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Link Posted: 12/28/2023 8:18:48 PM EST
[#1]
I love falcon heavy
Link Posted: 12/28/2023 8:19:49 PM EST
[#2]
Link Posted: 12/28/2023 8:20:06 PM EST
[#3]
Link Posted: 12/28/2023 8:32:16 PM EST
[#4]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History

That was something else !
Sound wasn't there, but the view was spectacular.
Link Posted: 12/28/2023 9:09:16 PM EST
[#5]
Link Posted: 12/28/2023 9:16:10 PM EST
[#6]
Link Posted: 12/28/2023 9:21:20 PM EST
[#7]
My first in person launch.  Very impressive.  Still waiting on the starlink launch.
Link Posted: 12/28/2023 9:23:45 PM EST
[#8]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By RED_5:
I wanted to see the heavy.... lost track of time.. realised 30 min after the fact that it went, but I didn't hear a thing,
not even the 2 returns.
View Quote


Geez of all people I figured you would be standing by
Link Posted: 12/28/2023 9:27:16 PM EST
[#9]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By AR4U:
My first in person launch.  Very impressive.  Still waiting on the starlink launch.
View Quote


It's amazingly clear out tonight compared to earlier today.
I'm heading home. May watch from the house if I don't fall asleep first.
Link Posted: 12/28/2023 9:27:55 PM EST
[#10]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History


That is so fucking cool
Link Posted: 12/28/2023 9:32:26 PM EST
[#11]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By RiverSwine45:


It's amazingly clear out tonight compared to earlier today.
I'm heading home. May watch from the house if I don't fall asleep first.
View Quote
Yep. I was sure we'd be skunked by the clouds,  but it was perfectly clear viewing of the launch.
Link Posted: 12/28/2023 9:34:34 PM EST
[#12]
pretty cool video in this tweet

Link Posted: 12/28/2023 10:56:14 PM EST
[#13]
Watching the side boosters maneuvering and the fairing halves coming down was awesome.
Link Posted: 12/28/2023 11:10:52 PM EST
[#14]
nailed it

3 for 3 tonight
Link Posted: 12/28/2023 11:13:27 PM EST
[#15]
Well, that was quite a thing.

If that didn't break the shortest time between orbital launches record then they are going to next year.
Link Posted: 12/28/2023 11:19:21 PM EST
[#16]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By Hesperus:
Well, that was quite a thing.

If that didn't break the shortest time between orbital launches record then they are going to next year.
View Quote


yeah, I think there was a couple earlier in the year with like a 4hr gap, but this what 2hr54min tonight?
Link Posted: 12/28/2023 11:20:48 PM EST
[#17]
How many launches for 2023?   I think that there were five Falcon Heavy launches.
Link Posted: 12/28/2023 11:26:51 PM EST
[#18]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By AmericanPeople:
How many launches for 2023?   I think that there were five Falcon Heavy launches.
View Quote


96 and yes, 5 of them were FH.

98 if you count the 2 Starship launches.
Link Posted: 12/28/2023 11:39:42 PM EST
[#19]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By Chokey:


yeah, I think there was a couple earlier in the year with like a 4hr gap, but this what 2hr54min tonight?
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By Chokey:
Originally Posted By Hesperus:
Well, that was quite a thing.

If that didn't break the shortest time between orbital launches record then they are going to next year.


yeah, I think there was a couple earlier in the year with like a 4hr gap, but this what 2hr54min tonight?

NSF said tonight's launches broke the record for shortest launch interval.
Link Posted: 12/28/2023 11:41:32 PM EST
[#20]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By DarkGray:

NSF said tonight's launches broke the record for shortest launch interval.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By DarkGray:
Originally Posted By Chokey:
Originally Posted By Hesperus:
Well, that was quite a thing.

If that didn't break the shortest time between orbital launches record then they are going to next year.


yeah, I think there was a couple earlier in the year with like a 4hr gap, but this what 2hr54min tonight?

