Author Topic: SpaceX F9 : Starlink group 6-42 : KSC LC-39A : 23/24 March 2024 (03:09 UTC) (Read 21651 times)

zubenelgenubi · « **on:** 02/29/2024 02:45 pm »

Thread for the Starlink 6-42 group launch.

NSF Threads for Starlink 6-42: Discussion

Launch 24 March 2024, at 03:09:00 UTC (Mar 23 11:09 pm EDT), from KSC LC-39A, on booster 1060-19. The first stage successfully landed aboard Just Read the Instructions.

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 · « **Reply #1 on:** 02/29/2024 10:34 pm »

Cross-posts:

Quote from: gongora on 01/11/2024 12:50 am

more Starlinks from Cape
<snip>
0039-EX-ST-2024 Mission 1884 Starlink Group 6-42
[NET Feb 22]
ASDS North 25 41 37 West 75 5 42

Quote from: Salo on 02/28/2024 05:23 pm

Ben Cooper's Launch Photography Viewing Guide; updated February 28; my bold:
Quote
The next SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch a Starlink batch from pad 40 on February 28 at 10:30 a.m. EST or March 1 at 10:00 a.m. (could move up or back depending on Crew-8 weather). A Falcon 9 will launch the next crew of four astronauts to the International Space Station, Crew-8, from pad 39A on March 1 at 12:04 a.m. EST. The first stage will land back at the Cape about eight minutes after launch. A Falcon 9 will launch a Starlink batch from pad 40 on March 3 or 4. Upcoming launches include more Starlink batches. A Falcon 9 will launch the CRS-30 cargo Dragon resupply mission to the ISS from pad 40 on March 11 at 8:47 p.m. EDT. The first stage will land back at the Cape about eight minutes after launch. Upcoming launches include more Starlink batches. A Falcon 9 will launch the Eutelsat 36D television satellite from pad 40 on late March.

Launch apparently was to be before March 12 from LC-39A. SLC-40 would be occupied by the SpX-30 launch campaign.

Quote from: Salo on 02/29/2024 07:24 pm

Ben Cooper's Launch Photography Viewing Guide; updated February 29; my bold:
Quote
The next SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch the next crew of four astronauts to the International Space Station, Crew-8, from pad 39A on March 2 earliest at 11:16 p.m. EST. The first stage will land back at the Cape about eight minutes after launch. A Falcon 9 will launch a Starlink batch from pad 40 on March 4 around 7-11 p.m EST. A Falcon 9 will launch the CRS-30 cargo Dragon resupply mission to the ISS from pad 40 on March 11 at 8:47 p.m. EDT. The first stage will land back at the Cape about eight minutes after launch. Upcoming launches include more Starlink batches. A Falcon 9 will launch the Eutelsat 36D television satellite from pad 40 on late March.

Now launch is apparently scheduled NET March 12.

Starlink 6-42 could launch from either Kennedy LC-39A (after Crew-8) or Canaveral SLC-40 (after SpX-30), and it could land aboard either Florida ASDS.

zubenelgenubi · « **Reply #2 on:** 03/05/2024 07:53 pm »

Starlink 6-43 is the next Florida Falcon 9 launch.

We thought these notices pertained to Starlink 6-42.

Quote from: Ken the Bin on 03/03/2024 02:41 am

NGA Rocket Launching notice. Note that this notice has the Primary Day and nine Backup Days. Usually there are six Backup Days.

Quote from: NGA

292130Z FEB 24
NAVAREA IV 240/24(11,26).
WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC.
FLORIDA.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING 
   080019Z TO 080450Z MAR, ALTERNATE 082354Z TO 090425Z, 
   092328Z TO 100359Z, 102303Z TO 110334Z, 
   112238Z TO 120309Z, 122213Z TO 130244Z, 
   132147Z TO 140218Z, 142122Z TO 150153Z,
   152057Z TO 160128Z AND 162032Z TO 170103Z MAR 
   IN AREAS BOUND BY:
   A. 28-39.00N 080-37.69W, 28-39.00N 080-28.00W,
      28-30.00N 080-10.00W, 28-24.00N 080-09.00W,
      28-21.00N 080-11.00W, 28-23.00N 080-19.00W,
      28-29.35N 080-32.49W, 28-39.00N 080-37.69W.
   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, 26-15.00N 076-00.00W.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 170203Z MAR 24.

Quote from: Ken the Bin on 03/04/2024 02:06 pm

Cancel-and-replace NGA Rocket Launching notice.

Postponed to March 10.

Quote from: NGA

041426Z MAR 24
NAVAREA IV 246/24(11,26).
WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC.
FLORIDA.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING 
   102303Z TO 110334Z MAR, ALTERNATE 112238Z TO 120309Z,
   122213Z TO 130244Z, 132147Z TO 140218Z, 142122Z TO 150153Z,
   152057Z TO 160128 AND 162032Z TO 170103Z MAR
   IN AREAS BOUND BY:
   A. 28-39.00N 080-37.69W, 28-39.00N 080-28.00W,
      28-30.00N 080-10.00W, 28-24.00N 080-09.00W,
      28-21.00N 080-11.00W, 28-23.00N 080-19.00W,
      28-29.35N 080-32.49W.
   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 NAVAREA IV 240/24.
3. CANCEL THIS MSG 170203Z MAR 24.

