Official SpaceX launch thread. Falcon 9, OneWeb 20. 29 September 2024, 11:54 PM PDT. California - Page 139

Site Notices

Official SpaceX launch thread. Falcon 9, OneWeb 20. 29 September 2024, 11:54 PM PDT. California (Page 139 of 153)

treasurediver Member Joined Nov 2010 Posts 3039 EE 100% (24) NC, USA	Posted: 4/4/2024 8:10:48 PM EST [#1] I’m visiting my sister in Titusville so I’ll have a front row seat. Having never seen a launch up close I’m super stoked about this. It’s also on my birthday so I’m calling it my birthday candle.

Chokey Member Joined Oct 2001 Posts 93809 EE 0% (0) OH, USA	Posted: 4/4/2024 8:41:48 PM EST [#2] SpaceX adjusted the launch time for the Starlink 6-47 mission. Liftoff of its Falcon 9 rocket from SLC-40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station is now set for 5:12 a.m. EDT (0912 UTC). Read more: https://t.co/PzX4uBsnI1 Spaceflight Now (@SpaceflightNow) April 4, 2024

Dagger41 Member Joined Sep 2011 Posts 61009 EE 0% (0) FL, USA	Posted: 4/5/2024 6:17:51 AM EST [#3] Quote History Originally Posted By Chokey: SpaceX adjusted the launch time for the Starlink 6-47 mission. Liftoff of its Falcon 9 rocket from SLC-40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station is now set for 5:12 a.m. EDT (0912 UTC). Read more: https://t.co/PzX4uBsnI1 Spaceflight Now (@SpaceflightNow) April 4, 2024 View Quote Woke us up. LOL
	It's a strange, strange world we live in, Master Jack

AmericanPeople

Member

Joined Dec 2012
Posts 59530
EE 0% (0)

CO, USA

Posted: 4/5/2024 8:28:30 AM EST

[Last Edit: AmericanPeople] [#4]

Mission: Falcon 9, Starlink 8-1

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

2) Launch window: 7:25 - 11:25 PM PDT (6 April 2024)

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

4) Launch direction: South-southeasterly

5) Webcast viewing options:

SpaceX - Falcon 9 - Starlink Group 8-1 - SLC-4E - Vandenberg SFB - April 7, 2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TEiQGiff_w

6) Observation comments: Possible jellyfish conditions. 5 April Los Angeles Sunset: 7:17 PM PDT, Civil Twilight: 7:42 PM PDT, Nautical Twilight: 8:12 PM PDT

7) Launch preparations:

a. Boats heading out.

Lindsay C + OCISLY departed PoLB on Apr 4 @ 2:53am PT / 5:53am ET

Source: NASASpaceFlight.com

Go Beyond departed PoLB on Apr 4 @ 1:35pm PT / 4:35pm ET

Source: NASASpaceFlight.com

b. Satellites: Previously provided

c. Ready for launch:

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)
00:02:30 1st stage main engine cutoff (MECO)
00:02:34 1st and 2nd stages separate
00:02:41 2nd stage engine starts (SES-1)
00:03:08 Fairing deployment
00:06:10 1st stage entry burn begins
00:06:30 1st stage entry burn ends
00:07:55 1st stage landing burn begins
00:08:17 1st stage landing
00:08:42 2nd stage engine cutoff (SECO-1)
00:53:33 2nd stage engine starts (SES-2)
00:53:36 2nd stage engine cutoff (SECO-2)
01:02:28 Starlink satellites deploy

10) Orbit destination: 306 kilometers perigee x 316 kilometers apogee, 53 degree inclination

Chokey Member Joined Oct 2001 Posts 93835 EE 0% (0) OH, USA	Posted: 4/5/2024 7:51:50 PM EST [#5] Standing down from tonight’s Falcon 9 launch of@Starlink satellites due to unfavorable weather. Now targeting tomorrow, April 6 ? https://t.co/bJFjLCiTbK SpaceX (@SpaceX) April 6, 2024

California_Kid

Something something of the something

Joined Jan 2001
Posts 81181
EE 0% (0)

CA, USA

Posted: 4/5/2024 8:06:16 PM EST

[#6]

Quote History

Originally Posted By Chokey:

Standing down from tonight’s Falcon 9 launch of@Starlink satellites due to unfavorable weather. Now targeting tomorrow, April 6 ? https://t.co/bJFjLCiTbK
SpaceX (@SpaceX) April 6, 2024

View Quote

No big surprise there. The high-altitude jet stream winds are horrific. Even the surface winds are strong

Today was supposedly the coldest day in San Diego in more than a year. I still refused to put on anything more than a T-shirt.

