SpaceX F9 : Starlink group 6-63 : KSC LC-39A : 23/24 May 2024 (02:45 UTC)

[zubenelgenubi]

Thread for the Starlink 6-63 group launch.

Launch 24 May 2024, at 02:45:00 UTC (23 May 10:45 pm EDT), from KSC LC-39A, on booster 1077-13.  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.

[zubenelgenubi]

Cross-posts:
Ben Cooper's Launch Photography Viewing Guide; updated May 16; my bold:

The next SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch a Starlink batch from pad 40 on May 17 at 8:32-11:30 p.m. EDT. A Falcon 9 will launch a Starlink batch from pad 40 on May 23 at 6:45-10:45 p.m. EDT. Upcoming launches include more Starlink batches.

Starlink 6-62 and 6-63?

Yup, and it also shows up on NOTAMs for the 2nd stage drop zones...except that it's called Starlink Group 6-62 there. Actually the NOTAMs first appeared a day ago but 6-62 was initially scheduled a day earlier (2 others still has the NET May 22 UTC/21 EDT date) so I was thinking if 6-62 and 6-63 are different launches with one going to LC-39A. Turns out it isn't.

LC-39A:

I also wonder if LC-39A is now occupied in preparation for the GOES-U launch (NET June 25), and that all Florida Falcon 9 launches from now into July will be from SLC-40.

Near-term not-Starlink launch schedule; also noting LC-39A use:
<snip>
GOES-U (Jun 25, LC-39A)

GSAT-20 / GSAT-N2 (Jun? Q2, presumably SLC-40)

Turksat 6A (Jul 8, presumably SLC-40)
<snip>

JRTI:

If the [JRTI] drydocking [in Freeport] extends into the last days of May, then there could be one more Starlink launch at the end of May, using SLC-40 and ASOG.

If the drydocking continues, then launch of the next Starlink Group 6 cluster could be NET May 29, from SLC-40, with ASOG first stage landing (5.5 day turnaround).

I deduce the Starlink launch cadence will increase when JRTI returns from drydock, with SLC-40 turnaround as the gating mechanism.

[zubenelgenubi]

JRTI "un-struck":
https://twitter.com/SpaceOffshore/status/1792198079695012307

A satellite view of JTRI sitting in the drydock at Freeport yesterday.

Capture time: 2024-05-18 15:42:38 UTC.

Awesome shot of JRTI in drydock! Bob arrived at Freeport this morning to collect the droneship.

[Galactic Penguin SST]

Ben Cooper now lists 2 Starlink launches on his site, with 6-63 going later from LC-39A.

The next SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch a Starlink batch from pad 40 on May 22 at 10:33 p.m.-1:33 a.m. EDT. A Falcon 9 will launch a Starlink batch from pad 39A on May 23 earliest at 6:45-10:45 p.m. EDT. Upcoming launches include more Starlink batches.

Related NOTAMs:

F1831/24 NOTAMN
Q) YMMM/QWMLW/IV/BO/W/000/999/1531S08327E720
A) YMMM
B) 2405240035 C) 2405290318
D) 2405240035 TO 2405240529
   2405250008 TO 2405250502
   2405252342 TO 2405260436
   2405262316 TO 2405270410
   2405272250 TO 2405280344
   2405282224 TO 2405290318
E) ROCKET LAUNCH WILL TAKE PLACE
FLW RECEIVED FROM GOVERNMENT OF UNITED STATES OF AMERICA:
HAZARDOUS OPS WILL BE CONDUCTED FOR ATMOSPHERIC RE-ENTRY AND
SPLASHDOWN OF LAUNCH VEHICLE FALCON-9 STARLINK 6-63 WI THE FOLLOWING
AREAS:
2033S 07500E
0746S 08927E
0853S 09228E
2422S 07500E TO BEGINNING
F) SFC G) UNL