The original NET launch date for both Starlinks was the same date, February 22.

Edit March 6: Launch news assumed to pertain to Starlink 6-42 are for Starlink 6-44.

zubenelgenubi · « **Reply #3 on:** 03/08/2024 04:17 pm »

Ben Cooper's Launch Photography Viewing Guide; updated a third and fourth time March 6; my bold:

Quote

The next SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch a Starlink batch from pad 40 on March 10 at 7:03-11:03 p.m. EDT. A Falcon 9 will launch a Starlink batch from pad 39A on mid-March at 7-11 p.m. EDT. Upcoming launches include more Starlink batches. A Falcon 9 will launch the CRS-30 cargo Dragon resupply mission to the ISS from pad 40 on late March, in the late afternoon EDT. The first stage will land back at the Cape about eight minutes after launch. A Falcon 9 will launch the Eutelsat 36D television satellite from pad 40 on late March. A Falcon 9 will launch the Bandwagon-1 rideshare mission from pad 40 on April 3 at 1:24 p.m. EDT.

zubenelgenubi · « **Reply #4 on:** 03/08/2024 09:44 pm »

Starlink 6-42?

Quote from: Ken the Bin on 03/08/2024 08:47 pm

NGA Rocket Launching for March 21 already, so I assume it's [SpX-30].

Quote from: NGA

082022Z MAR 24
NAVAREA IV 262/24(11,26).
WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC.
FLORIDA
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING 
   210045Z TO 210516Z MAR, ALTERNATE 220020Z TO 220451Z,
   222355Z TO 230426Z, 232329Z TO 240400Z, 
   AND 242304Z TO 250335Z MAR
   IN AREAS BOUND BY:
   A. 28-38.24N 080-37.15W, 28-39.00N 080-36.00W,
      28-38.00N 080-23.00W, 28-24.00N 080-01.00W,
      28-19.00N 080-03.00W, 28-27.00N 080-24.00W,
      28-31.11N 080-33.33W.
   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, 26-15.00N 076-00.00W.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 250435Z MAR 24.

Alexphysics · « **Reply #5 on:** 03/09/2024 12:29 am »

That's our guess on NXF, it may very well be 6-45 because of course SpaceX would do that kind of stuff

zubenelgenubi · « **Reply #6 on:** 03/11/2024 09:53 pm »

Cross-post:

Quote from: Salo on 03/08/2024 11:11 am

Ben Cooper's Launch Photography Viewing Guide; updated March 7; my bold:
Quote
The next SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch a Starlink batch from pad 40 on March 10 at 7:03-11:03 p.m. EDT. A Falcon 9 will launch a Starlink batch from pad 39A on March 13 at 7-11 p.m. EDT. Upcoming launches include more Starlink batches. A Falcon 9 will launch the CRS-30 cargo Dragon resupply mission to the ISS from pad 40 on late March, in the late afternoon EDT. The first stage will land back at the Cape about eight minutes after launch. A Falcon 9 will launch the Eutelsat 36D television satellite from pad 40 on late March. A Falcon 9 will launch the Bandwagon-1 rideshare mission from pad 40 on April 3 at 1:24 p.m. EDT.

Ben Cooper's Launch Photography Viewing Guide; updated March 11; my bold:

Quote

The next SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch a Starlink batch from pad 39A on March 13 at 7-11 p.m. EDT. A Falcon 9 will launch a Starlink batch from pad 39A on March 20 around 7-11 p.m. EDT. A Falcon 9 will launch the CRS-30 cargo Dragon resupply mission to the ISS from pad 40 on March 21 at 4:54 p.m. EDT. The first stage will land back at the Cape about eight minutes after launch. A Falcon 9 will launch the Eutelsat 36D television satellite from pad 40 on late March. A Falcon 9 will launch the Bandwagon-1 rideshare mission from pad 40 on April 3 at 1:24 p.m. EDT.

Why is there a circa seven day gap between the LC-39A launches of Starlink 6-44 and Starlink 6-42?

Or, for that matter, why circa 10 days between the LC-39A launches of Crew-8 and Starlink 6-44?

ASDS likely is JRTI.

No Falcon 9 launches within 48 hours of the SpX-30 launch on March 21. This launch may wait until after.

Edited

Galactic Penguin SST · « **Reply #7 on:** 03/13/2024 02:39 pm »

6-42 is...correct.
2nd stage de-orbit zone NOTAM:

A0904/24 NOTAMN Q) FAJO/QWMLW/IV/BO/W/000/999/3656S04611E999 A) FAJO B) 2403210235 C) 2403250548 D) 21 MAR 0235-0729, 22 MAR 0210-0704, 23 MAR 0145-0639, 24 MAR 0119-0613, 25 MAR 0054-0548 E) AREA BOUNDED BY (4256S 00224W, 4045S 00221W, 3210S 05700E, 3515S 05700E): SPACEX STARLINK 6-42 ROCKET RE-ENTRY OPS TAKING PLACE. APPLICABLE AIRSPACE DOWNGRADED TO CLASS G. F) GND G) UNL

Ken the Bin · « **Reply #8 on:** 03/15/2024 03:16 am »

Postponed one day per this cancel-and-replace NGA Rocket Launching notice.

