effect (the same notice for two different Navigational Areas).

270500Z DEC 23
HYDROPAC 4029/23(22).
EASTERN SOUTH PACIFIC.
DNC 06, DNC 07.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, SPACE DEBRIS
   310001Z DEC 23 TO 210001Z FEB 24
   IN AREA BOUND BY
   34-20.00S 090-24.00W, 31-22.00S 090-24.00W,
   00-10.00S 115-17.00W, 01-19.00S 116-54.00W.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 210101Z FEB 24.//

270500Z DEC 23
NAVAREA XII 885/23(22).
EASTERN SOUTH PACIFIC.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, SPACE DEBRIS
   310001Z DEC 23 TO 210001Z FEB 24
   IN AREA BOUND BY
   34-20.00S 090-24.00W, 31-22.00S 090-24.00W,
   00-10.00S 115-17.00W, 01-19.00S 116-54.00W.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 210101Z FEB 24.//

[OneSpeed]

NGA Space Debris notice that is effectively a Rocket Launching notice.

Maps from the NGA notice. Area B (Booster landing) is slightly more symmetrical than for previous group 7 launches, but Area C (Second stage space debris) is identical. The ASDS will be 742km 642km downrange, as for previous group 7 launches.

[ZachS09]

NGA Space Debris notice that is effectively a Rocket Launching notice.

Maps from the NGA notice. Area B (Booster landing) is slightly more symmetrical than for previous group 7 launches, but Area C (Second stage space debris) is identical. The ASDS will be 742km downrange, as for previous group 7 launches.

742 kilometers downrange? I never knew the first stage was programmed to burn several more seconds than usual to reach that ASDS position. Usually, the drone ship would be 100 kilometers closer.

[Ken the Bin]

No NGA notices yet, but it is now in the FAA ATCSCC Current Operations Plan Advisory. As always, bear in mind that this is advisory information and while helpful is not necessarily correct nor complete.

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

SPACE X STARLINK 7-13, VANDENBERG SFB, CA
PRIMARY:02/03/24        0304Z-0733Z
BACKUP: 02/04/24        0243Z-0712Z
        02/05/24        0221Z-0650Z

This information has been changed to start on February 4, matching the NGA notice.
Edit: Matching the first four days of the seven days on the NGA notice.

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

SPACE X STARLINK 7-13, VANDENBERG SFB, CA
PRIMARY:        02/04/24        0243Z-0712Z
BACKUP:         02/05/24        0221Z-0650Z
        02/06/24        0200Z-0629Z
                02/07/24        0138Z-0607Z

[realnouns]

Debra C + OCISLY departed PoLB on Feb 1 @ 10:15am PT / 1:15pm ET

[catdlr]

https://twitter.com/SpaceOffshore/status/1753185698952126850

[catdlr]

The weather is not looking good for any launch attempt from February 6 through February 7th. A series of storm fronts will hook up with a massive Atmospheric River, drenching the Central Coast of California. In addition to the large amount of rain predicted, the passing of the front(s) will bring high winds and shifting directions. To make matters worse, rough seas are predicted. Our landing crews might need to head for San Diego again to seek refuge.

Video credit: KSBY Santa Barbara

Atmospheric River Chart: San Diego NWS

[catdlr]

Weather Part 2

Pete's special request pays off.  The 4-day rain prediction is on the chart highlighted in red.  It's the brown line.  Note it's a high probability for the duration of this shart.

[catdlr]

Weather Up T-24 hr.  Very unlikely for Saturday and very unlikely thru next Wednesday.

This weather video up says it all:

Attachments:
Detail forecast at VSFB through Tuesday
Hourly forecast chart.  The Red Border is the Launch Window.  The brown horizontal line is the rain potential (in %) and the green bars accumulate rain per period.

Note: this storm is considered a large event in Los Angeles with all sorts of warnings going up and requesting people to stay home.  The biggest issue is continuous heavy rain and then afterward extreme winds.  For us, that means mud-slides, trees blown over, cars trapped in standing water, and low-lying areas prone to flooding. 

[VLN]

The recovery ship Go Beyond/Go Crusader has made an unmistakable course change. It seems like a solid confirmation that there will be no launch anytime soon, as Tony has said.
Furthermore, we got crickets from SpaceX, just 22 hr from the first launch window.

[catdlr]

The recovery ship Go Beyond/Go Crusader has made an unmistakable course change. It seems like a solid confirmation that there will be no launch anytime soon, as Tony has said.
Furthermore, we got crickets from SpaceX, just 22 hr from the first launch window.

Thanks for the update.  I'm very surprised that they didn't head over to SanDiego for refuge,  Coming to LA is like heading to the eye of the storm.  Interesting.

[VLN]

Thanks for the update.  I'm very surprised that they didn't head over to SanDiego for refuge,  Coming to LA is like heading to the eye of the storm.  Interesting.

That ship started out later than Debra C with OCISLY, and is faster. They must have figured it's better to wait at home than in a "hotel" in San Diego.
I still haven't seen Debra C returning to any port. I haven't paid for access to satellite data, so Debra C is stuck at the last contact on 2/2/24 at 12:55 am PST. I expect it to reappear soon.

