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Falcon 9 Successfully Delivers Second-Generation Starlink Satellites
After being delayed multiple times due to weather conditions, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket finally lifted off successfully at 2:19 AM ET (06:19 UTC). This mission aimed to deliver 22 second-generation Starlink satellites, also known as Starlink V2 mini-satellites. These satellites were deployed into a 43-degree orbital inclination as part of Group 6-3, just over an hour after launch.
The Differences between V1.5 and V2 Mini Satellites
While the previous V1.5 satellites weigh approximately 306 kg (675 lbs), these V2 mini-satellites are larger and weigh around 800 kg (1,800 lbs). As a result, the Falcon 9 can only accommodate 22 of these satellites. However, each of these provides much higher capabilities than their predecessors. According to the company, these V2 mini Starlinks can use at least four times more bandwidth than the V1.5 per satellite and feature better on-orbit maneuvering thanks to their new argon Hall thrusters.
Falcon 9 2nd stage continues to orbit as the 1st stage completes its entry burn under the Milky Way (Richard Angle)
B1076 Completes its Fifth Flight
This Falcon 9 rocket was B1076 on its fifth flight, previously supporting CRS-26, OneWeb #16, Starlink 6-1, and Intelsat 40E/TEMPO missions. The booster landed at the droneship “A Shortfall of Gravitas” approximately eight and a half minutes after launch. It’s interesting to note that this booster likely set the record for the most mass sent to orbit for a Falcon 9, weighing 17.6 metric tons, while still being capable of a successful landing on the droneship.
Once SpaceX brings this booster back to Port Canaveral, it will be converted to a Falcon Heavy side booster for the EchoStar 24 launch, currently scheduled for August of this year. Additionally, the fairing halves used for this mission were on their eighth flight overall and will be retrieved by the recovery ship ‘Doug’ up from the ocean.
Failed Attempt to Launch a Falcon 9 with the Iridium OneWeb Rideshare Payload
SpaceX had attempted to launch a Falcon 9 with the Iridium OneWeb rideshare payload from Vandenberg Space Force Base on the same day as the successful Starlink V2 launch. Unfortunately, due to an unknown issue, the countdown was aborted at T-55 seconds. SpaceX aims to reattempt the launch at roughly around the same time of day, estimated at 6:15 AM PT (13:15 UTC).
Conclusion
This successful Starlink V2 launch added 22 new satellites to SpaceX’s Starlink constellation, which will provide high-speed internet access to various areas around the world. This mission also highlights SpaceX’s ability to reuse its Falcon 9 rockets and other flight-proven hardware, demonstrating the company’s commitment to cost-efficient space exploration.
FAQ
What is Starlink?
Starlink is a satellite constellation being developed by SpaceX to provide high-speed internet access to unserved and underserved areas around the world. The constellation is expected to consist of over 40,000 satellites when complete.
How many Starlink satellites have been launched to date?
As of May 2023, SpaceX has launched over 1,650 Starlink satellites into orbit.
Why are the V2 mini-satellites better than the V1.5 satellites?
The V2 mini-satellites weigh more and have better on-orbit maneuvering abilities thanks to their new argon Hall thrusters. Additionally, they can use more bandwidth than the V1.5 satellites per satellite.
What is SpaceX’s plan for the B1076 booster?
The B1076 booster, which completed its fifth flight during the Starlink V2 launch, will be converted to a Falcon Heavy side booster for the EchoStar 24 launch, scheduled for August of this year.
Why was the countdown aborted for the Iridium OneWeb rideshare payload launch?
An unknown issue caused the countdown to be aborted at T-55 seconds. SpaceX aims to reattempt the launch at roughly around the same time of day, estimated at 6:15 AM PT (13:15 UTC).
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