Quote from: NGA

150359Z MAR 24
NAVAREA IV 284/24(11,26).
WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC.
FLORIDA.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING 
   220020Z TO 220451Z MAR, ALTERNATE 
   222355Z TO 230426Z, 232329Z TO 240400Z, 
   242304Z TO 250335Z, 252239Z TO 260310Z, 
   262214Z TO 270245Z AND 272149Z TO 280220Z MAR
   IN AREAS BOUND BY:
   A. 28-38.24N 080-37.15W, 28-39.00N 080-36.00W,
      28-38.00N 080-23.00W, 28-24.00N 080-01.00W,
      28-19.00N 080-03.00W, 28-27.00N 080-24.00W,
      28-31.11N 080-33.33W.
   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 NAVAREA IV 262/24.
3. CANCEL THIS MSG 280320Z MAR 24.//

OneSpeed · « **Reply #9 on:** 03/16/2024 02:55 am »

Quote from: Galactic Penguin SST on 03/13/2024 02:39 pm

6-42 is...correct.
2nd stage de-orbit zone NOTAM: ...

Quote from: Ken the Bin on 03/15/2024 03:16 am

Postponed one day per this cancel-and-replace NGA Rocket Launching notice. ...

Maps from the combined notices. ASDS 635km downrange. S2 splashdown area in yellow, but would expect the two blue areas to be added before the launch.

EDIT:

Quote from: Ken the Bin on 03/18/2024 03:43 pm

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

Map from the NGA notice.

Ken the Bin · « **Reply #10 on:** 03/16/2024 11:21 am »

Postponed another day, from very early on March 22 UTC to very late on March 22 UTC, per this cancel-and-replace NGA notice.

Quote from: NGA

160653Z MAR 24
NAVAREA IV 295/24(11,26).
WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC.
FLORIDA.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING
   222355Z TO 230426Z MAR, ALTERNATE 
   232329Z TO 240400Z, 242304Z TO 250335Z,
   252239Z TO 260310Z, 262214Z TO 270245Z AND
   272149Z TO 280220Z MAR
   IN AREAS BOUND BY:
   A. 28-38.24N 080-37.15W, 28-39.00N 080-36.00W,
      28-38.00N 080-23.00W, 28-24.00N 080-01.00W,
      28-19.00N 080-03.00W, 28-27.00N 080-24.00W,
      28-31.11N 080-33.33W.
   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 NAVAREA IV 284/24.
3. CANCEL THIS MSG 280320Z MAR 24.

Ken the Bin · « **Reply #11 on:** 03/18/2024 03:43 pm »

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

The notices start on March 21 and end on March 30. I think they are intended to be multi-launch for additional Starlink launches from the cape through the end of March.

Quote from: NGA

181340Z MAR 24
HYDROLANT 564/24(57, 61, 71).
EASTERN SOUTH ATLANTIC.
INDIAN OCEAN.
DNC 01, DNC 02, DNC 03.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, SPACE DEBRIS 2321Z TO 0622Z
   DAILY 21 THRU 30 MAR 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 310722Z MAR 24.

Quote from: NGA

181340Z MAR 24
HYDROPAC 905/24(57, 61, 71).
EASTERN SOUTH ATLANTIC.
INDIAN OCEAN.
DNC 01, DNC 02, DNC 03.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, SPACE DEBRIS 2321Z TO 0622Z
   DAILY 21 THRU 30 MAR 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 310722Z MAR 24.

Martin_G · « **Reply #12 on:** 03/18/2024 08:06 pm »

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

Quote

SPACE-X STARLINK 6-42 (X2134), CCSFS/KSC, FL
PRIMARY:   03/22/24   2355Z-0426Z
BACKUP:      03/23/24   2329Z-0400Z
      03/24/24   2304Z-0335Z
      03/25/24   2239Z-0310Z
      03/26/24   2214Z-0245Z
      03/27/24   2149Z-0220Z
      03/28/24   2123Z-0154Z

realnouns · « **Reply #13 on:** 03/19/2024 07:48 pm »

Bob + JRTI departed PC on Mar 19 @ 3:47pm ET

catdlr · « **Reply #14 on:** 03/19/2024 09:35 pm »

https://twitter.com/SpaceOffshore/status/1770184226668724357

Quote

Departure! Bob is underway from Port Canaveral with JRTI droneship for the Starlink 6-42 mission. 📸 http://nsf.live/spacecoast

zubenelgenubi · « **Reply #15 on:** 03/20/2024 01:41 am »

Belated cross-post:

Quote from: Salo on 03/16/2024 04:32 pm

Ben Cooper's Launch Photography Viewing Guide; updated March 16; my bold:
Quote
The next SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch the CRS-30 cargo Dragon resupply mission to the ISS from pad 40 on March 21 at 4:55 p.m. EDT. The first stage will land back at the Cape about eight minutes after launch. A Falcon 9 will launch a Starlink batch from pad 39A on March 22 at 7:55 p.m. or later EDT. A Falcon 9 will launch the Eutelsat 36D television satellite from pad 40 on late March. A Falcon 9 will launch the Bandwagon-1 rideshare mission from pad 39A on April 3 at 1:24 p.m. EDT. Upcoming launches include more Starlink batches.