Everywhere we go, we are surrounded by people who stumble through life dependent upon the vigilance and/or kindness of others. - Zardoz

California_Kid Something something of the something Joined Jan 2001 Posts 81198 EE 0% (0) CA, USA	Posted: 4/6/2024 6:56:25 PM EST [Last Edit: California_Kid] [#7] Check out the split in the jet streams here. There's a relatively calm area in a convenient place for a Vandenberg launch. Here's the application live: https://earth.nullschool.net/#current/wind/isobaric/250hPa/orthographic=-118.79,40.10,759 Click on the "earth" button in the lower left to change the viewing parameters.
	Everywhere we go, we are surrounded by people who stumble through life dependent upon the vigilance and/or kindness of others. - Zardoz

AmericanPeople

Member

Joined Dec 2012
Posts 59536
EE 0% (0)

CO, USA

Posted: 4/6/2024 9:13:17 PM EST

[Last Edit: AmericanPeople] [#8]

Mission: Falcon 9, Bandwagon 1

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: 7:16 PM EDT (7 April 2024).

3) Launch site: SLC-39A, Florida

4) Launch direction: Northeast

5) Webcast viewing option:

SpaceX - Falcon 9 - Bandwagon-1 - LC-39A - Kennedy Space Center - April 8, 2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6K81DMn2e8

6) Observation comments:

7) Launch preparations:

a. Boats departing: Not found

b. Satellites:

c. Ready for launch:

Source: NASASpaceFlight.com

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.

00:01:07 Max Q (moment of peak mechanical stress on the rocket)
00:02:14 1st stage main engine cutoff (MECO)
00:02:18 1st and 2nd stages separate
00:02:26 2nd stage engine starts
00:02:32 1st stage boostback burn start
00:03:06 Fairing deployment
00:03:30 1st stage boostback burn end
00:05:49 1st stage entry burn start
00:06:05 1st stage entry burn ends
00:06:54 1st stage landing burn start
00:07:32 1st stage landing

10) Orbit insertion: 590 km altitude, 45 degree inclination

Sodie Joined Nov 2000 Posts 17829 EE 0% (0) CA, USA	Posted: 4/6/2024 9:17:18 PM EST [Last Edit: Sodie] [#9] Nice clear skies tonight for the Vandenberg launch in about 7 minutes Watch live: SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket Launches 21 Starlink satellites from California https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVDef-iaLhg

California_Kid Something something of the something Joined Jan 2001 Posts 81202 EE 0% (0) CA, USA	Posted: 4/6/2024 9:22:05 PM EST [#10] I have cameras ready this time.
	Everywhere we go, we are surrounded by people who stumble through life dependent upon the vigilance and/or kindness of others. - Zardoz

Sodie Joined Nov 2000 Posts 17830 EE 0% (0) CA, USA	Posted: 4/6/2024 9:38:42 PM EST [#11] I could see the separation and retros firing on the 1st stage. I think that the little bright white objects that were seen behind the jellyfish were the fairing halves falling down. So clear tonight

Northwind Joined Dec 2002 Posts 1922 EE 100% (16) CO, USA	Posted: 4/6/2024 9:42:46 PM EST [Last Edit: Northwind] [#12] Potatophone effort. Thanks OP. I always missed these before.

realwar F*ck Around and Find Out Joined Jan 2003 Posts 93926 EE 100% (75) CA, USA	Posted: 4/6/2024 9:43:22 PM EST [#13] Walking the dog and just happened to see it. With the sun just setting you could see it really good.

nvgeologist Ablative Pointman Joined Mar 2008 Posts 11532 EE 100% (3) AZ, USA	Posted: 4/7/2024 9:42:46 AM EST [#14] Thread for the April 6 launch, has some more pictures.
	In the long term, tax stamps and prostitutes are cheaper.

Chokey

Member

Joined Oct 2001
Posts 93870
EE 0% (0)

OH, USA

Posted: 4/7/2024 6:13:43 PM EST

[#15]

Bandwagon-1 is SpaceX's first dedicated rideshare mission launching to a mid-inclination orbit. While our Transporter rideshare missions launch to a sun-synchronous orbit, launching to a mid-inclination orbit fills in the gaps for our customers that wish to expand their coverage… pic.twitter.com/BFwQJ9T9Oe
SpaceX (@SpaceX) April 7, 2024

Mid-inclination orbit offers a higher revisit rate, meaning the time between flyovers of the same point is faster than what is seen with other orbits
SpaceX (@SpaceX) April 7, 2024

Rideshare missions significantly increase access to space for small satellite operators around the world. To date, SpaceX has launched nearly 1,000 smallsats for 130+ customers across our entire Rideshare program. Join an upcoming mission ? https://t.co/hyMYK3vzYX
SpaceX (@SpaceX) April 7, 2024

Watch Falcon 9 launch the Bandwagon-1 mission to orbit https://t.co/dxfetcIPih
SpaceX (@SpaceX) April 7, 2024

Chokey Member Joined Oct 2001 Posts 93871 EE 0% (0) OH, USA	Posted: 4/7/2024 6:26:12 PM EST [#16] 1st stage tracking is too cool.

