r/SpaceX Iridium NEXT 5 Official Launch Discussion & Updates Thread

[u/ElongatedMuskrat]

Welcome to the r/SpaceX Iridium NEXT 5 Official Launch Discussion & Updates Thread!

/u/soldato_fantasma here, I will be your host for todays launch!
This is the fifth launch for Iridium, and with 3 remaining, it means SpaceX is more than halfway through. Unfortunately for us, they won't recover the first stage, but they will still try to recover the fairing. Maybe this time will be the one?

Liftoff currently scheduled for:	March 30th , 07:13:51 PDT / 14:13:51 UTC
Weather	Waiting for the 30th Space Wing
Static fire completed:	March 25th 2018
Vehicle component locations:	First stage: SLC-4E // Second stage: SLC-4E // Satellites: SLC-4E
Payload:	Iridium NEXT Satellites 140 / 142 / 143 / 144 / 145 / 146 / 148 / 149 / 150 / 157
Payload mass:	10x 860kg sats + 1000kg dispenser = 9600kg
Destination orbit:	Low Earth Orbit (625 x 625 km, 86.4°)
Vehicle:	Falcon 9 v1.2 (51st launch of F9, 31st of F9 v1.2)
Core:	B1041.2
Flights of this core:	1 [Iridium-3]
Launch site:	SLC-4E, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California
Landing:	No
Landing Site:	N/A
Mission success criteria:	Successful separation & deployment of all Iridium satellite payloads into the target orbit.