[Galactic Penguin SST]

https://www.fly.faa.gov/adv/adv_spt.jsp now shows NET February 6, 02:00 - 06:29 UTC (February 5, 6:00 - 10:29 pm PST) for this launch, although I can't find the corresponding NOTAMs yet.

SPACE X STARLINK 7-13, VANDENBERG SFB, CA
PRIMARY:   2/06/24         0200Z-0629Z
BACKUP(S):   2/07/24         0138Z-0607Z
      02/08/24      0117Z-0546Z
      02/09/24      0055Z-0524Z

[realnouns]

Go Beyond (fka. Go Crusader) departed PoLB on Feb 2 @ 7:32am PT / 10:32am ET and returned on Feb 2 @ 11:36pm PT / Feb 3 @ 2:36am ET

[catdlr]

https://www.fly.faa.gov/adv/adv_spt.jsp now shows NET February 6, 02:00 - 06:29 UTC (February 5, 6:00 - 10:29 pm PST) for this launch, although I can't find the corresponding NOTAMs yet.

SPACE X STARLINK 7-13, VANDENBERG SFB, CA
PRIMARY:   2/06/24         0200Z-0629Z
BACKUP(S):   2/07/24         0138Z-0607Z
      02/08/24      0117Z-0546Z
      02/09/24      0055Z-0524Z

Rain forecast during the Primary launch window is 72% probability Temp mid 40F(RED BOX)
Rain forecast during the Backup launch window is 50% probability Temp mid to upper 40F(ORANGE BOX)

[catdlr]

Today's weather discussion (abbreviated to forecast only)  from KSBY Chief Meteorologists

[catdlr]

https://twitter.com/TSKelso/status/1754322230614618148

[catdlr]

It started raining here at noon. Even the president left 30 minutes before the rain started. It's currently raining at a rate of half an inch per hour. There is also a lot of wind, and pilots are having difficulty landing.

[realnouns]

Go Beyond departed PoLB on Feb 4 @ 10:22am PT / 1:22pm ET

[catdlr]

Go Beyond departed PoLB on Feb 4 @ 10:22am PT / 1:22pm ET

Holy Cow, going into a storm, with large waves and head winds of 35-65 knots?  Good luck and strong stomachs.

T-24 weather update coming tomorrow.

[catdlr]

Go Beyond departed PoLB on Feb 4 @ 10:22am PT / 1:22pm ET

Holy Cow, going into a storm, with large waves and head winds of 35-65 knots?  Good luck and strong stomachs.

T-24 weather update coming tomorrow.

Just FYI.  The pressure gradient is tight causing some high winds, not only surface-level winds up high altitudes.

The attached screengrab comes from the NWS discussion.

The second attachment is the marine forecast near the landing zone.  Expect a tricky landing and holding the LV on the deck with 6-8ft swells at 16-second intervals.

https://twitter.com/gdimeweather/status/1754335115537182963

[catdlr]

I live just a few blocks from this, scary.  This was once the Los Angeles River before it was diverted by an earthquake in the 1800's.  Now called the Ballonia creak, it's deep about 30 feet from the bridge to river bottom.  The watershed that this river arrives from is all of the Westwood, Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica mountains above these cities up through downtown Hollywood.  It's a large area and we are getting 1/2 inch of rain per hour with no end in sight.

 It's located in DelRey, just north of LAX and east of Marina del Rey.  This bridge is Centinella Ave.  My condo is the little home icon on the map attached


https://twitter.com/johnschreiber/status/1754404257074475389

[Ken the Bin]

Postponed one day according to the information on the FAA ATCSCC Current Operations Plan Advisory.

SPACE X STARLINK 7-13, VANDENBERG SFB, CA
PRIMARY:        02/07/24                0138Z-0607Z
BACKUP(S):      02/08/24                0117Z-0546Z

[Galactic Penguin SST]

Postponed one day according to the information on the FAA ATCSCC Current Operations Plan Advisory.

SPACE X STARLINK 7-13, VANDENBERG SFB, CA
PRIMARY:        02/07/24                0138Z-0607Z
BACKUP(S):      02/08/24                0117Z-0546Z

Confirmed by this 2nd stage re-entry NOTAM:
A0231/24 NOTAMR A0211/24
Q) SEFG/QXXLW/IV/NBO/AE/000/999/0110S11654W999
A) SEXX B) 2402070317 C) 2402090702
D) FEB 07 0317-0745, FEB 08 0256-0724 AND FEB 09 0234-0702.
E) FALCON 9 STARLINK 7-13 STAGE 2 REENTRY AND SPLASHDOWN IN THE
UNASSIGNED FIR, SECT DELIMITED BY THE FOLLOWING COORD 0119S 11654W,
0010S 11517W, 1500S 10441W, 1500S 10724W AND 0119S 11654W.
F) SFC G) UNL

[catdlr]

The current condition of the AR (Atmospheric River) direct hit So Cal.

