SpaceX F9 - SmallSat Rideshare 1 - SLC-4E

[Grendal]

Launch Date: NET March 30th
Launch Window: Unknown
Launch site: SLC-4E Vandenberg
Core Booster Recovery: Unknown
Booster: Unknown
Fairings: Maybe reused
Mass: Unknown
Orbit: LEO - Polar orbit

No details yet.

 

[e-FTW]

Really hope this happens! I want to see a launch in person for the first time!

 

[ecarfan]

I’m planning on going to this one, depending on what day the launch occurs. Fingers crossed for an RTLS booster recovery!

 

[e-FTW]

Have seen a few SSOs on today’s content from SpaceX’s smallsat rideshare, but nothing about Vandy specifically. Those could be launched from FL.

 

[bxr140]

Seems very unlikely they’d SSO from FL since VAFB infrastructure is there, but it sure would be a show to see the thing fly down the coast!

Also, I wouldn’t expect too many SSOs anyway. Unless starlink is adding some polar planes, there really aren’t that many things to go there.

 

[e-FTW]

Seems very unlikely they’d SSO from FL since VAFB infrastructure is there, but it sure would be a show to see the thing fly down the coast!

Also, I wouldn’t expect too many SSOs anyway. Unless starlink is adding some polar planes, there really aren’t that many things to go there.

Those SSOs are not Starlink, but a handful of small sat ride share dedicated flights.
And there already is a polar orbit mission planned for FL that was initially slated for Vandy. Clearly, they have the margin in the rocket to do it and they have the ships and drone ships to recover all the things in FL.

 

[bxr140]

Yup and yup! Mostly commenting on the infrequency of SSO in general.

The starlink rideshare adapter is pretty slick too. Accommodates standard 15” and 24” rings, which are industry standard.