Posted on 06/03/2020 6:48:55 PM PDT by Moonman62
SpaceX launched its second Falcon 9 rocket in the span of just four days on Wednesday at 9:25 PM EDT (6:25 PM PDT). This one was carrying 60 more satellites for its Starlink constellation, which will bring the total currently in operation on orbit to 480. The launch took off from Florida, where SpaceX launched astronauts for the first time ever on Saturday for the final demonstration mission of its Crew Dragon to fulfill the requirements of NASA’s Commercial Crew human-rating process.
Today’s launch didn’t include any human passengers, but it did fly that next big batch of Starlink broadband internet satellites, as mentioned. Those will join the other Starlink satellites in low Earth orbit, forming part of a network that will eventually serve to provide high-bandwidth, reliable internet connectivity, particularly in underserved areas where terrestrial networks either aren’t present or don’t offer high-speed connections.
This launch included a test of a new system that SpaceX designed in order to hopefully improve an issue its satellites have had with nighttime visibility from Earth. The test Starlink satellite, one of the 60, has a visor system installed that it can deploy post-launch in order to block the sun from reflecting off of its communication antenna surfaces. If it works as designed, it should greatly reduce sunlight reflected off of the satellite back to Earth, and SpaceX will then look to make it a standard part of its Starlink satellite design going forward.
Part of this launch included landing the first stage of the Falcon 9 rocket used for the launch, which has already flown previously four times and been recovered – that makes this a rocket that has now flown five missions, and today it touched down safely once again on SpaceX’s drone landing barge in the ocean so it can potentially be used again.
SpaceX will also be attempting to recover the two fairing halves that form the protective nose cone used during launch at the top of the rocket to protect the payload being carried by the Falcon 9. We’ll provide an update about how that attempt goes once SpaceX provides details.
Tomorrow, June 4, actually marks the 10-year anniversary of the first flight of a Falcon 9 rocket – between this reusability record, and the much more historic first human spaceflight mission earlier this week, that’s quite the decade.
Ping
Just preparing for the total surveillance state.
Saw a conga line of the things going over the house one night not too long ago.
I was seriously creeped out.
Skynet self awareness imminent.
Wait a minute - space sex - huh?
cool, wondered if you can see them. i’m guessing that they’re not a bright as the iss. thanks for the info. n2yo.com tracks the passes over your qth.
My 16 year old aerospace-engineer-in-training just had us watch the launch with him. And then the ISS passed virtually overhead in the Upstate of SC a little bit after that. Quite a night here.
The 100 mile high club
The ISS is much brighter, but because there was a straight line of the things, they were real easy to pick out. A long, creepy line whizzing across the night sky.
=8-0
All of your activities are knowing to us.
Ok
So what of the other 479 already in Low earth orbit? They are aiming for 42000 altogether yes?
Cloaking satellites?
Cloaking satellites?
Once they are in their final higher orbit and orientation they aren’t nearly as bright or clustered together.
He needs 7000 to build his network...at this rate he will need 109 more SUCCESSFUL launches.
I think we’ll look back in 20-30 years and see that Musk/space x has done more for getting us than NASA has in the last 40+
Musk has just impressed me 3 rimes in 3 weeks
He Told California to Kiss his Ass, Delivered Humans to the Space Station and now a triple launch?
I’m not in agreement w him (he does seem to be migrating in my direction) but I sure as hell am impressed w his accomplishments!
He needs 7000 to build his network...at this rate he will need 109 more SUCCESSFUL launches.
...
The network can make money with a fraction of that number, and Starship will be able to launch hundreds at a time.
Various sources say minimal Internet coverage to start with 400 satellites (already enough, tests are underway). “medium” speeds with 800 satellites. Eventually, thousands.... offering coverage to the entire earth, oceans and all...
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