[catdlr]

https://twitter.com/tvdave/status/1754644334119452797

[catdlr]

https://twitter.com/tvdave/status/1754673219959673134

[catdlr]

Keep an eye on the model for Wednesday evening.  I screengrab and attach below the tweet.  Another front arrives at VSFB right at the current (planned) launch time.  For the backup (Thursday) it's in between storms, kind of ify right now.  I try the model again on Tuesday.

https://twitter.com/tvdave/status/1754679242913198112

[Galactic Penguin SST]

https://twitter.com/tskelso/status/1754681456310583638

CelesTrak has pre-launch SupGP data for the #Starlink Group 7-13 launch from Vandenberg SFB on 2024-02-07 at 01:39:10 UTC: https://celestrak.org/NORAD/elements/supplemental/table.php?FILE=starlink-g7-13. Deployment of 22 satellites at 02:41:40.440 UTC. Data for 15 backup launch opportunities also provided: https://celestrak.org/NORAD/elements/supplemental/.

[catdlr]

oops, never mind the above, change is occurring.  (first op: 5:39 PM local time Feb 7th).

UPDATE #1:
@SpaceX
 has scrubbed the launch of #Starlink Group 7-13 for Feb 6. Stand by for updated information.

https://twitter.com/TSKelso/status/1754681067674771612

CelesTrak has pre-launch SupGP data for the #Starlink Group 7-13 launch from Vandenberg SFB on 2024-02-07 at 01:39:10 UTC:. Deployment of 22 satellites at 02:41:40.440 UTC. Data for 15 backup launch opportunities also provided:

[catdlr]

Rain here in Los Angeles just doesn't end now reaching new records, right now 3rd rainest two-day record.

[Ken the Bin]

Postponed one day according to the information on the FAA ATCSCC Current Operations Plan Advisory.

SPACE X STARLINK 7-13, VANDENBERG SFB, CA
PRIMARY:        02/07/24                0138Z-0607Z
BACKUP(S):      02/08/24                0117Z-0546Z

The FAA ATCSCC Current Operations Plan Advisory has been updated.

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

SPACE X STARLINK 7-13, VANDENBERG SFB, CA
PRIMARY:        02/07/24                0500Z-0607Z
BACKUP(S):      02/08/24                0117Z-0546Z

IF that change is correct, it limits the launch opportunties to the final three:

Launch: 2024-02-07 05:01:50 UTC. Deploy: 2024-02-07 06:04:20.440 UTC.
Launch: 2024-02-07 05:15:50 UTC. Deploy: 2024-02-07 06:18:20.440 UTC.
Launch: 2024-02-07 05:37:50 UTC. Deploy: 2024-02-07 06:40:20.440 UTC.

I haven't seen any confirmation yet. CelesTrak still has the full set of 16 launch opportunities and there's still no SpaceX mission webpage.

[Ken the Bin]

CelesTrak has confirmed the information in my prior post above.

https://twitter.com/TSKelso/status/1755026825754095958

UPDATE #1: @SpaceX is now targeting the 13th backup launch opportunity on 2024-02-07 at 05:01:50 UTC with deployment at 06:04:20.440 UTC. Weather is still a factor.

[Ken the Bin]

SpaceX has finally put out the mission webpage. Booster = B1071.14.

https://www.spacex.com/launches/mission/?missionId=sl-7-13

SpaceX is targeting Tuesday, February 6 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 9:01 p.m. PT, with backup opportunities available until 9:38 p.m. PT. If needed, additional opportunities are also available on Wednesday, February 7 starting at 5:17 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 14th flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched NROL-87, NROL-85, SARah-1, SWOT, Transporter-8, Transporter-9, and seven Starlink missions. 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.

https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1755028946088079566

Targeting tonight for Falcon 9 to launch 22 @Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from California → http://spacex.com/launches

[catdlr]

Weather Update:

Winds from the NW at 17 mph, Scattered rain possible (40%), and possible localized thunderstorms in the area for tonight's launch.  The Atmospheric River has made its way south over Baja California, but a persistent Low (Cut-off) prevails over the LA Basin bringing steady rain but at lower hourly rates.  Better weather is expected for Wednesday evening for the backup launch schedule.  Temps tonight at around 50F.

Landing Zone:
W winds 15 to 20 kt. Seas 6 to 9 ft in NW swell. Period 16 seconds.

Attachments:
Current Local Weather at VSFB
Detail Weather Forcast
Hourly Chart (Red box indicates tonight's launch window)
Marine forcast

[catdlr]

As for viewing tonight's launch, the SpaceX website no longer provides a direct broadcast link, but instead a link to the SpaceX Twitter page where you would have to wait till the post appears at the start of the broadcast.
https://twitter.com/SpaceX

Here are the usual alternative YouTube re-broadcast links

https://www.youtube.com/live/6eR6UVvVOsM?si=ft9rxBPaARfjpIfD

https://www.youtube.com/live/xo_3QD4CN5Y?si=nPWR-ehQQZFIowMR


After the broadcast an HD copy is furnished by the Space Devs at their channel:  https://www.youtube.com/@thespacedevs
and will be posted around 10-15 min after the SpaceX launch broadcast ends.

We all hope SpaceX has corrected their live broadcast snafus that plagued the Livestream right at launch.