Chokey Member Joined Oct 2001 Posts 93883 EE 0% (0) OH, USA	Posted: 4/8/2024 12:41:11 PM EST [#17] pic.twitter.com/r5T7V5ZO6Q Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 8, 2024

JoseCuervo Member Joined Sep 2005 Posts 20620 EE 0% (0) CA, USA	Posted: 4/8/2024 2:51:51 PM EST [#18] Quote History Originally Posted By Chokey: pic.twitter.com/r5T7V5ZO6Q Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 8, 2024 View Quote

AmericanPeople

Member

Joined Dec 2012
Posts 59540
EE 0% (0)

CO, USA

Posted: 4/9/2024 5:39:45 PM EST

[Last Edit: AmericanPeople] [#19]

Mission: Falcon 9, Starlink 6-48

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: 12:04 - 3:30 AM EDT (10 April 2024)

3) Launch site: SLC-40, Florida

4) Launch direction: Southeast

5) Webcast viewing option:

SpaceX - Falcon 9 - Starlink Group 6-48 - SLC-40 - Cape Canaveral SFS - April 10, 2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82kr5L4F05A

6) Observation comments:

7) Launch preparations:

a. Boats departing:

Gav Cornwell@SpaceOffshore. A Shortfall of Gravitas droneship is back to sea to support Starlink 6-47. Tug Signet Warhorse III towing. Another rapid turnaround with the droneship in port for just over 11 hours today

b. Satellites: Previously provided.

c. Ready for launch: Not found

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)
00:02:31 1st stage main engine cutoff (MECO)
00:02:34 1st and 2nd stages separate
00:02:41 2nd stage engine starts (SES-1)
00:03:05 Fairing deployment
00:06:15 1st stage entry burn begins
00:06:36 1st stage entry burn ends
00:07:57 1st stage landing burn begins
00:08:20 1st stage landing
00:08:44 2nd stage engine cutoff (SECO-1)
00:54:16 2nd stage engine starts (SES-2)
00:54:18 2nd stage engine cutoff (SECO-2)
01:05:25 Starlink satellites deploy

10) Orbit insertion: 285 kilometers (perigee) x 293 kilometers (apogee) at 43 degree inclination

Chokey Member Joined Oct 2001 Posts 93949 EE 0% (0) OH, USA	Posted: 4/10/2024 4:20:32 PM EST [#20] The U.S. Space Force is launching the Weather System Follow-on – Microwave Space Vehicle, the first of two satellites that will create a more hybrid Space-Based Environmental Monitoring architecture. The payload was encapsulated into our flight-proven fairings last week pic.twitter.com/nogByWYyEx SpaceX (@SpaceX) April 10, 2024

AmericanPeople

Member

Joined Dec 2012
Posts 59541
EE 0% (0)

CO, USA

Posted: 4/10/2024 7:21:16 PM EST

[Last Edit: AmericanPeople] [#21]

Mission: Falcon 9, USSF-62

1) Mission description: "A SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket will launch the USSF-62 mission for the Space Force. The payload is the first Weather System Follow-on Microwave (WSF-M) satellite heading for a sun-synchronous orbit. The first stage booster will return to Vandenberg’s Landing Zone 4." Source

2) Launch window: 7:25 - 7:35 AM PDT (11 April 2024).

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

4) Launch direction: South-southwesterly

5) Webcast viewing options:

SpaceX - Falcon 9 - USSF-62/WSF-M1 - SLC-4E - Vandenberg Space Force Base, CA. - April 11, 2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMVBRa0diyg

6) Observation comments:

7) Launch preparations:

a. Boats heading out.

Go Beyond departed PoLB on Apr 10 @ 6:19pm PT / 9:19pm ET

Source: NASASpaceFlight.com

b. Satellites: See Post #20 above.

c. Ready for launch:

Source: NASASpaceFlight.com

d. Navigation warning:

Source: NASASpaceFlight.com

8) First stage return/ocean recovery/disposal: Boostback burn to Landing Zone 4.

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)
00:02:19 1st stage main engine cutoff (MECO)
00:02:23 1st and 2nd stages separate
00:02:30 2nd stage engine starts (SES-1)
00:02:36 1st stage boostback Burn Starts
00:03:01 Fairing deployment
00:03:30 1st stage boostback Burn Ends
00:06:07 1st stage entry burn start
00:06:25 1st stage entry burn ends
00:07:24 1st stage landing burn start
00:07:52 1st stage landing
00:08:27 2nd stage engine cutoff (SECO-1)
00:49:51 2nd stage engine starts (SES-2)
00:49:56 2nd stage engine cutoff (SECO-2)
00:54:57 Payload deploy

10) Orbit destination: 844 km altitude at ~96 degree inclination.

AmericanPeople

Member

Joined Dec 2012
Posts 59548
EE 0% (0)

CO, USA

Posted: 4/11/2024 5:28:25 PM EST

[Last Edit: AmericanPeople] [#22]

Mission: Falcon 9, Starlink 6-49

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

Apparent first 20th launch of a Falcon 9 booster.

