Posted on 01/07/2020 2:08:44 AM PST by Libloather
SpaceX has launched 60 more mini internet satellites, this time testing a dark coating to appease stargazers.
It is a “first step” compromise between SpaceX and astronomers fearful of having dark skies spoiled by hundreds and, eventually, thousands of bright satellites circling overhead.
The Falcon 9 rocket blasted into a cold, clear night sky, recycled by SpaceX for its fourth flight.
As the first-stage booster flew to a vertical landing on an ocean platform, the Starlink satellites continued hurtling towards orbit to join 120 similar spacecraft launched last year.
Flight controllers applauded and the launch commentator described the booster’s fourth touchdown as “awesome”.
An hour later, all 60 satellites were free of their upper stage and making their own way in orbit.
“It’s a beautiful sight,” the commentator observed.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...
It would be aggravating to be out on clear moonless night attempting astrophotography only to have your images constantly ruined by the streak of a satellite.
Thank God that man cannot fly and lay waste the sky as well as the land and sea. - Thoreau
Satellite interference is already a problem. Amateur astrophotography is generally done is short steps, a series of 20-30 second exposures, which are then digitally stacked by popular freeware like Registack. The astronomer reviews each exposure by eye, deciding whether to keep or discard.
SpaceX caught a lot of grief because of the prospect of 2000 more visible satellites. Some people find the satellites an interesting display. There are international amateur internet collaborations that track satellites by eye, cataloging satellites *they* don’t want you to know about, generally classified U.S. satellites. I’m sure the Chinese and Iranians appreciate the help.
*ping*
It would be aggravating to be out on clear moonless night attempting astrophotography only to have your images constantly ruined by the streak of a satellite.
...
Or an aircraft, or clouds.
It’s time for astronomers to put more scopes in space.
Even small ones can get incredible results in orbit.
If anyone wants to watch the complete launch/recovery, here it is:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftdqqV_f1P8
Lewis Massie gives the pertinent time cues:
29:53 Launch
32:32 MECO, Stage Separation & SES-1
33:23 Fairing deploy
36:25 Entry burn
38:01 Landing burn (No feed cut out!)
38:52 SECO-1 1:15:18 SES-2 & SECO-2
1:31:25 Starlink deploy
Vacuum UV degradation? Electrostatic charging of spacecraft? Many points in the decision tree.
We’re talking about Musk... Black paint will do.
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