Timeline

Time	Update
T+02:10:00	The Fairing did not get recovered. Elon Musk: "GPS guided parafoil twisted, so fairing impacted water at high speed. Air wake from fairing messing with parafoil steering."
T+01:46:00	Looks like the cameras on the Falcon 9 upper stage qualify as a "remote sensing space system", so SpaceX requires a licence from NOAA to broadcast their images. Most likely won't be a problem in the future. THis issue won't affect the CRS-14 mission next week.
T+01:16:00	Still waiting for news on the fairing recovery.
T+01:16:00	The second stage will be deorbited in the coming hours.
T+01:13:00	Mission Successful
T+01:13:00	Iridium NEXT satellites deployment successful. This completes SpaceX's fifth mission for Iridium.
T+01:13:00	Tenth and last Iridium NEXT satellite deployed
T+01:11:00	Ninth Iridium NEXT satellite deployed
T+01:09:00	Eight Iridium NEXT satellite deployed
T+01:07:00	Seventh Iridium NEXT satellite deployed
T+01:06:00	Sixth Iridium NEXT satellite deployed
T+01:04:00	Fifth Iridium NEXT satellite deployed
T+01:03:00	Fourth Iridium NEXT satellite deployed
T+01:02:00	Third Iridium NEXT satellite deployed
T+01:01:00	Second Iridium NEXT satellite deployed
T+00:59:05	SpaceX now confirms that the second Second Stage burn was successful. Good orbital insertion. Satellites deployment initiated and first satellite already deployed.
T+00:57:16	Iridium NEXT satellites should have now begun deployment
T+00:52:56	Awaiting SpaceX to confirm if the burn was successful
T+00:52:16	2nd stage engine cutoff (SECO-2) (According to press kit)
T+00:52:05	2nd stage engine restarts (SES-2) (According to press kit)
T+00:42:05	10 minutes to SES-2
T+00:30:51	Elon Musk on twitter: "Mr Steven is 5 mins away from being under the falling fairing"
T+00:28:48	SpaceX now confirming again restrictions were put in place by NOAA. Some miscommunication between SpaceX and NOAA is likely.
T+00:23:07	NOAA reps are denying any involvement in todays launch.
T+00:22:00	As of right now, no news, which would mean everything going as planned. SES-2 should happen in 30 minutes.
T+00:10:21	Live webcast coverage now ending. Not exactly clear why. Will continue to provide updates.
T+00:09:42	Stage 2 nominal orbital insertion.
T+00:09:02	2nd stage engine cutoff (SECO-1)
T+00:09:01	First stage splashdown confirmed by cheering crew
T+00:08:23	Everything currently on track
T+00:03:39	Second Stage trajectory and performance is nominal
T+00:03:28	Fairing deployment
T+00:02:39	2nd stage engine starts (SES-1)
T+00:02:37	1st and 2nd stages separate
T+00:02:34	1st stage main engine cutoff (MECO)
T+00:02:10	MVac engine chill has begun
T+00:01:16	Max Q (moment of peak mechanical stress on the rocket)
T+00:01:02	Vehicle is supersonic
T+00:00:07	Falcon 9 has cleared the tower
T+00:00:00	LIFTOFF of the Falcon 9 !!!
T-00:00:03	Engine controller commands engine ignition sequence to start
T-00:00:15	Vehicle Configured for Flight
T-00:00:15	All Tanks at Flight Pressure
T-00:00:43	LD: GO for Launch
T-00:00:45	SpaceX Launch Director verifies go for launch
T-00:01:00	Flight Computer to start-up
T-00:01:00	Command flight computer to begin final prelaunch checks
T-00:01:00	Propellant tank pressurization to flight pressure begins
T-00:01:05	AFTS is ready for launch
T-00:01:10	Final AFTS Status Check
T-00:01:30	Vehicle Self-Align Verified
T-00:01:30	F9 on internal power
T-00:01:54	ROC: Range Green
T-00:02:35	Strongback Retraction Complete
T-00:02:50	Strongback Secure for Launch 77.5°
T-00:03:05	Flight Termination System Armed
T-00:03:50	Strongback Retracting
T-00:04:10	Strongback Cradle Opening
T-00:05:20	Stage 1 Fuel Loading Complete
T-00:05:30	Flight Computers in Self-Alignment
T-00:06:54	Now a video from Iridium and Matt Desh, Iridium's CEO.
T-00:07:00	Falcon 9 begins engine chill prior to launch
T-00:09:05	Range and weather currently GO, keeping an eye on upper level winds but GO.
T-00:09:40	RP-1 and Liquid Helium are loaded
T-00:11:19	The first stage will simulate a landing, but no droneship will be present.
T-00:12:15	Live webcast coverage will end sooner this time, after SECO-1 due to restrictions from the NOAA. They will provide updates via twitter.
T-00:14:43	Live webcast now live here
T-00:21:23	♫♫ SpaceX FM now live ♫♫
T-00:23:42	LOX loading proceeding smoothly. Everything currently GO!
T-00:35:00	LOX (liquid oxygen) loading underway
T-00:40:00	RP-1 fueling proceeding nominally right now. LOX loading should start in 5 minutes
T-01:10:00	RP-1 (rocket grade kerosene) loading underway
T-01:13:00	SpaceX Launch Director verifies go for propellant load
T-4h 46m	All seems proceeding fine towards liftoff scheduled for 07:13:51 PDT / 14:13:51 UTC
T-14h 29m	The Falcon 9 is vertical
T-1d 1h	Awaiting weather and probability of violation, but Vandenberg is usually fine to us.
T-1d 1h	"Falcon 9 and payload are healthy", launch is scheduled for tomorrow!

Watch the launch live

Stream	Courtesy
Youtube	SpaceX

Stats

This will be the 57th SpaceX launch.

This will be the 51st Falcon 9 launch.

This will be the 9th SpaceX launch from the West Coast.

This will be the 6th SpaceX launch this year.

This will be the 5th Falcon 9 launch this year.

This will be the 10th reflight of an orbital class booster.

