SpaceX F9 - Starlink 2 - SLC-40

[Grendal]

Launch Date: January 6 (GMT is 7th)
Launch Window: 9:20 p.m. EST
Launch site: SLC-40
Core Booster Recovery: ASDS
Booster: B1049.4
Fairings: Maybe reused
Mass: 60 satellites at 227 kg each - 15,600 kg (34,500 lbs)
Orbit: LEO

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is expected to launch the third batch of approximately 60 satellites for SpaceX’s Starlink broadband network, a mission designated Starlink 2.

This is the second official Starlink launch. There were two test Starlink launches previously. This launch will likely feature darkened satellites to avoid interference with ground based astronomy.

 

[Grendal]

Article on the launch:
SpaceX announces second Starlink satellite launch in two weeks

 

[adiggs]

I'm impressed that the thread start for this launch, to projected launch date, is 2 weeks. That seems like an awfully short window from "we're going to do this" to "it's happening".

I like it


And I'm looking forward to northern US service being available - I can foresee a circumstance in which I become an early adopter of the service - rural Internet service, at least here in Oregon, is .. bad. I assume that's mostly true, most everywhere, but I know it's been an impediment to moving out of town for me.

 

[Grendal]

First post adjusted to known info.

 

[Grendal]

It looks like SpaceX will be going old school and doing the static fire with the payload attached again. Static fire is expected to happen on January 2nd with the launch on the 3rd. The weather isn't good for the 3rd at only 40% go. The delay day is very good at 90%.

 

[e-FTW]

It looks like SpaceX will be going old school and doing the static fire with the payload attached again. Static fire is expected to happen on January 2nd with the launch on the 3rd. The weather isn't good for the 3rd at only 40% go. The delay day is very good at 90%.

Makes sense: just another thing they do with their own payloads that they would not do with others’ payloads.

 

[MacGreiner]

Looks like Jan 6 now. I wonder if this will push back the IFA due on the 11th?

 

[mongo]

Looks like Jan 6 now. I wonder if this will push back the IFA due on the 11th?

Maybe, if range needs more time to reconfigure. They are different launch sites so that takes away one conflict.

 

[MacGreiner]

They were slated for 39A and 40. Be interesting to see if they decide to do a quick turn around. I don't remember there being such a short span between concurrent SPCX launches at Canaveral.

 

[Grendal]

They were slated for 39A and 40. Be interesting to see if they decide to do a quick turn around. I don't remember there being such a short span between concurrent SPCX launches at Canaveral.

SpaceX has two teams at the Cape. So the timing should still work out. There will not be a recovery for the IFA booster so no conflicts there.

 

[MacGreiner]

NOTAM issued for 11th for IFA. Looks like they are going forward as planned at this stage:

Raul on Twitter

 

[Grendal]

Static fire test of Falcon 9 complete—targeting Monday, January 6 at 9:19 p.m. EST for launch of 60 Starlink satellites from Pad 40 in Florida

SpaceX on Twitter

Falcon 9 first stage booster supporting this mission previously launched a Starlink mission, the Iridium-8 mission, and the Telstar 18 VANTAGE mission

 

[Not Sure]

I'm not sure.
Is this is a good thing for the planet?

 

[Grendal]

Youtube Webcast:

 

[e-FTW]

With Monday night launch, SpaceX to become world’s largest satellite operator

 

[Grendal]

Everyday Astronaut will do his Q & A and his play by play of the launch:

 

[Nikxice]

Only Ms. Tree will be attempting a fairing catch tonight. The other half will be retrieved by the Crew Dragon backup recovery vessel, GO Navigator. Read somewhere recently that in December Ms. Chief suffered damage to both booms that support one the four arms.

 

[SMAlset]

I just checked in and see we are still on for tonight at this point. The timing might be such that my husband will be home from work for a change to see .

 

[ICUDoc]

Landing looked so confident !

 

[Grendal]

Everything successful - so far. Smooth launch, boost, separation, landing of first stage, and initial orbit. Waiting on deployment.

48th successful landing.