SpaceX F9 - Starlink Group 5-2 - SLC-40

Launch Date: January 26
Launch Window: 4:02am EST (1:02am PST, 09:02 UTC)
Launch site: SLC-40, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS), Florida
Core Booster Recovery: ASDS
Booster: B1067.9
Fairings: Reused - 5th and 6th use
Mass: 56 Starlink 2.0 Satellites
Orbit: LEO
Yearly Launch Number: 6th

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch the 66th group of satellites for SpaceX’s Starlink broadband network, a mission designated Starlink 5-2.

"SpaceX Falcon 9 1.1 Launch Sequence at Vandenberg AFB" by jurvetson is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Admin note: Image added for Blog feed thumbnail.

 

[Grendal]

Updated. 70% chance on primary day and 90% for the next.

 

[Grendal]

 

[HVM]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1618555579722780673

Deployment of 56 Starlink satellites confirmed

 

[ecarfan]

Have not heard Kate host a webcast for awhile. I met her once at a Vandenburg launch years ago. She’s very nice.

Beautiful view after fairing deploy.

Just before liftoff the altitude display changed from zero to -0.1km. Hmm…

 

[Brass Guy]

After the booster landed, there was a noticeable wobble. Does that happen often?

 

[ecarfan]

After the booster landed, there was a noticeable wobble. Does that happen often?

I believe that was because the ASDS deck was pitching due to swells. If the landing had occurred during the daytime I think you would have seen the horizon swaying.

 

[Grendal]

Just before liftoff the altitude display changed from zero to -0.1km. Hmm…

View attachment 899972

With climate change, Florida is sinking into the ocean...

 

[Brass Guy]

I believe that was because the ASDS deck was pitching due to swells. If the landing had occurred during the daytime I think you would have seen the horizon swaying.

I was thinking it was more like wind gusts, but after re-reviewing (again) I agree; probably swells.
We're only seeing a small portion of the rocket, the top must be moving at least several feet.