[Ken the Bin]

Now targeting the final launch opportunity at 05:37 UTC.

https://www.spacex.com/launches/mission/?missionId=sl-7-13

SpaceX is targeting Tuesday, February 6 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 9:37 p.m. PT. If needed, additional opportunities are available on Wednesday, February 7 starting at 5:17 p.m. PT.

[Steven Pietrobon]

PDF of online press kit.

[Galactic Penguin SST]

https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1755090952077889837

Less than one hour until Falcon 9 launches @Starlink to orbit. Teams are keeping an eye on the weather, which is 30% favorable for liftoff

[spacenuance]

14th flight fairing flying on this mission.

Our flight leader fairing half has flown 15 times. Getting ready for its 16th flight in March. Also have a 14 flight unit and a 13 flight unit (which hopefully flies its 14th flight tonight if weather clears up).

https://twitter.com/edwards345/status/1755092120439038001?s=20

[Steven Pietrobon]

T-38 minutes. The SpaceX launch director should be verifying go to start propellant loading.

[Steven Pietrobon]

T-35 minutes. First stage LOX loading and first and second stage RP-1 loading should be starting about now.

[Steven Pietrobon]

"Propellant load has begun for tonight’s @Starlink launch from California"

https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1755095527832850482

[catdlr]

https://twitter.com/cbs_spacenews/status/1755080452379951254

F9/Starlink 7-13: This will be the:
11th F9 flight of '24
296th F9 flight overall
14th flight for booster B1071
211th 1st stage droneship landing
270th 1st stage landing overall
157th-178th Starlinks to orbit in '24
5,806th-5,828th Starlinks launched overall

[Steven Pietrobon]

T-20 minutes. Second stage RP-1 loading should be completed about now.

[Steven Pietrobon]

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

[Steven Pietrobon]

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

[Steven Pietrobon]

Link to Twitter livestream.

https://twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1mrGmyzlOkLGy

[Steven Pietrobon]

T-5 minutes.

[catdlr]

https://twitter.com/ShorealoneFilms/status/1755102519142072703

[Steven Pietrobon]

T-4 minutes. Strongback is retracting.

[Steven Pietrobon]

T-3 minutes. First stage LOX load is complete.

[Steven Pietrobon]

T-2 minutes. Second stage LOX load is complete.

[catdlr]

https://twitter.com/ShorealoneFilms/status/1755102519142072703

This is from a Twitter link I recently received via a local LA news agency.  He gets intel I can't get. I've been monitoring him during the current flood and he also monitors VSFB Launches. Let's see if it pans out as the time is running.  I delete it if it's sour.

[Steven Pietrobon]

T-1 minute. Falcon 9 is in startup.

Hold!

[Steven Pietrobon]

Hold was at T-43 seconds. Launch abort is running.

[Steven Pietrobon]

Countdown hold.

[catdlr]

Looks like my intel was right.

[Steven Pietrobon]

Webstream has ended.

[ZachS09]

Looks like my intel was right.

Let's hope the weather clears up on the next launch attempt.

[catdlr]

That should be the last launch attempt for the evening according to previous CelsTel info.

[catdlr]

https://twitter.com/cbs_spacenews/status/1755103992877547831

F9/Starlink 7-13: Launch is scrubbed for the day; no immediate word as to when SpaceX will make another try given the pending PACE launch out of Cape Canaveral early Thursday and work to bring the Ax-3 crew back to Earth from the International Space Station

[catdlr]

Looks like my intel was right.

Let's hope the weather clears up on the next launch attempt.

There is a chance only if the approaching storm front passes the base on-time which is a few hours before launch.  If it's slowed down, probably not.

[catdlr]

https://twitter.com/TSKelso/status/1755104324580212873

UPDATE #3:
@SpaceX
 issued a launch hold at T-0:43, which scrubs the launch attempts for Feb 7. Standby for new data for Feb 8.

[catdlr]

https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/1755103954407465435

[zubenelgenubi]

https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1755105201613406375

Due to unfavorable weather, we are standing down from tonight's launch of @Starlink. Next launch opportunity is no earlier than Wednesday, February 7 pending weather conditions.

https://twitter.com/TSKelso/status/1755105980197871652

CelesTrak has pre-launch SupGP data for the #Starlink Group 7-13 launch from Vandenberg SFB on 2024-02-08 at 01:17:40 UTC: https://celestrak.org/NORAD/elements/supplemental/table.php?FILE=starlink-g7-13. Deployment of 22 satellites at 02:20:10.440 UTC. Data for 15 backup launch opportunities also provided: https://celestrak.org/NORAD/elements/supplemental/.

[catdlr]

https://twitter.com/ShorealoneFilms/status/1755102519142072703

This is a Fireman Twitter link I recently received via a local news agency.  He gets intel I can't get.  Let's see if it pans out as the time is running.  I delete it if it's sour.

So this person called the Scrub at least 2 min left in the countdown.  I've requested his intel source.  He may not provide. 