2) Launch window: 9:40 PM EDT (12 April 2024) - 12:48 AM EDT (13 April 2024)

3) Launch site: SLC-40, Florida

4) Launch direction: Southeast

5) Webcast viewing option:

SpaceX - Falcon 9 - 20th Booster Flight - Starlink Group 6-49 - SLC-40 - CCSFS - April 13, 2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngePgTnGUT4

6) Observation comments: None

7) Launch preparations:

a. Boats departing:

Signet Warhorse III + ASOG departed PC on Apr 10 @ 4:26pm ET

Source: NASASpaceFlight.com

Doug departed PC on Apr 10 @ 10:20pm ET

Source: NASASpaceFlight.com

b. Satellites: Previously provided.

c. Ready for launch: Not found

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)
00:02:26 1st stage main engine cutoff (MECO)
00:02:30 1st and 2nd stages separate
00:02:37 2nd stage engine starts (SES-1)
00:03:01 Fairing deployment
00:06:10 1st stage entry burn begins
00:06:34 1st stage entry burn ends
00:08:05 1st stage landing burn begins
00:08:28 1st stage landing
00:08:40 2nd stage engine cutoff (SECO-1)
00:54:04 2nd stage engine starts (SES-2)
00:54:06 2nd stage engine cutoff (SECO-2)
01:05:13 Starlink satellites deploy

10) Orbit insertion: 285 kilometers (perigee) x 293 kilometers (apogee) at 43 degree inclination

Chokey Member Joined Oct 2001 Posts 93989 EE 0% (0) OH, USA	Posted: 4/12/2024 9:07:24 PM EST [#23] Falcon 9 lands on the A Shortfall of Gravitas droneship – completing the first 20th launch and landing of a booster! pic.twitter.com/G0w4IlXzNP SpaceX (@SpaceX) April 13, 2024

AmericanPeople

Member

Joined Dec 2012
Posts 59570
EE 0% (0)

CO, USA

Posted: 4/13/2024 1:13:01 PM EST

[Last Edit: AmericanPeople] [#24]

Mission: Falcon 9, Worldview Legion 1 and 2

1) Mission description: "A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch the first pair of WorldView Legion Earth observation satellites for Maxar Technologies. Maxar plans to deploy six commercial WorldView Legion high-resolution remote sensing satellites into a mix of sun-synchronous and mid-inclination orbits on three SpaceX Falcon 9 rockets. The first stage of the Falcon 9 will return to Landing Zone 4 at Vandenberg Space Force Base for landing." Source

2) Launch window: 11:36 - 11:50 AM PDT (2 May 2024)

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

4) Launch direction: South-southwesterly

5) Webcast viewing options:

SpaceX - Falcon 9 - WorldView Legion 1&2 - SLC-4E - Vandenberg SFB, CA. - May 2, 2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5hf7QpVB_w

6) Observation comments:

7) Launch preparations:

a. Boats heading out.

Go Beyond departed PoLB on Apr 22 @ 10:39pm PT / Apr 23 @ 1:39am ET

Source: NASASpaceFlight.com

b. Satellites:

Credit: Maxar

c. Ready for launch:

d. Navigation warning:

Source: NASASpaceFlight.com

8) First stage return/ocean recovery/disposal: Return to Landing Zone 4

9) Launch to deployment events/timeline:

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

00:01:04 Max Q (moment of peak mechanical stress on the rocket)
00:02:18 1st stage main engine cutoff (MECO)
00:02:22 1st and 2nd stages separate
00:02:29 2nd stage engine starts (SES-1)
00:02:32 1st stage boostback burn starts
00:02:48 Fairing deployment
00:03:15 1st stage boostback burn ends
00:06:37 1st stage entry burn begins
00:06:59 1st stage entry burn completes
00:07:44 1st stage landing burn begins
00:08:21 1st stage landing
00:10:03 2nd stage engine cutoff (SECO-1)
00:13:05 Maxar’s first WorldView Legion satellite deploys
00:16:35 Maxar’s second WorldView Legion satellite deploys

10) Orbit destination: Sun-synchronous orbit

AmericanPeople

Member

Joined Dec 2012
Posts 59574
EE 0% (0)

CO, USA

Posted: 4/13/2024 4:39:20 PM EST

[Last Edit: AmericanPeople] [#25]

Mission: Falcon 9, Starlink 6-51

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: 5:26 - 9:24 PM EDT (17 April 2024)

3) Launch site: SLC-39A, Florida

4) Launch direction: Southeast

5) Webcast viewing option:

STREAM ISSUES BY X - SpaceX - Falcon 9 - Starlink Group 6-51 - LC-39A - KSC - April 17, 2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpO6uwMWns8

6) Observation comments: None

7) Launch preparations:

a. Boats departing:

Credit: Gav Cornwell@SpaceOffshore. Departure! SpaceX's Bob support ship and Just Read the Instructions droneship head to sea to support Starlink 6-51!

b. Satellites: Previously provided.

c. Ready for launch: Not found

d. Navigation Warning:

Source: NASASpaceFlight.com

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

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
00:02:36 2nd stage engine starts (SES-1)
00:02:56 Fairing deployment
00:06:09 1st stage entry burn begins
00:06:33 1st stage entry burn ends
00:08:01 1st stage landing burn begins
00:08:24 1st stage landing
00:08:39 2nd stage engine cutoff (SECO-1)
00:54:04 2nd stage engine starts (SES-2)
00:54:06 2nd stage engine cutoff (SECO-2)
01:05:13 Starlink satellites deploy

10) Orbit insertion: 285 kilometers (perigee) x 293 kilometers (apogee) at 43 degree inclination

Orion_Shall_Rise Member Joined Nov 2002 Posts 18006 EE 0% (0) ME, USA	Posted: 4/13/2024 10:28:56 PM EST [#26] I didnt realize they had a landing zone on the west coast. has it been used before?