Quote from: zubenelgenubi on 03/11/2024 09:53 pm

No Falcon 9 launches within 48 hours of the SpX-30 launch on March 21. This launch may wait until after.

The Starlink 7-16 launch earlier today UTC occurred before that limit.

zubenelgenubi · « **Reply #16 on:** 03/20/2024 05:30 am »

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

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

1064.6 and 1065.6 are the Falcon Heavy side boosters for Europa Clipper. 1072.1 and 1086.1 are assigned as the Falcon Heavy side boosters for GOES-U.

1073.14 and 1076.12 may undergo modifications to become Falcon Heavy side boosters for a future launch, but both are currently available for "single-stick" launches.

Available first stages, with UTC date of most recent recovery:
~~1080.6 Jan 18~~ (~~likely~~ SpX-30?)
1078.8 Feb 14 ~~(next likely SpX-30?)~~
1060.19 Feb 15
1067.18 Feb 20
1069.14 Feb 25
1076.12 Feb 29

Edit March 22 UTC: It's B1060.19, skipping B1078.8.

Edited

Ken the Bin · « **Reply #17 on:** 03/21/2024 03:47 pm »

Primary launch opportunity = 2024-03-22 23:57:00 UTC per CelesTrak.

https://twitter.com/TSKelso/status/1770786754276057507

Quote from: T.S. Kelso

CelesTrak has pre-launch SupGP data for @Starlink Group 6-42 launch from Cape Canaveral on 2024-03-22 at 23:57:00 UTC: https://celestrak.org/NORAD/elements/supplemental/table.php?FILE=starlink-g6-42. Deployment of 23 satellites at 2024-03-23 at 01:02:27.380 UTC. Data for 15 backup opportunities also provided: https://celestrak.org/NORAD/elements/supplemental/.

https://celestrak.org/NORAD/elements/supplemental/

Launch: 2024-03-22 23:57:00 UTC. Deploy: 2024-03-23 01:02:27.380 UTC.
Launch: 2024-03-23 00:09:00 UTC. Deploy: 2024-03-23 01:14:27.380 UTC.
Launch: 2024-03-23 00:23:00 UTC. Deploy: 2024-03-23 01:28:27.380 UTC.
Launch: 2024-03-23 00:49:00 UTC. Deploy: 2024-03-23 01:54:27.380 UTC.
Launch: 2024-03-23 00:53:00 UTC. Deploy: 2024-03-23 01:58:27.380 UTC.
Launch: 2024-03-23 01:11:00 UTC. Deploy: 2024-03-23 02:16:27.380 UTC.
Launch: 2024-03-23 01:37:00 UTC. Deploy: 2024-03-23 02:42:27.380 UTC.
Launch: 2024-03-23 01:47:00 UTC. Deploy: 2024-03-23 02:52:27.380 UTC.
Launch: 2024-03-23 02:01:00 UTC. Deploy: 2024-03-23 03:06:27.380 UTC.
Launch: 2024-03-23 02:27:00 UTC. Deploy: 2024-03-23 03:32:27.380 UTC.
Launch: 2024-03-23 02:33:00 UTC. Deploy: 2024-03-23 03:38:27.380 UTC.
Launch: 2024-03-23 02:47:00 UTC. Deploy: 2024-03-23 03:52:27.380 UTC.
Launch: 2024-03-23 03:01:00 UTC. Deploy: 2024-03-23 04:06:27.380 UTC.
Launch: 2024-03-23 03:23:00 UTC. Deploy: 2024-03-23 04:28:27.380 UTC.
Launch: 2024-03-23 03:37:00 UTC. Deploy: 2024-03-23 04:42:27.380 UTC.
Launch: 2024-03-23 03:55:00 UTC. Deploy: 2024-03-23 05:00:27.380 UTC.

Ken the Bin · « **Reply #18 on:** 03/21/2024 03:50 pm »

L-1 weather forecast. 25% 'Go' for March 22. 70% 'Go' for March 23. Upper-Level Wind Shear risk is Low-Moderate for both days. Booster Recovery Weather risk is also Low-Moderate for both days. All other Additional Risk Criteria are Low.

zubenelgenubi · « **Reply #19 on:** 03/21/2024 06:15 pm »

Quote from: Ken the Bin on 03/21/2024 03:50 pm

L-1 weather forecast. 25% 'Go' for March 22.

"Now-casting" weather forecasting will come to the fore tomorrow. Too bad we can no longer listen into the launch control channel.

zubenelgenubi · « **Reply #20 on:** 03/21/2024 07:05 pm »

Ben Cooper says launch could be March 22 or 23:
Ben Cooper's Launch Photography Viewing Guide; updated March 21; my bold:

Quote

The next SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch the CRS-30 cargo Dragon resupply mission to the ISS from pad 40 on March 21 at 4:55 p.m. EDT. The first stage will land back at the Cape about eight minutes after launch. A Falcon 9 will launch a Starlink batch from pad 39A on March 22 or 23 at 7:55 p.m. or later EDT. A Falcon 9 will launch a Starlink batch from pad 40 on March 25 at 5:00-9:00 p.m. EDT. A Falcon 9 will launch the Eutelsat 36D television satellite from pad 39A on March 30 around 6 p.m. EDT. A Falcon 9 will launch the Bandwagon-1 rideshare mission on April 7 at 1:24 p.m. EDT. Upcoming launches include more Starlink batches.