[catdlr]

https://twitter.com/cbs_spacenews/status/1755107312941846773

F9/Starlink 7-13: SpaceX says they're setting up for a 24-hour recycle and another attempt to get the Starlink 7-13 flight off the ground late tonight; the launch period opens at 8:17pm EST (0117 UTC) per
@TSKelso

[catdlr]

Re-play of launch attempt.

[catdlr]

T-14 hours weather update:

The preliminary weather forecast for today through Friday is as follows. A very quick-moving storm front may bring a half inch of rain to the area mid-day through tonight. Most of the storm will have moved through the area before the launch window. However, although there may be scattered clouds behind the front, the quick pace of the front may indicate unacceptable wind speeds aloft (jet stream or wind shear), which could scrub the launch again. Friday onwards looks better, as offshore winds will end the current stormy weather cycle.

Here is an excerpt of the forecast provided by WSBY Santa Barbara.

Tony

[Galactic Penguin SST]

According to SpaceX’s mission page, this launch has slipped another day to February 9, 00:56 - 04:54 UTC:

SpaceX is targeting Thursday, February 8 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 4:56 p.m. PT, with backup opportunities available until 8:54 p.m. PT.

[zubenelgenubi]

FAA ATCSCC Current Operations Plan Advisory
https://www.fly.faa.gov/adv/adv_spt.jsp

LAUNCH/REENTRY:
SPACE X STARLINK 7-13, VANDENBERG SFB, CA
PRIMARY:   02/09/24      0055Z-0524Z   
BACKUP(S):   02/10/24      0034Z-0503Z
      02/10-11/24      2357Z-0402Z
      02/11-12/24      2329Z-0358Z   

SPACE X F9 PACE (X1817), CCSFS, FL
PRIMARY:   02/08/24      0625Z-0708Z
BACKUP(S):   02/09/24-02/12/24   0625Z-0708Z

DRAGON AXIOM-3 RE-ENTRY, ZJX
PRIMARY:    02/09/24      1315Z-1345Z
BACKUP(S):   02/10/24      1310Z-1340Z
      02/10/24      1315Z-1345Z

SPACE X STARLINK 6-39 (X2078), CCSFS, FL
PRIMARY:   02/10/24      0600Z-1031Z
BACKUP(S):   02/11/24-02/16/24   0600Z-1031Z

[catdlr]

https://twitter.com/TSKelso/status/1755364319649554768

UPDATE #1:
@SpaceX
 informs us that the #Starlink Group 7-13 launch has been slipped to Feb 9 (UTC) because "NASA required 24-hour standoff before the PACE launch," which is set for today. New pre-launch SupGP data is coming on CelesTrak momentarily.

[catdlr]

https://twitter.com/TSKelso/status/1755364961126326332

CelesTrak has pre-launch SupGP data for the #Starlink Group 7-13 launch from Vandenberg SFB on 2024-02-09 at 00:55:30 UTC: https://celestrak.org/NORAD/elements/supplemental/table.php?FILE=starlink-g7-13. Deployment of 22 satellites at 01:58:00.440 UTC. Data for 9 backup launch opportunities also provided: https://celestrak.org/NORAD/elements/supplemental/.

[zubenelgenubi]

UPDATE #1:
@SpaceX informs us that the #Starlink Group 7-13 launch has been slipped to Feb 9 (UTC) because "NASA required 24-hour standoff before the PACE launch," which is set for today. New pre-launch SupGP data is coming on CelesTrak momentarily.

Of course.  I'm reasonably sure NASA would require data analysis of the Starlink 7-13 launch if it happened before PACE.

(Might there also be a potential staffing issue, with PACE requiring more fully-dedicated SpaceX staff than an "internal" Starlink launch?)

[catdlr]

No longer an issue now that the flight has been delayed to Jan 9 (Jan 8th Local Time), But, currently the weather is not so good right now at the Launch Site, so probably the launch would have been scrubbed anyway.

https://twitter.com/tvdave/status/1755391398012916209

There is a SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING until 5:45 for the area highlighted in yellow.  This includes Santa Maria, Orcutt, and Lompoc.  This line of storms is producing brief intense rain, small hail, and 50mph winds.

The arrow points to the launch pad.

Possible tornadic activity in the area as well.

https://twitter.com/tvdave/status/1755029506534908024

[catdlr]

Just another update on the reports of tornadic events up near the launch area.  No worry, the launch is already delayed till Thursday evening (Local), just FYI if the launch was scheduled for tonight, it would not be a good idea.

[Steven Pietrobon]

PDF of updated press kit. This has the first opportunity at 00:56 UTC, instead of 00:55:30 UTC as given by Celestrak.

8 Feb. Press kit updated with additional launch day.

[zubenelgenubi]

UPDATE #1:
@SpaceX informs us that the #Starlink Group 7-13 launch has been slipped to Feb 9 (UTC) because "NASA required 24-hour standoff before the PACE launch," which is set for today. New pre-launch SupGP data is coming on CelesTrak momentarily.

Of course.  I'm reasonably sure NASA would require data analysis of the Starlink 7-13 launch if it happened before PACE.

https://twitter.com/cbs_spacenews/status/1755480344013262899

F9/PACE: LIFTOFF! At 1:33:36am EST (0633 UTC).

