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.
Delayed by a day: Launch Schedule – Spaceflight Now Wonder if that is related to how close it was to the iFA.
It's going to be delayed by weather. I will update when the new launch data surfaces. Static Fire complete.
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
The press kit PDF with the relevant information about this mission. Of note, SECO-1 will happen after first stage landing, so this webcast should not see split-screen during the important parts of the first stage return: https://www.spacex.com/sites/spacex/files/starlink_press_kit_jan272020.pdf
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...
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...
Good article on the launch. SpaceX to Launch Third Operational Starlink Mission - NASASpaceFlight.com
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.
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!
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.
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.