A1792/24 NOTAMN
Q) FAJO/QWMLW/IV/BO/W/000/999/3733S02941E999
A) FAJO B) 2405240035 C) 2405290318
D) 24 MAY 0035-0529, 25 MAY 0008-0502, 25 MAY 2342-26 MAY 0436, 26 MAY
2316-27 MAY 0410, 27 MAY 2250-28 MAY 0344, 28 MAY 2224-29 MAY 0318
E) AREA BOUNDED BY (4256S 00224W, 4045S 00221W, 3210S 05700E, 3515S
05700E): STARLINK 6-63 ROCKET RE-ENTRY OPS TAKING PLACE. APPLICABLE
AIRSPACE DOWNGRADED TO GLASS G.
F) SFC G) UNL

[Ken the Bin]

So these NGA notices belong in this topic ...

NGA Rocket Launching notice:

160139Z MAY 24
NAVAREA IV 551/24(11,26).
WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC.
FLORDIA.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING
   232245Z TO 240316Z MAY, ALTERNATE
   242218Z TO 250249Z, 252152Z TO 260223Z,
   262126Z TO 270157Z, 272100Z TO 280131Z AND
   282034Z TO 290105Z MAY
   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 548/24
3. CANCEL THIS MSG 300205Z MAY 24.

Multi-launch NGA Space Debris notices (the same notice for two different Navigational Areas):

240407Z APR 24
HYDROLANT 869/24(57,61,71).
EASTERN SOUTH ATLANTIC.
INDIAN OCEAN.
DNC 01, DNC 02, DNC 03.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, SPACE DEBRIS
   0001Z TO 2359Z DAILY 27 APR THRU 31 MAY
   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 010059Z JUN 24.//

240407Z APR 24
HYDROPAC 1342/24(57,61,71).
EASTERN SOUTH ATLANTIC.
INDIAN OCEAN.
DNC 01, DNC 02, DNC 03.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, SPACE DEBRIS
   0001Z TO 2359Z DAILY 27 APR THRU 31 MAY
   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 010059Z JUN 24.//

[zubenelgenubi]

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.

1073.16 and 1076.14 may undergo modifications to become Falcon Heavy side boosters for a future launch, but both are currently available for "single-stick" launches.  (I personally wonder if the above will be done.)

Available first stages, with UTC date of most recent recovery:
1077.13  Apr 17
1080.8    Apr 18  Starlink 6-62
1078.10  Apr 23
1076.14  Apr 28
1067.20  May 3  (maybe)

Edit May 23 UTC: It's B1077.13.

[realnouns]

Signet Warhorse I + ASOG departed PC on May 20 @ 6:14pm ET

[OneSpeed]

So these NGA notices belong in this topic ...

Maps from the NGA notices. ASDS 604km downrange.

[Ken the Bin]

In the FAA ATCSCC Current Operations Plan Advisory, with some errors.

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

SPACEX STARLINK 6-63, CAPE CANAVERAL SFS, FL
PRIMARY:        05/23/24        2245Z-24/0316Z
BACKUP:         05/24/24        2218Z-25/0223Z
                05/25/24        2152Z-26/0157Z
                05/26/24        2126Z-27/0157Z
                05/27/24        2100Z-28/0131Z
                05/28/24        2034Z-29/0105Z

The location should be KENNEDY SPACE CENTER of course.

On the line for 05/24/24, the end time should be 25/0249Z.
On the line for 05/25/24, the end time should be 26/0223Z.
(0249 is omitted and 0223 shifted up into its place. 0157 is shifted up to where 0223 should be. 0157 is repeated in its correct position.)

[realnouns]

Doug departed PC on May 21 @ 10:18am ET

[Ken the Bin]

L-1 weather forecast. 95% 'Go' for May 23. 90% 'Go' for May 24. All Additional Risk Criteria are Low.