[catdlr]

Weather Discussion Video from KSBY Dave Hovde
@tvdave

This is an edited video from his longer-weather discussion.  It covers the predictions for Thursday and Friday.

[Galactic Penguin SST]

Small slip to 01:09 UTC = 5:09 pm PST (outside of the Celstrak launch opportunities again) that just happened minutes earlier:

Liftoff is targeted for 5:09 p.m. PT, with backup opportunities available until 8:55 p.m. PT.

[Steven Pietrobon]

T-38 minutes. The SpaceX launch director should be verifying go to start propellant loading.

[Galactic Penguin SST]

Weather can't be better, winds aloft may be an issue. the through is to bring the jet downward but could assist in the launch vehicle as it will be from behind and give it a boost.  Starting tomorrow the seasonal low clouds make their appearance once again making visual of the launch difficult.  The video from KSBY doesn't allow embed links, just copy and past if you want to view it.

youtube.com/watch?v=ZPmLvFE-8no

https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1755749013666865420

All systems are looking good and weather is 20% favorable for today's launch of 22 @Starlink satellites from California → http://spacex.com/launches

I don't see any reasons that puts this at 20% unless it's related to upper level winds on the way down for Stage 1 - see below for the predictions at 39000 feet by Windy.com:

[Steven Pietrobon]

T-35 minutes. First stage LOX loading and first and second stage RP-1 loading should be starting about now.

[Galactic Penguin SST]

https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1755752291578302545

Propellant load has begun for Falcon 9's launch of @Starlink satellites

[catdlr]

Weather can't be better, winds aloft may be an issue. the through is to bring the jet downward but could assist in the launch vehicle as it will be from behind and give it a boost.  Starting tomorrow the seasonal low clouds make their appearance once again making visual of the launch difficult.  The video from KSBY doesn't allow embed links, just copy and past if you want to view it.

youtube.com/watch?v=ZPmLvFE-8no

https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1755749013666865420

All systems are looking good and weather is 20% favorable for today's launch of 22 @Starlink satellites from California → http://spacex.com/launches

I don't see any reasons that puts this at 20% unless it's related to upper level winds on the way down for Stage 1 - see below for the predictions at 39000 feet by Windy.com:

Wow, that's terrible, but after a day of the high surface winds yesterday and the speed at which the front raced bay, it makes sense that there is upper-level wind causing a shear issue. Shame to spoil a clear day.

[Steven Pietrobon]

T-20 minutes. Second stage RP-1 loading should be completed about now.

[Galactic Penguin SST]

https://twitter.com/TSKelso/status/1755754218064052225

UPDATE #2: CelesTrak has updated pre-launch SupGP data for the #Starlink Group 7-13 launch on 2024-02-09 at 01:09:30 UTC: https://celestrak.org/NORAD/elements/supplemental/table.php?FILE=starlink-g7-13. Deployment of 22 satellites at 02:12:00.440 UTC. Data for 14 backup launch opportunities also provided: https://celestrak.org/NORAD/elements/supplemental/.

[Steven Pietrobon]

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

[Steven Pietrobon]

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

[Steven Pietrobon]

Link to Twitter livestream.

https://twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1OdKrjwoDkvKX

[Steven Pietrobon]

T-5 minutes. Falcon 9 tanks pressing for strongback retract.

[Steven Pietrobon]

T-4 minutes. Strongback is retracting.

[Steven Pietrobon]

T-3 minutes. First stage LOX load is complete.

[Steven Pietrobon]

T-2 minutes.

Second stage LOX load is complete.

[Steven Pietrobon]

T-1 minute. Falcon 9 is in startup.

Hold!

[Steven Pietrobon]

Scrubbed due to cloud coverage over the pad.

[catdlr]

Tricky, leading us on.  Scrub due to Cloud coverage over the pad???  they launch in thick fog before.  That Marine layer is but a few hundred feet thick and it's not total.

[Steven Pietrobon]

The clock stopped at T-41 seconds. The vehicle and payload are healthy and offloading propellant.

[catdlr]

Thanks for the coverage, Steven.  It must be frustrating.

[ZachS09]

I called the abort ahead of time. With 20% favorable weather conditions, there's no way a launch would happen.

[catdlr]

I called the abort ahead of time. With 20% favorable weather conditions, there's no way a launch would happen.

It may appear calm, and it was at the pad, but upper levels are another thing, thanks ZachS09 and the link to Windy.

[Steven Pietrobon]

Tricky, leading us on.  Scrub due to Cloud coverage over the pad???  they launch in thick fog before.  That Marine layer is but a few hundred feet thick and it's not total.

I think it depends on the type of cloud cover. If there's a chance of lightning, then its not safe to launch.

Thanks for the coverage, Steven.  It must be frustrating.

I don't get frustrated at scrubs. Its more important that the vehicle launches safely.

[HVM]

Tricky, leading us on.  Scrub due to Cloud coverage over the pad???  they launch in thick fog before.  That Marine layer is but a few hundred feet thick and it's not total.