catdlr · « **Reply #21 on:** 03/22/2024 12:06 am »

https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1770969904105308449

Quote

Targeting Friday, March 22 for a Falcon 9 launch of 23 @Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Florida, teams watching weather which is currently 20% favorable for launch → http://spacex.com/launches

zubenelgenubi · « **Reply #22 on:** 03/22/2024 12:42 am »

https://www.spacex.com/launches/mission/?missionId=sl-6-42

Quote

SpaceX is targeting Friday, March 22 for a Falcon 9 launch of 23 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Liftoff is targeted for 7:57 p.m. ET, with backup opportunities available until 11:55 p.m. ET. If needed, additional opportunities are also available on Saturday, March 23 starting at 7:29 p.m. ET.

A live webcast of this mission will begin on X @SpaceX about five minutes prior to liftoff. Watch live.

This is the 19th flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched GPS III-3, Turksat 5A, Transporter-2, Intelsat G-33/G-34, Transporter-6, Intuitive Machines IM-1, and 12 Starlink missions. Following stage separation, the first stage will land on the Just Read the Instructions droneship, which will be stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.

B1060-19

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #23 on:** 03/22/2024 06:25 am »

PDF of online press kit and link to Twitter livestream.

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

spacenuance · « **Reply #24 on:** 03/22/2024 06:01 pm »

Falcon is rolling to the pad.

catdlr · « **Reply #25 on:** 03/22/2024 07:00 pm »

https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1771261653373403235

Quote

Due to unfavorable weather, we're now targeting Saturday, March 23 for a Falcon 9 launch of 23
@Starlink satellites from Florida → http://spacex.com/launches

https://www.spacex.com/launches/mission/?missionId=sl-6-42

Quote

SpaceX is targeting Saturday, March 23 for a Falcon 9 launch of 23 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Liftoff is targeted for 7:29 p.m. ET, with backup opportunities available until 11:29 p.m. ET. If needed, additional opportunities are also available on Sunday, March 24 starting at 7:04 p.m. ET.

Ken the Bin · « **Reply #26 on:** 03/22/2024 07:45 pm »

New L-1 weather forecast. 75% 'Go' for March 23. 80% 'Go' for March 24. Upper-Level Wind Shear risk is Low-Moderate for both days. Booster Recovery Weather risk is Moderate for March 23 and Low-Moderate for March 24. All other Additional Risk Criteria are Low.

FutureSpaceTourist · « **Reply #27 on:** 03/22/2024 08:50 pm »

https://twitter.com/cphillips_03/status/1771292592988160371

Quote

SpaceX rolled out their Falcon 9 rocket ahead of the Starlink 6-42 from LC-39A. Keep up with prelaunch preparations LIVE with @NASASpaceflight
nsf.live/spacecoast

Ken the Bin · « **Reply #28 on:** 03/22/2024 10:25 pm »

Primary launch opportunity = 2024-03-23 23:29:00 UTC per CelesTrak.

https://twitter.com/TSKelso/status/1771314021100114299

Quote from: T.S. Kelso

UPDATE #1: The @Starlink Group 6-42 launch from Cape Canaveral has slipped to 2024-03-23 at 23:29:00 UTC: https://celestrak.org/NORAD/elements/supplemental/table.php?FILE=starlink-g6-42. Deployment of 23 satellites at 2024-03-24 at 00:34:27.380 UTC. Data for 15 backup launch opportunities is also provided: https://celestrak.org/NORAD/elements/supplemental/.

https://celestrak.org/NORAD/elements/supplemental/

Launch: 2024-03-23 23:29:00 UTC. Deploy: 2024-03-24 00:34:27.380 UTC.
Launch: 2024-03-23 23:37:00 UTC. Deploy: 2024-03-24 00:42:27.380 UTC.
Launch: 2024-03-23 23:51:00 UTC. Deploy: 2024-03-24 00:56:27.380 UTC.
Launch: 2024-03-24 00:05:00 UTC. Deploy: 2024-03-24 01:10:27.380 UTC.
Launch: 2024-03-24 00:21:00 UTC. Deploy: 2024-03-24 01:26:27.380 UTC.
Launch: 2024-03-24 00:27:00 UTC. Deploy: 2024-03-24 01:32:27.380 UTC.
Launch: 2024-03-24 00:41:00 UTC. Deploy: 2024-03-24 01:46:27.380 UTC.
Launch: 2024-03-24 00:55:00 UTC. Deploy: 2024-03-24 02:00:27.380 UTC.
Launch: 2024-03-24 01:13:00 UTC. Deploy: 2024-03-24 02:18:27.380 UTC.
Launch: 2024-03-24 01:17:00 UTC. Deploy: 2024-03-24 02:22:27.380 UTC.
Launch: 2024-03-24 01:31:00 UTC. Deploy: 2024-03-24 02:36:27.380 UTC.
Launch: 2024-03-24 02:01:00 UTC. Deploy: 2024-03-24 03:06:27.380 UTC.
Launch: 2024-03-24 02:25:00 UTC. Deploy: 2024-03-24 03:30:27.380 UTC.
Launch: 2024-03-24 02:53:00 UTC. Deploy: 2024-03-24 03:58:27.380 UTC.
Launch: 2024-03-24 03:13:00 UTC. Deploy: 2024-03-24 04:18:27.380 UTC.
Launch: 2024-03-24 03:29:00 UTC. Deploy: 2024-03-24 04:34:27.380 UTC.