[Ken the Bin]

Primary launch opportunity is 2024-05-23 22:45:00 UTC per CelesTrak.

https://twitter.com/TSKelso/status/1793442702916452832

CelesTrak has pre-launch SupGP data for the @Starlink Group 6-63 launch from Cape Canaveral on 2024-05-23 at 22:45:00 UTC: https://celestrak.org/NORAD/elements/supplemental/table.php?FILE=starlink-g6-63. Deployment of 23 satellites at 23:50:22.300 UTC. Data for 3 backup launch opportunities also provided: https://celestrak.org/NORAD/elements/supplemental/.

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

Launch: 2024-05-23 22:45:00 UTC. Deploy: 2024-05-23 23:50:22.300 UTC.
Launch: 2024-05-24 00:27:00 UTC. Deploy: 2024-05-24 01:32:22.300 UTC.
Launch: 2024-05-24 00:47:00 UTC. Deploy: 2024-05-24 01:52:22.300 UTC.
Launch: 2024-05-24 02:13:00 UTC. Deploy: 2024-05-24 03:18:22.300 UTC.

[Ken the Bin]

SpaceX mission webpage is online.
Primary launch opportunity = 22:45 UTC, matching CelesTrak.
Booster = B1077-13.

https://www.spacex.com/launches/mission/?missionId=sl-6-63

SpaceX is targeting Thursday, May 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 6:45 p.m. ET, with backup opportunities available until 10:13 p.m. ET. If needed, additional opportunities are also available on Friday, May 24 starting at 6:26 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 13th flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched Crew-5, GPS III Space Vehicle 06, Inmarsat I6-F2, CRS-28, Intelsat G-37, NG-20, and six 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.

https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1793489454327574860

Up next: our third Falcon 9 launch of the week is targeted to lift off from pad 39A in Florida on Thursday night → http://spacex.com/launches

[Steven Pietrobon]

PDF of online press kit and link to X livestream.

https://x.com/i/broadcasts/1rmxPMAvnRLKN

[catdlr]

SpaceX Broadcast Link on Twitter: https://x.com/i/broadcasts/1rmxPMAvnRLKN

Space Affairs YouTube (Re-broadcast):  https://youtube.com/watch?v=UjrgWPgCpNY

Replay supplied by The Space Dev's (15 min after the broadcast end):  https://youtube.com/@thespacedevs/videos

Summary Video provided by SciNews (15 min after the broadcast ends):  https://youtube.com/@SciNewsRo/videos

[Galactic Penguin SST]

For some reason this launch has already slipped all the way to end of window:

...Liftoff is targeted for 10:13 p.m. ET. If needed, additional opportunities are also available on Friday, May 24 starting at 6:26 p.m. ET.

https://twitter.com/TSKelso/status/1793770424180039950

UPDATE #1: @SpaceX is now targeting the 3rd backup launch opportunity for the @Starlink Group 6-63 launch on 2024-05-24 at 02:13:00 UTC with deployment at 03:18:22.300 UTC: https://celestrak.org/NORAD/elements/supplemental/.

[Ken the Bin]

NSF webcast (video id JOQnbaqOkM8):

[ZachS09]

For some reason this launch has already slipped all the way to end of window:

...Liftoff is targeted for 10:13 p.m. ET. If needed, additional opportunities are also available on Friday, May 24 starting at 6:26 p.m. ET.

https://spaceflightnow.com/2024/05/23/live-coverage-spacex-to-launch-23-starlink-satellites-on-falcon-9-flight-from-nasas-kennedy-space-center/

Per Spaceflight Now, today is the five year anniversary of the first dedicated Starlink launch, which took off at 02:30 UTC on May 24, 2019.

Maybe SpaceX decided to slip to the end of the window, six hours before the first opportunity, on purpose. Just to launch near the precise moment of the anniversary.

[crandles57]

Then decided 10:45 was nearer?

Or maybe there are just issues in being ready?

[ZachS09]

Then decided 10:45 was nearer?

Or maybe there are just issues in being ready?

I was originally thinking your second prediction, but after reading the article, I had a feeling the launch was delayed on purpose.