California_Kid Something something of the something Joined Jan 2001 Posts 81285 EE 0% (0) CA, USA	Posted: 4/13/2024 10:36:15 PM EST [#27] Quote History Originally Posted By Orion_Shall_Rise: I didnt realize they had a landing zone on the west coast. has it been used before? View Quote Yes, Vandenberg Space Force Base. It's hosted nuclear ICBMs since the early 1960s. It's used for polar orbit launches.
	Everywhere we go, we are surrounded by people who stumble through life dependent upon the vigilance and/or kindness of others. - Zardoz

Orion_Shall_Rise Member Joined Nov 2002 Posts 18007 EE 0% (0) ME, USA	Posted: 4/13/2024 10:38:45 PM EST [#28] Quote History Originally Posted By California_Kid: Yes, Vandenberg Space Force Base. It's hosted nuclear ICBMs since the early 1960s. It's used for polar orbit launches. View Quote yes that part I know, I wasnt aware spacex did ground landings there as well as florida. i though that was a barge return only site.

California_Kid

Something something of the something

Joined Jan 2001
Posts 81286
EE 0% (0)

CA, USA

Posted: 4/13/2024 10:41:08 PM EST

[#29]

Quote History

Originally Posted By Orion_Shall_Rise:

yes that part I know, I wasnt aware spacex did ground landings there as well as florida. i though that was a barge return only site.

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Originally Posted By Orion_Shall_Rise:

Originally Posted By California_Kid:

Yes, Vandenberg Space Force Base. It's hosted nuclear ICBMs since the early 1960s. It's used for polar orbit launches.

yes that part I know, I wasnt aware spacex did ground landings there as well as florida. i though that was a barge return only site.

SpaceX does both barge and ground landings from Vandenberg launches.

Everywhere we go, we are surrounded by people who stumble through life dependent upon the vigilance and/or kindness of others. - Zardoz

DarkGray Member Joined Aug 2005 Posts 2220 EE 100% (190) USA	Posted: 4/13/2024 10:42:53 PM EST [#30] Quote History Originally Posted By Orion_Shall_Rise: I didnt realize they had a landing zone on the west coast. has it been used before? View Quote 17 times (all successful), first was in 2018 https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vandenberg_Space_Launch_Complex_4

AmericanPeople

Member

Joined Dec 2012
Posts 59575
EE 0% (0)

CO, USA

Posted: 4/13/2024 10:49:43 PM EST

[Last Edit: AmericanPeople] [#31]

Quote History

Originally Posted By Orion_Shall_Rise:

yes that part I know, I wasnt aware spacex did ground landings there as well as florida. i though that was a barge return only site.

View Quote

Go to 29:00 on the video time (T+00:07:xx)

SpaceX - Falcon 9 - USSF-62/WSF-M1 - SLC-4E - Vandenberg Space Force Base, CA. - April 11, 2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMVBRa0diyg

Chokey

Member

Joined Oct 2001
Posts 94059
EE 0% (0)

OH, USA

Posted: 4/13/2024 11:02:54 PM EST

[#32]

Quote History

Originally Posted By Orion_Shall_Rise:

yes that part I know, I wasnt aware spacex did ground landings there as well as florida. i though that was a barge return only site.

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Originally Posted By Orion_Shall_Rise:

Originally Posted By California_Kid:

Yes, Vandenberg Space Force Base. It's hosted nuclear ICBMs since the early 1960s. It's used for polar orbit launches.

yes that part I know, I wasnt aware spacex did ground landings there as well as florida. i though that was a barge return only site.

they've had about 15-20 RTLS landings at Vandenberg.

AmericanPeople

Member

Joined Dec 2012
Posts 59624
EE 0% (0)

CO, USA

Posted: 4/17/2024 4:57:40 PM EST

[Last Edit: AmericanPeople] [#33]

Mission: Falcon 9, Starlink 6-52

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: 6:40 - 10:40 PM EDT (18 April 2024)

3) Launch site: SLC-40, Florida

4) Launch direction: Southeast

5) Webcast viewing option:

SpaceX - Falcon 9 - Starlink Group 6-52 - SLC-40 - Cape Canaveral SFS - April 19, 2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUWehrNNBHM

6) Observation comments: Possible deorbit event in the southwester/coastal US if it launched late enough. Thread on that topic here.

