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SpaceX F9 - Starlink 3 - LC-40

Discussion in 'SpaceX' started by Grendal, Jan 13, 2020.

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  1. Grendal

    Grendal SpaceX Moderator

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    #1 Grendal, Jan 13, 2020
    Last edited: Jan 27, 2020
    Launch Date: January 29 Wednesday
    Launch Window: 09:06 am EST, 06:06 PST, 1406 UTC
    Launch site: SLC-40
    Core Booster Recovery: ASDS
    Booster: B1051.3
    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 fourth batch of approximately 60 satellites for SpaceX’s Starlink broadband network, a mission designated Starlink 3.
     
  2. Grendal

    Grendal SpaceX Moderator

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    First post updated. Launch is now scheduled for two days after the IFA!
     
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  3. e-FTW

    e-FTW New electron smell

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    Right?! Two days (on different pads, but still)!
    Spaceflight Now on Twitter
     
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  4. e-FTW

    e-FTW New electron smell

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  5. Grendal

    Grendal SpaceX Moderator

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    #5 Grendal, Jan 20, 2020
    Last edited: Jan 20, 2020
    It's going to be delayed by weather. I will update when the new launch data surfaces.

    Static Fire complete.
     
  6. e-FTW

    e-FTW New electron smell

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    Shame as the test fire was done successfully today... Weather is not cooperating right now.

    SpaceX test-fires rocket for next Starlink mission; launch date under review – Spaceflight Now
     
  7. e-FTW

    e-FTW New electron smell

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    Grendal already updated the first post with the updated date and time from SpaceX: SpaceX on Twitter
     
  8. ecarfan

    ecarfan Well-Known Member

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    3CC6155F-CA55-42C1-ACA8-79228A7E37C0.jpeg
     
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  9. e-FTW

    e-FTW New electron smell

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  10. e-FTW

    e-FTW New electron smell

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    Btw, this states the satellites are 260kg each and not 227kg.
     
  11. e-FTW

    e-FTW New electron smell

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    Weather at 50%: SpaceX on Twitter
    A backup launch opportunity is available on Tuesday, January 28 at 9:28 a.m. EST, or 14:28 UTC...
     
  12. bxr140

    bxr140 Active Member

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    Intersting. Two things come to mind as possibilities. Both also have logic to the contrary so this is really just blind speculation.

    1. More propellant. Upside is more maneuvers and potentially faster orbit raising/deorbiting.

    2. OISLs. They’re pretty heavy. I’ve previously speculated that the dishes on the last launch are RFISLs but we know the long term is laser, so...
     
  13. Grendal

    Grendal SpaceX Moderator

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    New Starlink livestream:
     
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  14. Grendal

    Grendal SpaceX Moderator

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  15. Nikxice

    Nikxice Active Member

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    Scrubbed today due to strong upper level winds. Now scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday 1/28 at 9:28 a.m. EST 14:28 UTC. One of those dates that will live in infamy. T'was also a Tuesday as I recall. I would say though there's a lot more reliability built into a F9.
     
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  16. SMAlset

    SMAlset Well-Known Member

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    I was up early and tried to go to SpaceX for the launch, but nothing and no info. By clicking on Grendal’s livestream link above found out it was postponed to tomorrow 28th. Another Early morning for west coast people. Thanks Grendal!
     
  17. Cosmacelf

    Cosmacelf Well-Known Member

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  18. ItsNotAboutTheMoney

    ItsNotAboutTheMoney Well-Known Member

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    I think it's just based on something Gwynne Shotwell said in last October (2019).

    SpaceX plans to start offering Starlink broadband services in 2020 - SpaceNews.com

    The last bit added just out of interest.
     
  19. Grendal

    Grendal SpaceX Moderator

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    The reality is they will do as many as they can pull off. The big plan is to do one every two weeks. Circumstances will no doubt cause disruption to the every two week plan. As it is doing in this situation because of weather.
     
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  20. mongo

    mongo Well-Known Member

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    Catching both fairing halves will help also.
    Are they still launching without the acoustic material?
     

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