Ken the Bin · « **Reply #29 on:** 03/22/2024 10:47 pm »

New cancel-and-replace NGA Rocket Launching notice for the postponement. No additional Backup Days added.

Quote from: NGA

222323Z MAR 24
NAVAREA IV 330/24(11,26).
WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC.
FLORIDA.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING
   232329Z TO 240400Z MAR, ALTERNATE
   242304Z TO 250335Z,252239Z TO 260310Z,
   262214Z TO 270245Z AND 272149Z TO 280220Z MAR
   IN AREAS BOUND BY:
   A. 28-38.24N 080-37.15W, 28-39.00N 080-36.00W,
      28-38.00N 080-23.00W, 28-24.00N 080-01.00W,
      28-19.00N 080-03.00W, 28-27.00N 080-24.00W,
      28-31.11N 080-33.33W.
   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 NAVAREA IV 295/24.
3. CANCEL THIS MSG 280320Z MAR 24.

Ken the Bin · « **Reply #30 on:** 03/23/2024 09:01 pm »

NSF webcast (video id Gip__VfQBsU):

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #31 on:** 03/23/2024 09:06 pm »

Launch delayed by 10 minutes to 23:39 UTC.

"SpaceX is targeting Saturday, March 23 for a Falcon 9 launch of 23 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Liftoff is targeted for 7:39 p.m. ET, with backup opportunities available until 11:29 p.m. ET. "

https://www.spacex.com/launches/mission/?missionId=sl-6-42

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #32 on:** 03/23/2024 09:41 pm »

NSF webcast has begun.

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #33 on:** 03/23/2024 10:01 pm »

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

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #34 on:** 03/23/2024 10:02 pm »

Launch delayed to 00:21 UTC.

"SpaceX is targeting Saturday, March 23 for a Falcon 9 launch of 23 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Liftoff is targeted for 8:21 p.m. ET, with backup opportunities available until 11:29 p.m. ET."

https://www.spacex.com/launches/mission/?missionId=sl-6-42

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #35 on:** 03/23/2024 10:21 pm »

T-1 hour.

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #36 on:** 03/23/2024 10:30 pm »

Launch delayed to 03:09 UTC.

"SpaceX is targeting Saturday, March 23 for a Falcon 9 launch of 23 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Liftoff is targeted for 11:09 p.m. ET, with backup opportunities available until 11:29 p.m."

https://www.spacex.com/launches/mission/?missionId=sl-6-42

zubenelgenubi · « **Reply #37 on:** 03/23/2024 11:08 pm »

Quote from: Steven Pietrobon on 03/23/2024 09:06 pm

Launch delayed by 10 minutes to 23:39 UTC.

"SpaceX is targeting Saturday, March 23 for a Falcon 9 launch of 23 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Liftoff is targeted for 7:39 p.m. ET, with backup opportunities available until 11:29 p.m. ET. "

https://www.spacex.com/launches/mission/?missionId=sl-6-42

New list of launch times; some overlap with old times:
https://twitter.com/TSKelso/status/1771671373997318433

Quote

UPDATE #2: The @Starlink Group 6-42 launch from Cape Canaveral is now set for 2024-03-23 at 23:39:00 UTC: https://celestrak.org/NORAD/elements/supplemental/table.php?FILE=starlink-g6-42. Deployment of 23 satellites at 2024-03-24 at 00:44:27.280 UTC. Data for 12 backup launch opportunities is also provided: https://celestrak.org/NORAD/elements/supplemental/.

Quote from: Steven Pietrobon on 03/23/2024 10:02 pm

Launch delayed to 00:21 UTC.

"SpaceX is targeting Saturday, March 23 for a Falcon 9 launch of 23 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Liftoff is targeted for 8:21 p.m. ET, with backup opportunities available until 11:29 p.m. ET."

https://www.spacex.com/launches/mission/?missionId=sl-6-42

Delayed to 2nd backup opportunity.

Quote from: Steven Pietrobon on 03/23/2024 10:30 pm

Launch delayed to 03:09 UTC.

"SpaceX is targeting Saturday, March 23 for a Falcon 9 launch of 23 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Liftoff is targeted for 11:09 p.m. ET, with backup opportunities available until 11:29 p.m."

https://www.spacex.com/launches/mission/?missionId=sl-6-42

Incorrect:
https://twitter.com/TSKelso/status/1771682420779069649

Quote

UPDATE #3: It appears @SpaceX is going for the last (11th) backup launch opportunity for this window on 2024-03-24 at 03:29:00 UTC with deployment at 04:34:27.280 UTC.

If it does not go, I may not be able to provide additional updates since I will be traveling all day tomorrow.

Correct:
https://twitter.com/TSKelso/status/1771694231247093841

Quote

UPDATE #4: I’m sorry, the 11th backup launch opportunity is the next-to-last for this window. It is on 2024-03-24 at 03:09:00 UTC with deployment at 04:14:27.280 UTC.