7) Launch preparations:

a. Boats departing:

Signet Warhorse III + ASOG departed PC on Apr 16 @ 4:14pm ET
https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/assets/60702.0/2278023.jpg
Source: NASASpaceFlight.com

Doug departed PC on Apr 16 @ 7:26pm ET

Source: NASASpaceFlight.com

b. Satellites: Previously provided.

c. Ready for launch: Not found

d. Navigation Warning: This is the Starlink 6-51 map. Assumed similar for this launch but do not use for navigation.

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)
00:02:26 1st stage main engine cutoff (MECO)
00:02:29 1st and 2nd stages separate
00:02:36 2nd stage engine starts (SES-1)
00:02:56 Fairing deployment
00:06:09 1st stage entry burn begins
00:06:33 1st stage entry burn ends
00:08:01 1st stage landing burn begins
00:08:24 1st stage landing
00:08:39 2nd stage engine cutoff (SECO-1)
00:54:04 2nd stage engine starts (SES-2)
00:54:06 2nd stage engine cutoff (SECO-2)
01:05:13 Starlink satellites deploy

10) Orbit insertion: 285 kilometers (perigee) x 293 kilometers (apogee) at 43 degree inclination

Hesperus We will softly slip away. Joined Jan 2014 Posts 34232 EE 100% (6) ID, USA	Posted: 4/17/2024 5:01:55 PM EST [#34] Quote History Originally Posted By Chokey: they've had about 15-20 RTLS landings at Vandenberg. View Quote I think the first return to site launch I ever saw on a live stream was at Vandenberg. NROL-87 I believe. Beautiful launch and landing, no fog that day which I'm told is a tad unusual for Vandenberg.
	It’s… probably not as bad as you think it is.

AmericanPeople

Member

Joined Dec 2012
Posts 59637
EE 0% (0)

CO, USA

Posted: 4/18/2024 7:56:49 AM EST

[#35]

Quote History

Originally Posted By Hesperus:
I think the first return to site launch I ever saw on a live stream was at Vandenberg. NROL-87 I believe.

Beautiful launch and landing, no fog that day which I'm told is a tad unusual for Vandenberg.

View Quote

There is a season where the coastal fog rolls onto the base in the afternoon then recedes around noon. That was my first USAF duty station.

Dagger41 Member Joined Sep 2011 Posts 61208 EE 0% (0) FL, USA	Posted: 4/18/2024 11:41:37 AM EST [#36] Not my pic, but it was neat seeing this yesterday. The Falcon jumped over the Moon during today’s launch of 23 Starlink satellites \uD83D\uDE80\uD83C\uDF17 pic.twitter.com/Hd2mtrNoEZ John Kraus (@johnkrausphotos) April 17, 2024
	It's a strange, strange world we live in, Master Jack

GLHX2112

Member

Joined Sep 2005
Posts 19975
EE 100% (3)

PA, USA

Posted: 4/18/2024 11:59:39 AM EST

[#37]

Quote History

Originally Posted By AmericanPeople:

There is a season where the coastal fog rolls onto the base in the afternoon then recedes around noon. That was my first USAF duty station.

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Originally Posted By AmericanPeople:

Originally Posted By Hesperus:
I think the first return to site launch I ever saw on a live stream was at Vandenberg. NROL-87 I believe.

Beautiful launch and landing, no fog that day which I'm told is a tad unusual for Vandenberg.

There is a season where the coastal fog rolls onto the base in the afternoon then recedes around noon. That was my first USAF duty station.

Spent 8 years there. Loved the weather. Plenty of clear days, but, for a good portion of the year around 3pm or so ground level clouds would start blowing through the base from off shore, it was really cool and not like fog, which could get pretty crazy sometimes too. It was weird driving around base and watching as these clouds would blow though even though it was sunny outside. Best assignment I ever had. It was like being stationed on a National Park, scenery-wise.

Dagger41

Member

Joined Sep 2011
Posts 61210
EE 0% (0)

FL, USA

Posted: 4/18/2024 12:29:29 PM EST

[#38]

Quote History

Originally Posted By GLHX2112:

Spent 8 years there. Loved the weather. Plenty of clear days, but, for a good portion of the year around 3pm or so ground level clouds would start blowing through the base from off shore, it was really cool and not like fog, which could get pretty crazy sometimes too. It was weird driving around base and watching as these clouds would blow though even though it was sunny outside. Best assignment I ever had. It was like being stationed on a National Park, scenery-wise.

View Quote

I remember going to SLO to get a marriage license and having a JP marrying us at the end of the Pismo Beach pier. Right in the center of the diamond. Even made the front page of the local newspaper.
That area is beautiful.

