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Author
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Topic: SpaceX Falcon 9/Iridium-2 from VAFB SLC-4E
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Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42988
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 06-24-2017 06:38 PM
   
SpaceX to launch Iridium-2SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket will deliver 10 satellites to low Earth orbit for Iridium. This is the second set of 10 satellites in a series of 75 total satellites that SpaceX will launch for Iridium's next generation global satellite constellation, Iridium NEXT. The Iridium 2 mission will launch from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California in an instantaneous launch window. The satellites will be deployed about an hour after launch. Following separation, the Falcon 9 first stage will attempt a landing on the droneship "Just Read the Instructions" in the Pacific Ocean.  |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42988
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 06-24-2017 06:43 PM
SpaceX is targeting the Iridium 2 launch for 1:25 p.m. PDT (2025 GMT) on Sunday, June 25. From SpaceX on Twitter: Falcon 9 and 10 @IridiumComm NEXT satellites are vertical on SLC-4E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.  |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42988
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 06-24-2017 10:54 PM
From Elon Musk on Twitter: Flying with larger and significantly upgraded hypersonic grid fins. Single piece cast and cut titanium. Can take reentry heat with no shielding.Slightly heavier than shielded aluminum, but more control authority and can be reused indefinitely with no touch ups. Closeup of the titanium grid fins. Not painted, as they glow red hot during a fast reentry.  |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42988
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 06-25-2017 03:11 PM
From Elon Musk on Twitter: Droneship repositioned due to extreme weather. Will be tight. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42988
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 06-25-2017 03:38 PM
SpaceX's Falcon 9 lifted off on Sunday (June 25) at 1:25 p.m. PDT (2025 GMT) with Iridium 2 from SLC-4E at the Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. From SpaceX on Twitter: Second stage and 10 Iridium NEXT satellites are now in coast phase.Falcon 9 first stage has landed on Just Read the Instructions.  
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Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42988
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 06-25-2017 03:57 PM
From Elon Musk on Twitter: New titanium grid fins worked even better than expected. Should be capable of an indefinite number of flights with no service.Getting closer to fairing recovery and reuse. Had some problems with the steerable parachute. Should have it sorted out by end of year. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42988
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 06-25-2017 04:41 PM
SpaceX on Twitter: Successful deployment of 10 Iridium NEXT satellites to low-Earth orbit confirmed. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42988
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 06-25-2017 05:41 PM
From Elon Musk on Instagram: Sped up version of today's rocket landing on the Droneship Just Read the Instructions (guess it did). |
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