Pick here:
"NASA has identified the Falcon 9 vehicle cannot be launched under the following conditions...
launch through a cloud layer greater than 4,500 feet (1,400 m) thick that extends into freezing temperatures"
...
"within 9.3 kilometres (5 nmi) of disturbed weather clouds that extend into freezing temperatures and contain moderate or greater precipitation,"

[catdlr]

Tricky, leading us on.  Scrub due to Cloud coverage over the pad???  they launch in thick fog before.  That Marine layer is but a few hundred feet thick and it's not total.

I think it depends on the type of cloud cover. If there's a chance of lightning, then its not safe to launch.

Thanks for the coverage, Steven.  It must be frustrating.

I don't get frustrated at scrubs. Its more important that the vehicle launches safely.

Yes, I agree, This is the day after a very fast-paced storm that brought some tornadic events just north of the pad.  The unstable air after a cold front could bring with it clouds laden with enough moisture to cause static charges as the LV passes through it. 

Thanks Steven.

[Steven Pietrobon]

"Standing down from tonight’s Falcon 9 launch attempt due to excessive cloud cover, now targeting Friday, February 9 → http://spacex.com/launches"

https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1755763378449183003

[xyv]

I don't get frustrated at scrubs. Its more important that the vehicle launches safely.

Well one thing is sure; SpaceX launches more and more and so there are more scrubs and Steven get's less sleep every year.  Really appreciate the effort you put in to these.

[catdlr]

https://www.spacex.com/launches/mission/?missionId=sl-7-13

SpaceX is targeting Friday, February 9 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 4:34 p.m. PT, with backup opportunities available until 8:32 p.m. PT. If needed, additional opportunities are also available on Saturday, February 10 starting at 4:12 p.m. PT.

= 10 Feb 00:34 to 04:32 UTC

https://twitter.com/TSKelso/status/1755778699528724973

CelesTrak has pre-launch SupGP data for the #Starlink Group 7-13 launch from Vandenberg SFB on 2024-02-10 at 00:34:00 UTC: https://celestrak.org/NORAD/elements/supplemental/table.php?FILE=starlink-g7-13. Deployment of 22 satellites at 01:36:30.440 UTC. Data for 15 backup launch opportunities also provided: https://celestrak.org/NORAD/elements/supplemental/.

[zubenelgenubi: edit/add]

[Steven Pietrobon]

Well one thing is sure; SpaceX launches more and more and so there are more scrubs and Steven get's less sleep every year.  Really appreciate the effort you put in to these.

As I live on the other side of the world, all these late night Starlink launches are during the daytime for me, so no lost sleep involved!

[catdlr]

https://twitter.com/SpaceOpsBot/status/1755909983013675378

Updated 09 Feb 2024 (2024/02/09) 06:02 EST

SPACE X STARLINK 7-13, VANDENBERG SFB, CA
== PRIMARY ==
02/10/24 /  / 0034Z-0503Z /
== BACKUP(S) ==
(S)02/11/24 / 2357Z-0420Z
02/12/24 /  / 2329Z-0358Z

[Steven Pietrobon]

Link to Twitter livestream.

https://twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1yNGaZRVeLgJj

[Steven Pietrobon]

"Less than one hour until Falcon 9’s launch of 22 @Starlink satellites from California. All systems looking good and weather is 80% favorable → http://spacex.com/launches"

https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1756101066603868252

[Steven Pietrobon]

T-38 minutes. The SpaceX launch director should be verifying go to start propellant loading.

[Steven Pietrobon]

T-35 minutes. First stage LOX loading and first and second stage RP-1 loading should be starting about now.

[Steven Pietrobon]

"Propellant load has begun for Falcon 9's launch @Starlink satellites"

https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1756105556476219854

[Steven Pietrobon]

T-20 minutes. Second stage RP-1 loading should be completed about now.

[Steven Pietrobon]

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

[catdlr]

12th F9 flight of '24
297th F9 flight overall
14th flight for booster B1071
211th droneship landing
271st landing overall
178th Starlink to orbit in '24
5,828th Starlink launched overall

https://twitter.com/cbs_spacenews/status/1756110690983493999

[Steven Pietrobon]

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

[Steven Pietrobon]

T-6 minutes. First stage RP-1 loading should be complete about now.

[Steven Pietrobon]

T-5 minutes.

[Steven Pietrobon]

T-4 minutes. Strongback is retracting.

Not hearing mission control audio.

[Steven Pietrobon]

T-3 minutes. Pogo bleed. First stage LOX loading should be completed.

[Steven Pietrobon]

T-2 minutes. Second stage LOX load is complete.

[Steven Pietrobon]

T-1 minute. Falcon 9 is in startup.

LD is go for launch.

[Steven Pietrobon]

Liftoff!

[Steven Pietrobon]

T+1 minute.

[Steven Pietrobon]

T+2 minutes.

[Steven Pietrobon]

First stage separation.

Ignition.

T+3 minutes.

[Steven Pietrobon]

Fairing separation.

T+4 minutes.

[Steven Pietrobon]

T+5 minutes.

[catdlr]

This post contains a video

LAUNCH! The weather was on the rocket's side this time!

https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/1756114623126798396

[Steven Pietrobon]

T+6 minutes.