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #38 on:** 03/24/2024 12:10 am »

Big bolts of lightning at the cape! I'm not 100% sure, but it looks like Falcon 9 was hit by lightning.

catdlr · « **Reply #39 on:** 03/24/2024 12:21 am »

Quote from: Steven Pietrobon on 03/24/2024 12:10 am

Big bolts of lightning at the cape! I'm not 100% sure, but it looks like Falcon 9 was hit by lightning.

Video Clips from different angles

https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxwcBqdrXOuJSCgPJGo37LRICEhVaeHHsv?si=0OdlcBU7xckdNL_4

https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxzQEAsZRLTrxwZTFTjzUX4K172XtSQ6P9?si=2LFURd0ryA19lM92

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #40 on:** 03/24/2024 12:30 am »

SFN view. This view shows that Falcon 9 wasn't hit.

Credit SFN.

catdlr · « **Reply #41 on:** 03/24/2024 01:04 am »

Steven,

Here is a clip from the NSF Space Coast Live.

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #42 on:** 03/24/2024 01:16 am »

T-1 hour.

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #43 on:** 03/24/2024 01:21 am »

Space Coast Live capture of the lightning bolt.

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #44 on:** 03/24/2024 01:31 am »

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

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #45 on:** 03/24/2024 01:34 am »

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

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #46 on:** 03/24/2024 01:35 am »

Go go launch!

"Propellant load started for tonight's Falcon 9 launch of @Starlink satellites from Florida, all systems and weather are currently go"

https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1771727187923623973

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #47 on:** 03/24/2024 01:39 am »

T-30 minutes. Frost forming at base of first stage LOX tank.

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #48 on:** 03/24/2024 01:44 am »

T-25 minutes.

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #49 on:** 03/24/2024 01:49 am »

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

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #50 on:** 03/24/2024 01:53 am »

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

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #51 on:** 03/24/2024 01:59 am »

T-10 minutes.

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #52 on:** 03/24/2024 02:02 am »

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

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #53 on:** 03/24/2024 02:03 am »

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

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #54 on:** 03/24/2024 02:04 am »

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

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #55 on:** 03/24/2024 02:05 am »

T-4 minutes. Strongback should be retracting.

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #56 on:** 03/24/2024 02:06 am »

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

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #57 on:** 03/24/2024 02:07 am »

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

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #58 on:** 03/24/2024 02:08 am »

T-1 minute. Falcon 9 is in startup.

LD is go for launch.

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #59 on:** 03/24/2024 02:09 am »

Liftoff!

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #60 on:** 03/24/2024 02:10 am »

T+1 minute.

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #61 on:** 03/24/2024 02:11 am »

T+2 minutes.

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #62 on:** 03/24/2024 02:12 am »

First stage separation.

Ignition.

T+3 minutes.

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #63 on:** 03/24/2024 02:13 am »

Fairing separation.

T+4 minutes.

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #64 on:** 03/24/2024 02:14 am »

T+5 minutes.

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #65 on:** 03/24/2024 02:15 am »

T+6 minutes.

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #66 on:** 03/24/2024 02:16 am »

Entry burn.

T+7 minutes.

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #67 on:** 03/24/2024 02:17 am »

T+8 minutes.

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #68 on:** 03/24/2024 02:18 am »

Landing burn.

Touchdown!

Cutoff.

T+9 minutes. Good orbit insertion.

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #69 on:** 03/24/2024 02:19 am »

Upcoming events.

00:54:09 2nd stage engine starts (SES-2)
00:54:10 2nd stage engine cutoff (SECO-2)
01:05:18 Starlink satellites deploy

catdlr · « **Reply #70 on:** 03/24/2024 02:37 am »

SpaceX Broadcast Replay

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #71 on:** 03/24/2024 03:03 am »

T+54 minutes and 9 seconds. Expected ignition for one second.

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #72 on:** 03/24/2024 03:14 am »

T+1 hour 5 minutes and 18 seconds. Expected separation.

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #73 on:** 03/24/2024 03:16 am »

"Payload deploy confirmed, 23 more @Starlink satellites now in orbit"

https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1771752702688538768

catdlr · « **Reply #74 on:** 03/24/2024 03:22 am »

Thanks to Steven Pietrobon for the coverage. Appreciate it.

catdlr · « **Reply #75 on:** 03/24/2024 04:21 am »

https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1771753043538706942

Quote

Falcon 9 launching 23 @Starlink satellites from Florida

catdlr · « **Reply #76 on:** 03/24/2024 04:23 am »

https://twitter.com/_rykllan/status/1771756026246639819

Quote

Recent 18th #Starlink launch of this year via #SpaceX's #Falcon9 vehicle

Quote

Booster that supported this mission

catdlr · « **Reply #77 on:** 03/24/2024 04:25 am »

https://twitter.com/_mgde_/status/1771746628614881788

Quote

Threading the needle.

Liftoff of Falcon 9 and Starlink 6-42 - dodging horrid weather to bring B1060 up and back for the 19th time successfully.

