SpaceX F9 - Starlink 7 - SLC-40

[Grendal]

Launch Date: June 3
Launch Window: 9:25 pm EDT (02:25 UTC June 4)
Launch site: SLC-40
Core Booster Recovery: ASDS on JRTI
Booster: B1049.5
Fairings: New - recovery will be attempted
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 seventh official batch of approximately 60 satellites for SpaceX’s Starlink broadband network, a mission designated Starlink 7.

 

[e-FTW]

This is slated for May 18th per SFN. Launch window: 0709-0809 GMT (3:09-4:09 a.m. EDT).

 

[e-FTW]

Static fire was good: SpaceX on Twitter
Note the adjusted date and time:

Static fire test of Falcon 9 complete—targeting Sunday, May 17 at 3:53 a.m. EDT, 7:53 UTC, for launch of the eighth Starlink mission, which will lift off from SLC-40 in Florida

 

[e-FTW]

 

[Grendal]

First post updated with most recent launch date and time - Thanks e-FTW
Weather report for launch - 80% go.

 

[Bucfan11]

I live about 100 miles west of KSC. It never gets old watching the launches from my yard even at 100 miles it is easily visible. I can see the entry burn on the return flight too.

 

[e-FTW]

Booster recovery area weather risk is listed as “high” for launch day, and “moderate” 24 hours later. Might get a 24 hour push?

 

[Mo City]

SpaceX is closing May very strongly:
17th: Starlink-7
18th: SN4 150m hop
27th: DM-2

 

[Grendal]

Launch pushed back one day because of the delayed ULA launch.

Due to a conflict on the Range, now targeting Monday, May 18 at 3:32 a.m. EDT for launch of Starlink

SpaceX on Twitter

 

[e-FTW]

And now even more of a punt, now because hurricane season is starting: SpaceX on Twitter

Due to a tropical depression developing off the Southeast Coast of the U.S., now targeting Tuesday, May 19 at 3:10 a.m. EDT for the Starlink mission—SpaceX teams will continue monitoring launch and landing weather conditions

 

[e-FTW]

Delayed until after Demo-2 crewed mission.
Makes sense as the recovery area weather was not good, and they were going to potentially have contention on some of the ships they need for DM-2.

 

[Nikxice]

Smart move to delay until after DM-2. 10 days out SpaceX is totally focused on 39A. They could certainly handle two close launches, but JimBri is undoubtedly pleased with the message this sends. SpaceX has no perceived distractions.

 

[Cosmacelf]

Good article about this upcoming launch, Wednesday this week. Except that they call it Starlink-8...

SpaceX to ring in Crew Dragon's success with a Starlink launch and landing

 

[Grendal]

Good article about this upcoming launch, Wednesday this week. Except that they call it Starlink-8...

SpaceX to ring in Crew Dragon's success with a Starlink launch and landing

That's the first thing I noticed too. It's the seventh official launch and there was the test launch. So technically there have been eight launches but according to SpaceX this is the seventh launch.

 

[e-FTW]

I know that DM-2 has grabbed everybody’s attention, but this is potentially a record-breaking 5th launch and landing!
Go B1049, GO!

 

[Grendal]

 

[Grendal]

60% go - backup is only 40%

 

[Ben W]

Watching the livestream now. Caption still says "Demo 2 Launch" haha

 

[Grendal]

Watching the livestream now. Caption still says "Demo 2 Launch" haha

It should say Starlink Mission. Did you use the video link above?

It is very cloudy at the Cape. We'll see if it is bad enough to cause a scrub.

Well they started the music. So they're probably loading fuel.

 

[Grendal]

B1049 is the first fifth recovery! B1049 is a winner.

Successful launch, MECO, fairing deploy, landing, and good orbit.

Good deployment. The first time you get to see the tension rods deploy on this launch.