[Steven Pietrobon]

Entry burn.

T+7 minutes.

[Steven Pietrobon]

T+8 minutes.

[Steven Pietrobon]

Landing burn.

Touchdown!

Cutoff.

Nominal orbit insertion.

[Steven Pietrobon]

Upcoming events.

00:53:28 2nd stage engine starts (SES-2)
00:53:29 2nd stage engine cutoff (SECO-2)
01:02:22 01:02:22

[catdlr]

https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1756116725429666112

Falcon 9’s first stage lands on the Of Course I Love You droneship, completing its 14th launch and landing since February 2022

[catdlr]

https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1756116976832008688

Over its 14 missions, this booster has delivered over 134 metric tons to space, including 279
@Starlink
 satellites that help provide internet connectivity from almost everywhere on Earth

[catdlr]

[Steven Pietrobon]

T+53 minutes and 28 seconds. Expected ignition for one second.

[Steven Pietrobon]

T+1 hour 2 minutes and 22 seconds. Expected separation.

[catdlr]

https://twitter.com/JohnPalminteri/status/1756130475545068020

That rumbling about 4:35 p.m. came out of Vandenberg Space Force base. Another Falcon 9 launch for SpaceX (delayed from earlier this week by bad weather) flew into low earth orbit.

[catdlr]

https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1756137580012388844

Deployment of
@Starlink
 satellites confirmed following a successful liftoff from California’s central coast

[catdlr]

As always Steven,  Thanks for the coverage, have a great weekend.

[catdlr]

[Galactic Penguin SST]

The 2nd stage this time went with an even lower orbit insertion altitude than usual SL 7-x launches (147 km and dropping at webcast ends, it's usually ~163), they did call nominal orbit insertion but I actually got worried a bit when the S/C separation tweet came late.
Perhaps this was a tweaked ascent profile?

[edkyle99]

The 2nd stage this time went with an even lower orbit insertion altitude than usual SL 7-x launches (147 km and dropping at webcast ends, it's usually ~163), they did call nominal orbit insertion but I actually got worried a bit when the S/C separation tweet came late.
Perhaps this was a tweaked ascent profile?

Did not look normal, but then again it had orbital velocity above (barely) the atmosphere and, apparently, the apogee kick burn put the thing where it was supposed to go - but we'll have to see the final orbit parameters to know.

 - Ed Kyle

[catdlr]

https://twitter.com/_rykllan/status/1756177452185833758

Recent 8th #Starlink launch of this year via #SpaceX's #Falcon9 vehicle

[FutureSpaceTourist]

More landing shots

[shiro]

Some reusability stats for this launch (Starlink Group 7-13):

Booster B1071.14 turnaround time:
63 days 16 hours 31 minutes
(its previous mission was Starlink Group 7-8 on Dec 8, 2023 UTC).

FYI: median turnaround time for Falcon 9 / Heavy boosters is currently 50.16 days *
* – based on the last 30 launches, excluding new first stages.

Launchpad SLC-4E turnaround time:
11 days 18 hours 37 minutes
(the previous launch from this pad was Starlink Group 7-12 on Jan 29, 2024 UTC).

FYI: median turnaround time for SLC-4E is currently 12.16 days *
* – based on the last 30 launches.

The same type of stats for previous SpaceX launches may be found on this spreadsheet online.

P.S. According to the pre-launch SupGP data on CelesTrak, this launch could happen as early as February 6 at 02:08 UTC, but it was delayed (probably because of unfavorable weather conditions). If the launch wasn't delayed on February 6, the turnaround times would be:
- 59 days 18 hours 5 minutes for B1071.14;
- 7 days 20 hours 11 minutes for SLC-4E.

[catdlr]

https://twitter.com/TSKelso/status/1756369687334777041

CelesTrak has ephemeris-based SupGP data for all 22 satellites from the #Starlink Group 7-13 launch (2024-027) atop a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg SFB on Feb 10 at 0034 UTC: https://spaceflightnow.com/2024/02/07/live-coverage-spacex-to-launch-22-starlink-satellites-on-falcon-9-rocket-from-vandenberg-space-force-base/. Data for the launch can be found at: https://celestrak.org/NORAD/elements/supplemental/table.php?INTDES=2024-027.

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/spacex/status/1756422655715291632

With each launch of our second generation @Starlink satellites, we add ~2.2 Tbps of capacity to the constellation, allowing us to improve coverage and connect more people all around the world with high-speed internet from space

[realnouns]

Go Beyond (fka. Go Crusader) returned to PoLB on Feb 12 @ 4:01am PT / 7:01am ET

[realnouns]

Debra C + OCISLY + B1071 returned to PoLB on Feb 12 @ 6:50am PT / 9:50am ET

[GWR64]

STARLINK-31287 (2024-027V, 58950) may be broken.
https://celestrak.org/NORAD/elements/supplemental/table.php?CATNR=58950&FORMAT=tle

[GWR64]

The NORAD data has now fallen much faster, than the data from SpaceX (above).
I suspect STARLINK-31287 has already burned up.
https://celestrak.org/NORAD/elements/table.php?CATNR=58950