Now just come back to port in one piece please… 😅

📸 -
@NASASpaceflight

FutureSpaceTourist · « **Reply #78 on:** 03/24/2024 06:39 am »

NSF liftoff views

https://twitter.com/nasaspaceflight/status/1771736206729965907

Quote

LAUNCH! SpaceX Falcon 9 B1060-19 launches Starlink Group 6-42 from 39A.

youtube.com/watch?v=Gip__V…

FutureSpaceTourist · « **Reply #79 on:** 03/24/2024 06:40 am »

NSF ascent views

FutureSpaceTourist · « **Reply #80 on:** 03/24/2024 06:41 am »

More landing views

https://twitter.com/nasaspaceflight/status/1771738220616704321

Quote

Falcon 9 B1060-19 levels up to -20 with landing on Just Read The Instructions (JRTI).

FutureSpaceTourist · « **Reply #81 on:** 03/24/2024 06:45 am »

https://twitter.com/jerrypikephoto/status/1771741142113042701

Quote

SpaceX @Starlink 6-42 launches into the night sky this evening

https://twitter.com/jerrypikephoto/status/1771745384974413838

Quote

Beautiful plume colors tonight as Falcon 9 headed through the atmosphere

https://twitter.com/jerrypikephoto/status/1771746966092894577

Quote

Second Stage headed to space

catdlr · « **Reply #82 on:** 03/24/2024 07:27 am »

https://twitter.com/TylerG1998/status/1771772917510004793
https://twitter.com/TylerG1998/status/1771773165837988241

Quote

Updated orbital launch count as of Mar. 24:

Earth 🌎 — 56/57

USA 🇺🇸 — 33/33
China 🇨🇳 — 13/13* (1 partial failure)
Russia 🇷🇺 — 4/4
Japan 🇯🇵 — 2/3
Iran 🇮🇷 — 2/2
India 🇮🇳 — 2/2

1/3

Orbital launches by organization:

🇺🇸 — 28 SpaceX, 4 Rocket Lab, 1 ULA
🇨🇳 — 9 CASC (1 partial failure), 2 CASIC, 1 OrienSpace, 1 CAS Space
🇷🇺 — 4 RKK Energiya
🇯🇵 — 2 MHI, 1 Space One ❌
🇮🇳 — 2 ISRO
🇮🇷 — 1 IRGC, 1 ISA

2/3

Launches by spaceport:

🇺🇸 — 13 Cape Canaveral, 10 Vandenberg, 6 KSC, 1 Wallops
🇨🇳 — 4 Xichang, 4 Jiuquan, 3 Wenchang, 2 offshore
🇳🇿 — 3 Māhia
🇷🇺 — 2 Baikonur, 1 Plesetsk, 1 Vostochny
🇯🇵 — 2 Tanegashima, 1 Space Port Kii
🇮🇳 — 2 Satish Dhawan
🇮🇷 — 1 Shahrud MTS, 1 Semnan

3/3

SpaceFinnOriginal · « **Reply #83 on:** 03/24/2024 05:36 pm »

Quote from: catdlr on 03/24/2024 04:23 am

https://twitter.com/_rykllan/status/1771756026246639819

Quote
Recent 18th #Starlink launch of this year via #SpaceX's #Falcon9 vehicle

Quote
Booster that supported this mission

Shouldn't it be "Falcon 9 v1.2 FT Block 5"?

FutureSpaceTourist · « **Reply #84 on:** 03/25/2024 03:28 pm »

FutureSpaceTourist · « **Reply #85 on:** 03/25/2024 04:08 pm »

https://twitter.com/tweetsiphotos/status/1772272851589964253

Quote

Had the pleasure of seeing Bob with freshly landed booster B1060 on JRTI after its 19th flight.

This was the view from my balcony onboard the Norwegian Epic.

📸: me for @TLPN_Official
@SpaceOffshore

FutureSpaceTourist · « **Reply #86 on:** 03/26/2024 07:01 pm »

https://twitter.com/spaceoffshore/status/1772715143790481522

Quote

Just Read the Instructions droneship and Bob should return from the Starlink 6-42 mission early Wednesday morning

FutureSpaceTourist · « **Reply #87 on:** 03/27/2024 08:22 am »

https://twitter.com/spaceoffshore/status/1772916759240073590

Quote

Arrival! Bob and JRTI droneship return from Starlink 6-42 with a 19x flown B1060 and both fairing halves! 📸 nsf.live/spacecoast

realnouns · « **Reply #88 on:** 03/27/2024 04:13 pm »

Bob + JRTI + B1060 returned to PC on Mar 27 @ 4:46am ET

shiro · « **Reply #89 on:** 03/30/2024 05:02 am »

Some reusability stats for this launch (Starlink Group 6-42):

Booster B1060.19 turnaround time:
37 days 21 hours 4 minutes
(its previous mission was Intuitive Machines IM-1 on Feb 15, 2024 UTC).

FYI: median turnaround time for Falcon 9 / Heavy boosters is currently 50.51 days *
* – based on the last 30 launches, excluding new first stages.

Launchpad LC-39A turnaround time:
8 days 2 hours 48 minutes
(the previous launch from this pad was Starlink Group 6-44 on Mar 16, 2024 UTC).

FYI: median turnaround time for LC-39A is currently 20.87 days *
* – based on the last 30 launches.

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