NSF said tonight's launches broke the record for shortest launch interval.


hence the 2hr54min timeframe.
Link Posted: 12/28/2023 11:49:14 PM EST
[#21]
My iPotato video of landing.
Link Posted: 12/28/2023 11:51:17 PM EST
[#22]
Link Posted: 12/29/2023 12:24:06 AM EST
[#23]


Link Posted: 12/29/2023 12:32:41 AM EST
[#24]
I wanna work for space X. It's the most amazing company in history
Link Posted: 12/29/2023 1:37:31 AM EST
[#25]
Link Posted: 12/29/2023 12:03:13 PM EST
[#26]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By Jurisprudent:
My iPotato video of landing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yzm_48M59pA
View Quote


Thank you.  That was amazing.  It also shows why the long exposure of the entry burns only appear as one instead of two.
Link Posted: 12/29/2023 12:11:34 PM EST
[#27]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History

Cool shot.
Link Posted: 12/31/2023 9:05:35 PM EST
[#28]
Link Posted: 1/1/2024 10:58:59 AM EST
[Last Edit: AmericanPeople] [#29]
Mission:  Falcon 9, Starlink 7-9

1)  Mission description:  "A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch another batch 21 Starlink internet satellites from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E). The mission includes six satellites equipped to provide cellphone coverage. The Falcon 9’s first stage booster will land on the drone ship ‘Of Course I Still Love You’ in the Pacific Ocean." Source

"This launch will include the first six Starlink satellites with Direct to Cell capabilities that will enable mobile network operators around the world to provide seamless global access to texting, calling, and browsing wherever you may be on land, lakes, or coastal waters."
Source  

2)  Launch window:    6:13 - 10:13 PM PST  (2 January 2024).  Current launch time 7:44 PM PST

3)  Launch site:   SLC-4E, Vandenberg Space Force Base, California

4)  Launch direction:   South southeasterly

5)  Webcast viewing options:

SpaceX - Falcon 9 - Starlink Group 7-9 - SLC-4E - Vandenberg SFB - January 3, 2024


6)  Observation comments:    None

7)  Launch preparations:

a.  Boats heading out.

Debra C + OCISLY departed PoLB on Dec 31 @ 1;25pm PT / 4:25pm ET

Source:  NASASpaceFlight.com

Go Beyond (fka. Go Crusader) departed PoLB on Jan 1 @ 7:25am PT / 10:25am ET

Source:  NASASpaceFlight.com

b.  Satellites:  The Direct to Cell satellites "may" be the ones with a large silvery plate (antenna?)


Source:  Starlink.com

c.  Ready for launch:


Source: SpaceFlightNow.com

d.  Navigation warning:


Source:  NASASpaceFlight.com

8)  First stage return/ocean recovery/disposal:    Drone ship OCISLY

9)  Launch to deployment events/timeline:      

Hours:Minutes:Seconds after lift-off.  Times approximate.

00:01:12   Max Q (Moment of peak mechanical stress on the rocket)
00:02:26   1st stage main engine cutoff (MECO)
00:02:29   1st and 2nd stages separate
00:02:35   2nd stage engine starts (SES-1)
00:03:04   Fairing deployment
00:06:17   1st stage entry burn begins
00:06:37   1st stage entry burn ends
00:08:12   1st stage landing burn begins
00:08:33   1st stage landing
00:08:39   2nd stage engine cutoff (SECO-1)
00:53:35   2nd stage engine starts (SES-2)
00:53:38   2nd stage engine cutoff (SECO-2)
01:02:39   Starlink satellites deploy

10)  Orbit destination:  336 x 345 kilometers, 53 degree inclination
Link Posted: 1/2/2024 11:11:47 PM EST
[#30]
Starlink 7-9 successfully launched.
Link Posted: 1/3/2024 6:58:51 AM EST
[#31]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By AmericanPeople:
Starlink 7-9 successfully launched.
View Quote

Link Posted: 1/3/2024 7:41:06 AM EST
[Last Edit: Hadrian] [#32]
VP of Launch @ SpaceX:



Link Posted: 1/3/2024 7:43:43 AM EST
[#33]
Right after Sundown. Should be relatively clear, it will make for great viewing.
Link Posted: 1/3/2024 10:57:49 AM EST
[#34]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By kill-9:
VP of Launch @ SpaceX:



View Quote


The current schedule driver at Florida may be booster recovery.  Turnaround time (includes booster recovery) is roughly seven days.  Starlink launches from SLC-40 were about every four days.

This is why I expected a third drone ship being needed at the Cape.   Another solution discussed at NASASpaceFight.com is offloading several Starlink satellites so there is enough fuel performance to do a return to land for some launches.

I don't know if every three launches would do this or every four or two but that should become apparent if they really are aiming for 144 launches.




Link Posted: 1/3/2024 11:09:32 AM EST
[Last Edit: AmericanPeople] [#35]
Mission:   Falcon 9, Ovzon-3

1)  Mission Description:  "A Falcon 9 will launch a much delayed small geostationary satellite for the Swedish broadband internet provider Ovzon. Originally scheduled to launch on an Ariane 5, the satellite was moved to Falcon 9 due to delayed in manufacturing. "    SpaceFlightNow source

2)  Launch window:   6:04 - 6:14 PM EST (3 January 2024).    

3)  Launch site:   SLC-40,  Florida

4)  Launch direction:  East

5)  Webcast viewing option:

SpaceX - Falcon 9 - Ovzon-3 - SLC-40 - Cape Canaveral SFS - December 4, 2024


6)  Observation comments:    Sunset is 5:38 PM EST.   Civil twilight at 6:04 PM EST.  Jellyfish effects could be good.

7)  Launch preparations:

a.  Boats heading out.

Bob departed PC on Jan 1 @ 10:54pm ET

Source:  NASASpaceFlight.com

b.  Satellite:






Credit: Ovzon

c.  Ready for launch:

d.  Navigation Warning:


Source:  NASASpaceFlight.com

8)  First stage return/ocean recovery/disposal:    Return to Landing Zone 1.

9)  Launch to deployment events/timeline:    

Hours:Minutes:Seconds after lift-off.  Times approximate.  

00:01:12 Max Q (moment of peak mechanical stress on the rocket)
00:02:13 1st stage main engine cutoff (MECO)
00:02:16 1st and 2nd stages separate
00:02:24 2nd stage engine starts
00:02:26 Boostback burn starts
00:03:07 Fairing deployment
00:03:26 Boostback burn ends
00:06:10 1st stage entry burn start
00:06:33 1st stage entry burn ends
00:07:28 1st stage landing burn start
00:07:52 2nd stage engine cutoff (SECO-1)
00:08:00 1st stage landing
00:30:27 2nd stage engine starts (SES-2)
00:31:24 2nd stage engine cutoff (SECO-2)
00:38:36 Ovzon 3 deploys

10)  Orbit insertion:  Geosynchronous transfer orbit
Link Posted: 1/3/2024 4:39:15 PM EST
[#36]
As first note by Dagger, jellyfish effects could be good with this launch timing.
Link Posted: 1/3/2024 5:56:09 PM EST
[Last Edit: Chokey] [#37]
Link Posted: 1/3/2024 6:09:09 PM EST
[#38]
Attachment Attached File


Not very clear out here tonight
Link Posted: 1/3/2024 6:13:03 PM EST
[#39]
Link Posted: 1/3/2024 6:13:09 PM EST
[#40]
I think these landings just get more amazing the more they do them.  

To think about how far they took space travel from where it was just 10 years ago.

Link Posted: 1/3/2024 6:45:16 PM EST
[#41]
Link Posted: 1/3/2024 7:36:59 PM EST
[#42]




Link Posted: 1/3/2024 7:47:48 PM EST
[#43]
Too cloudy by me, NE Florida
Link Posted: 1/3/2024 11:00:41 PM EST
[Last Edit: Chokey] [#44]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By kill-9:
VP of Launch @ SpaceX:



View Quote




Main thing right now is to accelerate our supply chain and get our production rate up so we are consistently shipping a 2nd stage/Mvac every 2.5 days. The supply chain is a very challenging thing to accelerate and sustain as we are consuming tens of thousands of specialized parts & raw material from hundreds of vendors each week. It only takes one late part to delay a mission.
Link Posted: 1/4/2024 10:42:33 AM EST
[#45]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By Chokey:



Main thing right now is to accelerate our supply chain and get our production rate up so we are consistently shipping a 2nd stage/Mvac every 2.5 days. The supply chain is a very challenging thing to accelerate and sustain as we are consuming tens of thousands of specialized parts & raw material from hundreds of vendors each week. It only takes one late part to delay a mission.
View Quote


Maybe they should have resolved any logistics issues before they made a projection of 144 launches in 2024.   I thought the long pole was drone ship availability for booster recovery.
Link Posted: 1/5/2024 7:45:18 AM EST
[#46]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By AmericanPeople:


Maybe they should have resolved any logistics issues before they made a projection of 144 launches in 2024.   I thought the long pole was drone ship availability for booster recovery.
View Quote

There is a problem with that right now.