(2 years later the divorce happened)

LOL

It's a strange, strange world we live in, Master Jack

AmericanPeople Member Joined Dec 2012 Posts 59672 EE 0% (0) CO, USA	Posted: 4/20/2024 3:40:00 PM EST [#39] The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket supporting the Starlink 6-52 mission transits the Moon moments before Main Engine Cut-off (MECO). Image: Michael Cain/Spaceflight Now

AmericanPeople

Member

Joined Dec 2012
Posts 59679
EE 0% (0)

CO, USA

Posted: 4/20/2024 7:59:52 PM EST

[Last Edit: AmericanPeople] [#40]

Mission: Falcon 9, Starlink 6-53

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: 6:17 - 9:25 PM EDT (23 April 2024)

3) Launch site: SLC-40, Florida

4) Launch direction: Southeast

5) Webcast viewing option:

SpaceX - Falcon 9 - Starlink Group 6-53 - LC-39A - Kennedy Space Center - April 24, 2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gGzs9MSqq0

6) Observation comments:

a. Jellyfish event during launch: Launch site sunset is at 7:53 PM, civil twilight at 8:17 PM EDT. A launch at 8:51 PM may result in jellyfish or since the launch is going towards orbital sunset, that time may be too late. I would look just in case.

b. Possible deorbit event in the southwestern/ west coast US if it launched late enough (8:51 or 9:25 PM EDT). Thread on that topic here.

7) Launch preparations:

a. Boats departing:

Signet Warhorse III + JRTI departed PC on Apr 20 @ 11:34am ET

Source: NASASpaceFlight.com

Bob departing.

Source: NASASpaceFlight.com

b. Satellites: Previously provided.

c. Ready for launch: Not found

d. Navigation Warning:

Launch path

Re-entry path

Source: NASASpaceFlight.com

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

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)
00:02:30 1st and 2nd stages separate
00:02:37 2nd stage engine starts (SES-1)
00:02:59 Fairing deployment
00:06:17 1st stage entry burn begins
00:06:40 1st stage entry burn ends
00:08:09 1st stage landing burn begins
00:08:31 1st stage landing
00:08:43 2nd stage engine cutoff (SECO-1)
00:53:48 2nd stage engine starts (SES-2)
00:53:50 2nd stage engine cutoff (SECO-2)
01:04:57 Starlink satellites deploy

10) Orbit insertion: 285 kilometers (perigee) x 293 kilometers (apogee) at 43 degree inclination

AmericanPeople Member Joined Dec 2012 Posts 59698 EE 0% (0) CO, USA	Posted: 4/24/2024 9:38:30 AM EST [#41] Last night's Starlink mission was apparently the 300th successful booster recovery.

Plumber576 Member Joined Apr 2005 Posts 15273 EE 100% (8) OH, USA	Posted: 4/24/2024 3:39:20 PM EST [#42] Quote History Originally Posted By AmericanPeople: Last night's Starlink mission was apparently the 300th successful booster recovery. View Quote Any bets on when we'll see 1000?

Hesperus We will softly slip away. Joined Jan 2014 Posts 34354 EE 100% (6) ID, USA	Posted: 4/24/2024 4:50:27 PM EST [#43] Quote History Originally Posted By Plumber576: Any bets on when we'll see 1000? View Quote Sooner rather than later. Starship would probably be online by then and Falcon use would probably be slowing down. Perhaps just for carrying people and certain other specific cargoes that for whatever reason can't be flown on Starship.
	It’s… probably not as bad as you think it is.

AmericanPeople

Member

Joined Dec 2012
Posts 59729
EE 0% (0)

CO, USA

Posted: 4/26/2024 8:52:06 PM EST

[Last Edit: AmericanPeople] [#44]

Mission: Falcon 9, Galileo

1) Mission Description: "A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch the European Commission’s Galileo L12 mission to medium Earth orbit. This is part of the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). The constellation, which now consists of 28 satellites, began operation in 2016. The Falcon 9 first stage booster will be expended, but the two payload fairing halves will be recovered." SpaceFlightNow source

2) Launch window: 8:34 PM EDT (27 April 2024)

3) Launch site: SLC-39A Florida

4) Launch direction: Northeast

5) Webcast viewing option:

SpaceX - Falcon 9 - Galileo FOC FM25 & FM27 - LC-39A - Kennedy Space Center - April 28, 2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mA6znO7TrvQ

6) Observation comments: Launch site Sunset: 7:55 PM EDT and Civil Twilight: 8:20 PM. I would look up along the US eastern seaboard for jellyfish effects.

7) Launch preparations:

a. Boats departing:

Gav Cornwell@SpaceOffshore. Having supported Starlink 6-53, launching to the southeast, SpaceX recovery ship Bob appears to be heading northeast to recover the fairing for the upcoming Galileo mission.

b. Satellites:

Credit: ESA

c. Ready for launch:

d. Navigation Warning:

Source: NASASpaceFlight.com

8) First stage return/ocean recovery/disposal: The first stage will be expended into the ocean.

