SpaceX F9 - Starlink 6 - LC-39A

[Grendal]

Launch Date: April 22
Launch Window: 1937 GMT (3:37 p.m. EDT)
Launch site: LC-39A
Core Booster Recovery: ASDS
Booster: B1051.4
Fairings: Reused
Mass: 60 satellites at 260 kg each - 15,600 kg (34,500 lbs)
Orbit: LEO

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is expected to launch the sixth operational batch of approximately 60 satellites for SpaceX’s Starlink broadband network, a mission designated Starlink 6.

 

[e-FTW]

Launch Date: April 16
Launch Window: 2131 GMT (5:31 p.m. EDT)
Launch site: SLC-40
Core Booster Recovery: ASDS
Booster: B1049 is likely
Fairings: TBD
Mass: 60 satellites at 260 kg each - 15,600 kg (34,500 lbs)
Orbit: LEO

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is expected to launch the sixth batch of approximately 60 satellites for SpaceX’s Starlink broadband network, a mission designated Starlink 6.

Another shot at launch #5! Go 1049, you GOT THIS!!!

 

[Nikxice]

Suggest just a minor edit to the first post. Starlink 6 will be the seventh batch of satellites. While trying to keep track of the total number of satellites these launch designations confuse the heck out of me. Elon likely isn't superstitious, but to get in sync maybe SpaceX can launch Starlink 14 after launching number 12.

 

[Cosmacelf]

Suggest just a minor edit to the first post. Starlink 6 will be the seventh batch of satellites. While trying to keep track of the total number of satellites these launch designations confuse the heck out of me. Elon likely isn't superstitious, but to get in sync maybe SpaceX can launch Starlink 14 after launching number 12.

While it might be the seventh batch, indications are that the first batch were experimental only and won’t be part of the operational constellation. And besides, this is the numbering SpaceX is giving. So maybe just stick “operational” in there if an edit is made.

 

[Nikxice]

While it might be the seventh batch, indications are that the first batch were experimental only and won’t be part of the operational constellation. And besides, this is the numbering SpaceX is giving. So maybe just stick “operational” in there if an edit is made.

Yes, to avoid confusion the Wiki page for Starlink has recently started to use the phrase "operational batch" for each launch.

 

[Grendal]

Added "operational" per suggestions. I hope we hear from someone explaining what the difference will be. Will any of the first sixty be used for the constellation or are they all be experimental? Or will they be used in some minor capacity? Details. We need details. They are up there so hopefully they're doing something.

 

[Grendal]

Going to be delayed a week....at least. Booster is B1051.

 

[e-FTW]

Oddly enough, this launch is likelier to happen because it requires less Air Force/Space Force personnel than say a GPS mission.
Starlink mission scheduled for next week at Kennedy Space Center - SpaceNews.com

During a call with reporters April 9, Schiess had to defend the decision to allow the launch to go forward amid the coronavirus pandemic. Earlier this week, the U.S. Space Force announced it would postpone until late June the launch of a GPS 3 satellite — also on a Falcon 9 — that was scheduled for late April to minimize the potential of COVID-19 exposure to the launch crew and operators.

Schiess said that under the current health emergency, the decision to support a launch is considered on a case-by-case basis. The Starlink launch is less labor intensive than a national security mission like GPS, he said. With a leaner crew it’s easier to implement physical separation at launch facilities, said Schiess.

Another consideration is that the 60-satellite Starlink payload is owned by SpaceX so government personnel are not involved in getting it ready for launch. A GPS launch would require more government employees on base to manage the payload preparation and post-launch checkouts.

 

[Grendal]

Confirmed for April 23rd. Launch time added. Time and date can still change though.

Edit: launching from historic LC-39A, not SLC-40.

 

[e-FTW]

Static fire complete.
SpaceX on Twitter

 

[e-FTW]

Fairing is re-used from AMOS-17: SpaceX on Twitter

 

[e-FTW]

Launch being moved up a day: Michael Baylor on Twitter
Weather is the reason. Just look at the 24-hour delay (the former launch day) recovery conditions:

 

[Grendal]

Webcast:

 

[Nikxice]

A recent update on the SpaceX website shows today's launch occurring seven minute earlier, now 3:30pm EDT (19:30 GMT).

 

[e-FTW]

Yup, T-minus 30!

 

[Grendal]

EA is doing his thing:

 

[ecarfan]

Nice landing! That was a relief.

 

[MyJoule]

I was becoming concerned with the landing I think maybe there was a much bigger buffer in the transmission than we've seen in the past. since the video almost captured the landing - When they called out landing legs deployed and the long delay until the plume started showing, it was like did they miss? Glad it worked..

 

[Grendal]

So another total success. That's what we like to see. Hopefully the fairings are recovered before they are damaged - strong winds out there.

 

[Grendal]

Here is the Mission Control audio: