SpaceX Monthly Recap | Two launches, Parachute testing, and more!
https://youtu.be/GwukZcTSwXU

Submitted January 05, 2020 at 12:06AM by jclishman
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SpaceX’s 2020 ambitions tempered by 2019 outcomes
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Submitted January 04, 2020 at 07:03PM by ScarletRugby
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<b>In Flight Abort Test Launch Campaign Thread</b>
Overview<a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1104014992347607042/photo/1"></a>This mission is a test of Crew Dragon's abort capability as part of NASA'a Commercial Crew Integrated Capability program (CCiCap). SpaceX will launch a Crew Dragon capsule from LC-39A, Kennedy Space Center on a fully fueled Falcon 9 rocket and then trigger the launch escape system during the period of maximum dynamic pressure. The abort sequence terminates launcher thrust, separates Dragon and trunk from the second stage, and ignites the eight SuperDraco engines which pull the capsule away from the launch vehicle. Following shutdown of the SuperDracos Dragon coasts to apogee, separates from the trunk, and lands in the Atlantic Ocean under parachutes. Crew Dragon will be recovered by GO Searcher after splashdown approximately 30 km from the launch site. This flight does not go to orbit.Falcon 9 core 1046.4 flies in expendable configuration, without legs, grid fins, or TEA-TEB engine ignition fluid. Since the abort sequence will be initiated before staging, the second stage has not been equipped with an Mvac engine or the associated hardware, but is expected to be fueled. Falcon 9 will likely break apart due to aerodynamic loads immediately following Crew Dragon's escape.The abort test occurs approximately 80-100 seconds into flight. Breakup of Falcon 9 is expected within seconds thereafter. Splashdown of the capsule will occur within a few minutes following abort.Liftoff currently scheduled for:January 11 (In the morning EST)Static fireDate TBD, with integrated Dragon 2 CapsuleDestination orbitSuborbitalFlight pathTypcial ISS ascent profile, with eastward azimuthVehicleFalcon 9 v1.2 Block 5Core<a href="/r/spacex/wiki/cores#wiki_b1046">B1046</a>Past flights of this core3 (Bangabandhu 1, Merah Putih, SSO-A)Capsule<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/spacex/wiki/capsules#wiki_dragon_2">C205</a> (Dragon 2, uncrewed)Launch site<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/SpaceX/wiki/pads">LC-39A</a>, Kennedy Space Center, FloridaLandingNone - Booster to be expendedDragon Splashdown~30 km downrangeMission-Specific FAQWill the flight termination system be used?From the <a href="https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ast/environmental/nepa_docs/review/launch/media/Final_EA_and_FONSI_for_SpaceX_In-flight_Dragon_Abort_508_A.pdf">Environmental Assessment</a> it does not appear that the autonomous flight termination system will be used. The abort sequence will be triggered by a "simulated loss of thrust" (rather than a disintegrating rocket). The booster is expected to become uncontrollable after Dragon separation and break apart from the intense aerodynamic forces within seconds. A conflagration is possible, but not certain.Is there a chance the booster will land, and what is the downrange launch hazard area for?The Environmental Assessment explicitly states that no landing attempt (or landing gear) will be a part of this mission. Although environmental assessments often contain outdated information, this is also supported by the lack of the usual booster recovery communications permit. The downrange <a href="https://twitter.com/raul74cz/status/1212197735820083200">launch hazard area</a> appears to represent the improbable scenario in which the abort system fails to terminate thrust. Falcon 9 or its post reentry debris would fall in this hazard area.Watching the LaunchCheck out the <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/spacex/wiki/faq/watching">Watching a Launch page</a> on this sub's FAQ, which gives a summary of every viewing site and answers many more common questions, as well as <a href="http://www.launchphotography.com/Delta_4_Atlas_5_Falcon_9_Launch_Viewing.html">Ben Cooper's launch viewing guide</a>, <a href="https://launchrats.com/">Launch Rats</a>, and the <a href="https://scla.space">Space Coast Launch Ambassadors</a> which have interactive maps, photos and detailed information about each site.Links…

Starlink 2 Press Kit
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Submitted January 06, 2020 at 02:16AM by Straumli_Blight
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<b>r/SpaceX Starlink 2 Official Launch Discussion & Updates Thread</b>
<a href="/#%20MC%20//%20section%20intro"></a>Welcome to the <a href="/r/SpaceX">r/SpaceX</a> Starlink 2 Official Launch Discussion & Updates Thread!I'm <a href="/u/Shahar603">u/Shahar603</a>, your host for the Starlink-2 mission.<a href="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bedab06b27e395dd26ab8b5/1577907526705-7GW11Q756R9I0XIFO31U/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kBL7y0DpH_e0bbX7enFn0u57gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z5QPOohDIaIeljMHgDF5CVlOqpeNLcJ80NK65_fV7S1UYiE72c0x0Bss1DOK-Q-IFCTQ7lpxv4OiNGPJvPTLF2mZDqXZYzu2fuaodM4POSZ4w/SpaceX+Falcon+9+-+Starlink+2">launch infographic</a> by <a href="https://gdbarrett.com/">Geoff Barrett</a>About the missionSpaceX is going to launch its third batch of next-generation communication satellites. This mission will fly on a booster which already has flown 3 times.Mission DetailsLiftoff currently scheduled forJanuary 7, 02:19 UTC (Jan 6, 9:19 PM local)Weather90% GO. (with 80 knot upper level winds)Static fire<a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1191779229798502400">Completed</a> November 5Payload60 Starlink version 1 satellitesPayload mass60 * 260kg = 15,400kgDestination orbitLow Earth Orbit, 290km x 53° deployment expectedLaunch vehicleFalcon 9 v1.2 Block 5Core<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/spacex/wiki/cores#wiki_b1049">B1049.4</a>Flights of this core3 (Telstar 18V, Iridium 8, Starlink v0.9)Fairing reuseUnknownFairing catch attemptExpectedLaunch site<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/SpaceX/wiki/pads">SLC-40</a>, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, FloridaLanding attemptASDS: 32.54722 N, 75.92306 W (628 km downrange)Landing siteSuccessful separation & deployment of the Starlink Satellites<a href="/#%20MC%20//%20section%20events"></a><a href="/#%20MC%20//%20section%20viewing"></a>Watch the launch liveStreamCourtesy<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwyXo6T7jC4">Official Webcast</a>SpaceX<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtI0Hodo5o5dUb67FeUjDeA">SpaceX's YouTube channel</a>SpaceX<a href="/#%20MC%20//%20section%20stats"></a>Stats&#9745;&#65039; <strong>86th</strong> SpaceX launch&#9745;&#65039; <strong>78th</strong> Falcon 9 launch&#9745;&#65039; <strong>22nd</strong> Falcon 9 Block 5 launch&#9745;&#65039; <strong>4rd</strong> flight of B1049&#9745;&#65039; <strong>46th</strong> SpaceX launch from CCAFS SLC-40&#9745;&#65039; <strong>1st</strong> SpaceX launch this year&#9745;&#65039; <strong>1st</strong> Falcon 9 launch this year<a href="/#%20MC%20//%20section%20mission"></a>Primary Mission: Deployment of the 60 Starlink satelites into the correct orbitSpaceX's first flight of 2020 will launch the second batch of Starlink version 1 satellites into orbit aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. It will be the third Starlink mission overall. This launch is expected to be similar to the previous Starlink launch in November of 2019, which saw 60 Starlink v1.0 satellites delivered to a single plane (53o).Although this mission will deploy at a slightly higher altitude (290 km, 10 km higher than the previous launch). The satellites on this flight will eventually join the previously launched spacecraft in the 550 km x 53° shell via their onboard ion thrusters. Due to the high mass of several dozen satellites, the booster will land on a drone ship at a similar downrange distance to a GTO launch. SpaceX will be testing a reflective coating on one of the satelites in their effort to refuce their brightness.<a href="/#%20MC%20//%20section%20landing"></a>Secondary Mission 1: Droneship LandingSpaceX will try to recover this Falcon 9 booster. The droneship OCISLY is positioned 628km (390 miles) downrange. This will be this booster's forth landing attempt.<a href="/#%20MC%20//%20section%20resources"></a>ResourcesLinkSource<a href="https://spacex.com/">Official press kit</a>SpaceX<a href="https://www.starlink.com/">Official Starlink Overview</a>Starlink.com<a href="https://www.spacex.com/sites/spacex/files/star…

r/SpaceX Starlink-2 Media Thread [Videos, Images, GIFs, Articles go here!]
It's that time again, as per usual, we like to keep things as tight as possible, so if you have content you created to share, whether that be images of the launch, videos, GIF's, etc, they go here.As usual, our standard media thread rules apply:All top level comments must consist of an image, video, GIF, tweet or article. If you're an amateur photographer, submit your content here. Professional photographers with subreddit accreditation can continue to submit to the front page, we also make exceptions for outstanding amateur content! Those in the aerospace industry (with subreddit accreditation) can likewise continue to post content on the front page. Mainstream media articles should be submitted here. Quality articles from dedicated spaceflight outlets may be submitted to the front page. Direct all questions to the live launch thread.

Submitted January 06, 2020 at 07:48PM by ElongatedMuskrat
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r/SpaceX Official CRS-19 Dragon Recovery Discussion & Updates Thread
Welcome to the r/SpaceX Official CRS-19 Dragon Recovery Discussion & Updates ThreadI'm u/Hitura-nobad hosting the release and recovery of the CRS-19 Dragon spacecraft!TimelineTimeUpdate T-21h 15mThread goes liveAbout The RecoverySpaceX is going to conclude the CRS-19 Cargo Dragon mission to the International Space Station on January 7th with the deorbit and recovery of this spacecraft. Dragon will splash down in the Pacific Ocean approximately 331 km southwest of Los Angeles. The west coast dragon recovery ship NRC Quest will be waiting at the landing zone to pick dragon up and bring it back to the harbor.Current Recovery FleetVesselRoleStatusNRC QuestDragon Recovery ShipAt the landing zoneRecovery TimelineTime (Approximate)Event7 Jan 09:45 UTCstart of NASA-TV coverage for the release7 Jan 10:03 UTCRelease from the SSRMS (Robotic Arm)7 Jan 15:47 UTCSplashdown (No Video Coverage)Links & ResourcesMarineTraffic - Useful when ships are closer to land!Recovery Zone Map - Thanks to u/Raul74CzSpaceXFleet Updates - Twitter Updates!SpaceXFleet.com - SpaceXFleet Information!Participate in the discussion!Please post small launch updates, discussions, and questions here, rather than as a separate post. Thanks!This post will be updated regularly with your contributions. I'm particularly eager to hear from anyone involved in the experiments heading up to the ISS. Let us know what you're working on!

Submitted January 06, 2020 at 07:44PM by ElongatedMuskrat
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Michael Baylor on Twitter: "Hearing that NASA and SpaceX are now targeting no earlier than Jan. 18 for Crew Dragon's Inflight Abort Test. Falcon 9 static fire set for as early as the end of this week."
https://twitter.com/nextspaceflight/status/1214271793113919488

Submitted January 06, 2020 at 08:54PM by LeJules
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Falcon 9 streaks to orbit with 60 more Starlink satellites.
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Submitted January 07, 2020 at 03:50AM by johnkphotos
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[OC] Wow... just WOW! Last night's StarLink V1 L2 was one of the prettiest launches I've ever witnessed. Picture perfect night, jaw dropping images from everyone.
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Submitted January 07, 2020 at 07:06AM by spiel2001
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Dragon will depart the ISS tomorrow with approximately 3,800 pounds of science and supplies at about 2:00 a.m. PST
https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1214291052057825281

Submitted January 06, 2020 at 10:03PM by 675longtail
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When a Train and Rocket Meet
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Submitted January 07, 2020 at 02:08PM by stevenmadow
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I found Ms Tree docked this morning with a parachute snagged in her netting. She must have just barely missed the catch! Morehead City, NC.
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Submitted January 07, 2020 at 07:19PM by ChannelMarkerMedia
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r/SpaceX Starlink L2 Recovery Discussion & Updates Thread
Hello! I'm u/Gavalar_, the last-minute stand-in for this recovery thread. Follow me on TwitterBooster RecoverySpaceX deployed OCISLY, GO Quest and Hawk to carry out the booster recovery operation. B1049.4 successfully landed on Of Course I Still Love You and is now en-route to Port Canaveral.Fairing RecoveryGO Ms. Tree came extremely close but was unable to catch the fairing half. The ship has since been seen in Morehead City. The ship came so close that the fairing parafoil snagged the netting. The ship is empty-handed and was not able to recover the fairing half from the water. GO Navigator was sent out to recover the other fairing half in place of GO Ms. Chief, who is still undergoing repairs from the last mission. Current Recovery Fleet StatusVesselRoleStatusHawkOCISLY TugboatGO QuestDroneship support shipEn-route to Port CanaveralGO NavigatorFairing RecoveryEn-route to Port CanaveralGO Ms. TreeFairing RecoveryEn-route to Port Canaveral Estimated Arrival TimesVesselETAOCISLYThursday night / Friday MorningGO Ms. TreeTBDGO NavigatorTBD Live UpdatesTimeUpdateJanuary 6th - 14:30 ESTGO Ms. Tree spotted in Morehead City. The parafoil snagged the net but they were not able to recover the fairing from the waterJanuary 6th - 07:30 ESTB1049.4 had been secured and OCISLY has departed the LZ.January 5th - 22:05 ESTMs. Tree came close but was not able to catch the fairing half.January 5th - 21:28 ESTSuccessful landing of Falcon 9 Core B1049.4 on the Of Course I Still Love You Droneship! Links & ResourcesMarineTrafficRecovery Zone Map - Thanks to u/Raul74CzSpaceXFleet Updates on TwitterSpaceXFleet.com - SpaceXFleet Information!Jetty Park Webcam - Webcam looking at Port Canaveral entrance.

Submitted January 07, 2020 at 08:54PM by Gavalar_
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@ElonMusk: Looks like a thin, flat, round UFO on a stick. Starlink Terminal has motors to self-adjust optimal angle to view sky. Instructions are simply: - Plug in socket - Point at sky These instructions work in either order. No training required.
https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1214548764054216704

Submitted January 07, 2020 at 09:25PM by yoweigh
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<b>Starship Development Thread #8</b>
Quick Links<a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EFmGjfCXUAEpGfb.jpg"></a><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/spacex/comments/ellkmn/starship_development_thread_7/#siteTable_t3_ellkmn">JUMP TO COMMENTS</a> | <a href="https://old.reddit.com/r/spacex/comments/ellkmn/starship_development_thread_7/#siteTable_t3_ellkmn">Alternative Jump To Comments Link</a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDkP5NWUhfHXZNhcGr2G2pQ/live">SPADRE LIVE</a> | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFwMITSkc1Fms6PoJoh1OUQ/live">LABPADRE LIVE</a> | <a href="https://youtu.be/2d8l_0w2VKM">LABPADRE DIRECT</a>Overview<a href="https://youtu.be/C8JyvzU0CXU">Starship</a> development is currently concentrated at SpaceX's Starship Assembly Site in Boca Chica, Texas, where preparations for the first Starship Version 1 build (SN1) are underway. Elon hopes this article will fly in the <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1210756338348744705">spring of 2020</a>. The Texas site has been undergoing a pivot toward the new flight design which will, in part, utilize a <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1211546797799288832">semi clean room</a> welding environment and <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1211541778639343616">improved bulkhead manufacturing techniques</a>. Starship construction in Florida is on hold and many materials, components and equipment there have been moved to Texas.Currently under construction at Kennedy Space Center's LC-39A are a dedicated <a href="https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=48720.0">Starship launch platform and landing pad</a>. Starhopper's Texas launch site <a href="https://twitter.com/austinbarnard45/status/1196203186652110848">was modified</a> to handle Starship Mk.1 and a larger Superheavy capable mount is expected to be built on the previously undeveloped <a href="https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=48895.msg2017517#msg2017517">east side of the property</a>. At SpaceX's McGregor Texas site where <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1178128488697618432">Raptor</a> is tested there are <a href="https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2019/10/spacex-renovating-falcon-stand-mcgregor/">two operational test stands, and a third has been under construction</a>. McGregor was scheduled to receive <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1205676667705757696">Raptor SN17 around the end of 2019</a>.Previous Threads:(2019-02-01) <a href="https://redd.it/am4gxw/">Starhopper Thread #1</a> A dramatic venting watertower(2019-04-27) <a href="https://redd.it/bi08h9/">Starhopper Thread #2</a> Hops and hiccups - Starships never come alone(2019-06-27) <a href="https://redd.it/c61lqs/">Starhopper Thread #3</a> RCS and SN6 - 20 meter hopping(2019-07-26) <a href="https://redd.it/ci70t4/">Starhopper Thread #4</a> 150 meter hop and Mk.1 and Mk.2 protoype growth(2019-08-27) <a href="https://redd.it/cv8vi4/">Starhopper 150m Hop</a> Updates and discussion(2019-08-31) <a href="https://redd.it/cxyt8x/">Starship Dev Thread #5</a> Mk.1 fins and temporary assembly(2019-09-27) <a href="https://redd.it/d9l5bm/">Starship Presentation Updates Thread</a> Updates and discussion - <a href="https://youtu.be/sOpMrVnjYeY">Webcast</a>(2019-10-09) <a href="http://redd.it/dfd8ik/">Starship Dev Thread #6</a> Mk.1 partial reassembly and bulkhead liberation(2019-11-24) <a href="http://redd.it/e11zs0/">Starship Dev Thread #7</a> Dev focus shifts squarely to Boca Chica and SN1/Mk.3Vehicle UpdatesStarship SN1 (Mk.3) at Boca Chica, Texas — Construction and Updates2020-01-07<a href="https://twitter.com/BocaChicaGal/status/1214689299276410880">Test tank halves mated</a> (<em>Twitter</em>)2019-12-29<a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1211531714633314304">Three bulkheads nearing completion</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1211577293296087041">One mated with ring/barrel</a> (<em>Twitter</em>)2019-12-28<a href="https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=48895.msg2…

I created a visual satellite tracker to help people observe StarLink
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Submitted January 07, 2020 at 07:55PM by TJKoury
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The Starlink-2 satellite train will be visible for several weeks. Check for viewing times at your location here!
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Submitted January 07, 2020 at 11:54PM by modeless
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Falcon Boosters' Entry Energy Comparison
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Submitted January 08, 2020 at 11:01PM by Shahar603
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Michael Baylor on Twitter: “Expecting transportation of the Starship pathfinder tank section to the Boca Chica pad as early as tomorrow evening ahead of a pressurization test to failure in the coming days.”
https://twitter.com/nextspaceflight/status/1215125251471765504?s=21

Submitted January 09, 2020 at 05:19AM by rustybeancake
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Reality and hype in satellite constellations
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Submitted January 10, 2020 at 12:07AM by sjajkwjeksjs
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