9) Launch to deployment events/timeline:

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

00:01:14 Max Q (moment of peak mechanical stress on the rocket)
00:02:45 1st stage main engine cutoff (MECO)
00:02:48 1st and 2nd stages separate
00:02:55 2nd stage engine starts (SES-1)
00:03:39 Fairing deployment

10) Orbit insertion: Medium Earth orbit, 56 degree inclination

AmericanPeople

Member

Joined Dec 2012
Posts 59748
EE 0% (0)

CO, USA

Posted: 4/27/2024 9:09:43 PM EST

[Last Edit: AmericanPeople] [#45]

Mission: Falcon 9, Starlink 6-54

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: 6:08 - 9:48 PM EDT (28 April 2024)

3) Launch site: SLC-40, Florida

4) Launch direction: Southeast

5) Webcast viewing option:

SpaceX - Falcon 9 - Starlink Group 6-54 - SLC-40 - Cape Canaveral SFS - April 29, 2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOaEurnrB3I

6) Observation comments:

a. Sunset at the launch site is 7:55 PM EDT. Civil twilight is at 8:20 PM. There is a launch opportunity at 8:02 PM. Jellyfish effects may be possible but I cannot assure it.

b. Possible deorbit event in the southwestern/ west coast US if it launched late enough (9:00 PM, 9:14 PM, 9:38 PM or 9:48 PM EDT). Thread on that topic here.

7) Launch preparations:

a. Boats departing:

Gav Cornwell@SpaceOffshore. Just Read the Instructions droneship and support ship Doug departed Port Canaveral overnight to support the upcoming Starlink 6-54 mission.

Source: NASASpaceFlight.com

b. Satellites: Previously provided.

c. Ready for launch: Not found

d. Navigation Warning:

Launch path

Re-entry path

Source: NASASpaceFlight.com

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

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
00:02:36 2nd stage engine starts (SES-1)
00:03:01 Fairing deployment
00:06:09 1st stage entry burn begins
00:06:30 1st stage entry burn ends
00:07:56 1st stage landing burn begins
00:08:17 1st stage landing
00:08:39 2nd stage engine cutoff (SECO-1)
00:54:11 2nd stage engine starts (SES-2)
00:54:12 2nd stage engine cutoff (SECO-2)
01:05:20 Starlink satellites deploy

10) Orbit insertion: 285 kilometers (perigee) x 293 kilometers (apogee) at 43 degree inclination

Jetpig Member Joined Dec 2008 Posts 5228 EE 0% (0) WY, USA	Posted: 4/27/2024 9:17:03 PM EST [Last Edit: Jetpig] [#46] Was in SC tonight. Here you go! Stage separation right overhead!

Hadrian Individual Rights Absolutist Joined Sep 2001 Posts 29728 EE 0% (0) OH, USA	Posted: 4/28/2024 5:55:10 AM EST [#47] Quote History Originally Posted By Jetpig: Was in SC tonight. Here you go! Stage separation right overhead!https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/183261/IMG_0161-3199922.jpg https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/183261/IMG_0160-3199923.jpg View Quote Cool.
	Just say no to doom propaganda.

AmericanPeople

Member

Joined Dec 2012
Posts 59820
EE 0% (0)

CO, USA

Posted: 5/1/2024 5:11:12 PM EST

[Last Edit: AmericanPeople] [#48]

Mission: Falcon 9, Starlink 6-55

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: 10:37 PM EDT (2 May 2024) - 1:17 AM EDT (3 May 2024)

3) Launch site: SLC-40, Florida

4) Launch direction: Southeast

5) Webcast viewing option:

SpaceX - Falcon 9 - Starlink Group 6-55 - SLC-40 - Cape Canaveral SFS - May 3, 2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6l6AncFU0pU

6) Observation comments:

a. Possible deorbit event in the southwestern/west coast US. Thread on that topic here.

7) Launch preparations:

a. Boats departing:

Signet Warhorse III + ASOG departed PC on Apr 30 @ 3:34pm ET

Source: NASASpaceFlight.com

b. Satellites: Previously provided.

c. Ready for launch: Not found

d. Navigation Warnings:

Launch path

Re-entry path

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)
00:02:26 1st stage main engine cutoff (MECO)
00:02:30 1st and 2nd stages separate
00:02:36 2nd stage engine starts (SES-1)
00:03:01 Fairing deployment
00:06:10 1st stage entry burn begins
00:06:33 1st stage entry burn ends
00:08:02 1st stage landing burn begins
00:08:24 1st stage landing
00:08:40 2nd stage engine cutoff (SECO-1)
00:54:11 2nd stage engine starts (SES-2)
00:54:12 2nd stage engine cutoff (SECO-2)
01:05:20 Starlink satellites deploy

10) Orbit insertion: 285 kilometers (perigee) x 293 kilometers (apogee) at 43 degree inclination

SuperHeavy Joined Aug 2023 Posts 1343 EE 0% (0) TX, USA	Posted: 5/1/2024 10:06:17 PM EST [Last Edit: SuperHeavy] [#49] Hopefully you guys got your tickets to this historic flight. First Human spaceflight from the cape in 56 years.

KELBEAST Member Joined Sep 2006 Posts 8436 EE 100% (58) LA, USA	Posted: 5/1/2024 10:10:37 PM EST [#50] Quote History Originally Posted By SuperHeavy: Hopefully you guys got your tickets to this historic flight. First Human spaceflight from the space in 56 years. View Quote Wtf? Is that true? Has Space X launched all their crewed flights from Vandenberg?