JRTI was towed up to Charleston for repairs after the booster fell over on it and the Octagrabber is so torqued that they may need to build a completely new one.
That leaves ASOG to work double duty.

Not every mission allows for RTLS so that option is out for recoveries.
I reckon the January is going to be a slow month for launches, it usually is due to weather delays. We average a cold front pushing through every 2.5/3 days.
I'm pretty sure SpaceX is scrambling to juggle the schedule to accommodate just using one ASDS for this month.
Link Posted: 1/6/2024 5:28:21 PM EST
[#47]
Link Posted: 1/6/2024 5:40:57 PM EST
[Last Edit: AmericanPeople] [#48]
Mission:   Falcon 9, Starlink 6-35

1)  Mission Description:  "A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch another batch of Starlink V2 Mini internet satellites. The Falcon 9’s first stage booster will land on a drone ship in the Atlantic Ocean."    SpaceFlightNow source

2)  Launch window:   4:00 - 8:00 PM EST (7 January 2024).    Backup opportunities available until 7:59 p.m. ET.
Launch time currently 5:35 PM EST

"However, the rocket was only raised upright on the launch pad at around 1 p.m. EST which would be far too late for the opening of the launch window."  Source:  SpaceFlightNow.com

3)  Launch site:   SLC-40,  Florida

4)  Launch direction:  Southeast

5)  Webcast viewing option:

SpaceX - Falcon 9 - Starlink Group 6-35 - SLC-40 - CCSFS - January 7, 2024


6)  Observation comments:     Sunset: 5:41 PM.  Civil Twilight: 6:07 PM.  A launch around civil twilight could result in good jellyfish effects.  A launch closer to the end of the window opens the door to post-deorbit burn propellant venting visible in the US southwest/coastal states.

7)  Launch preparations:

a.  Boats heading out.

Signet Warhorse III + ASOG departed PC on Jan 4 @ 8:47am ET.  
[UPDATE:  Loitering by the PC Anchor location since ~10am ET]
[UPDATE:  SWIII + ASOG hit the water for good just after 5pm ET]

Source:  NASASpaceFlight.com

Doug departed PC on Jan 5 @ 5:02pm ET

Source:  NASASpaceFlight.com

b.  Satellites:  Previously provided.

c.  Ready for launch:   Close to ready!


The Falcon 9 rocket goes upright at Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
Photo: Adam Bernstein/Spaceflight Now.

d.  Navigation Warning:


Source:  NASASpaceFlight.com

8)  First stage return/ocean recovery/disposal:    Recovery on drone ship ASOG.

9)  Launch to deployment events/timeline:    

Hours:Minutes:Seconds after lift-off.  Times approximate.  

00:01:12   Max Q (Moment of peak mechanical stress on the rocket)
00:02:27   1st stage main engine cutoff (MECO)
00:02:30   1st and 2nd stages separate
00:02:36   2nd stage engine starts (SES-1)
00:03:06   Fairing deployment
00:06:13   1st stage entry burn begins
00:06:35   1st stage entry burn ends
00:08:06   1st stage landing burn begins
00:08:27   1st stage landing
00:08:41   2nd stage engine cutoff (SECO-1)
00:54:12   2nd stage engine starts (SES-2)
00:54:14   2nd stage engine cutoff (SECO-2)
01:05:22   Starlink satellites deploy

10)  Orbit insertion:   284 x 293 kilometers at 43 degree inclination
Link Posted: 1/7/2024 5:33:11 PM EST
[#49]
Link Posted: 1/7/2024 5:48:41 PM EST
[#50]
And... Stuck the landing.
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