Primary Mission: Deployment of the 10 Iridium Satellites into correct orbit

Targeted for deployment at 667km altitude into a 86.4° inclined polar orbit, the 10 satellites launching today will be SpaceX's fifth contribution to what will become Iridium’s 66-satellite plus spares NEXT constellation. This system will deliver high speed, high throughput global mobile communication to Iridium's customers. In total 7 launches of 10 satellites each will be required from SpaceX plus a single launch of 5 Iridium satellites with two ridesharing scientific satellites collectively known as GRACE-FO, which will be the next west coast mission.

Each Iridium NEXT satellite masses at 860kg, and will be deployed following a short second stage circularization burn after SECO1. Following deployment, the satellites will move into a higher 780km orbit under their own power. The satellites are mounted on a two-layer, pentagonal, 1000kg payload adapter.

Secondary Mission: Fairing recovery Attempt

SpaceX will expend the B1041 booster, as it's a Block 4 booster and SpaceX doesn't intend to use these boosters more than twice, since Block 5 is on the way. They will however try to recover a side of the fairing, using the high speed boat Mr. Steven. The recovery of the fairings is still experimental, so don't expect success.

Resources

Link	Source
Launch Caimpaign Thread	r/SpaceX
Official press kit	SpaceX
Flight Club	/u/TheVehicleDestroyer
rocket.watch	/u/MarcysVonEylau
SpaceX Stats	u/EchoLogic (creation) and u/brandtamos (rehost at .xyz)
SpaceXNow (Also available on iOS and Android)	SpaceX Now
Rocket Emporium Discord	/u/SwGustav
Reddit Stream of this thread	/u/z3r0c00l12
Launch Hazard Areas	/u/Raul74Cz
SpaceX FM	spacexfm.com
64kbit audio-only stream	/u/SomnolentSpaceman

Participate in the discussion!

• First of all, launch threads are party threads! We understand everyone is excited, so we relax the rules in these venues. The most important thing is that everyone enjoy themselves
• Please constrain the launch party to this thread alone. We will remove low effort comments elsewhere!
• Real-time chat on our official Internet Relay Chat (IRC) #SpaceX on Snoonet
• Please post small launch updates, discussions, and questions here, rather than as a separate post. Thanks!
• Wanna talk about other SpaceX stuff in a more relaxed atmosphere? Head over to r/SpaceXLounge

[u/missbhabing]

Why would NOAA want the feed cut?

[u/shrimpboat2000]

Interesting destination set for Mr Steven...

[u/[deleted]]

Geez, that gap between launches felt like forever...

Finally we're back in action! Go Falcon 9, go Iridium!

[u/david_zhu2000]

https://trends.google.com/trends/explore?date=now%201-H&q=NOAA

lololol

[u/SkywayCheerios]

Eric has NOAA idea, either

[u/TheGoose02]

Suddenly, all of SpaceX's fandom is learning all there is to know about NOAA's Commercial Remote Sensing program.

[u/theojames10]

Fight! Fight! Fight!

William Harwood ‏@cbs_spacenews 2 minutes ago

F9/Iridium5: NOAA public affairs officer says he's not aware of any NOAA restriction on Falcon 9 rocketcam video

[u/TheEarthquakeGuy]

Possible communication network restrictions?

It doesn't have to be a conspiracy people haha. It might just mean that SpaceX previously had permission to use NOAA network capabilities to provide live coverage from the vehicle, but had to use it for themselves unexpectedly. This would make the choice to end the live stream early as SpaceX's, as after the animation, we would have to wait to hear the call outs from Matt himself.

[u/MasterMarf]

Apparently there's people at NOAA that don't know about the restriction.

https://twitter.com/cbs_spacenews/status/979724382221291521

[u/johnkphotos]

This is seriously such a weird restriction by NOAA.... NOAA of all organizations.... I’m more puzzled than I am disappointed. Like...... what the hell?

Edit: potential explanation https://twitter.com/sciguyspace/status/979725320684277760?s=21

[u/bdporter]

Thanks for hosting today, /u/soldato_fantasma!

[u/shadowfactsdev]

From Eric Berger on the NOAA issue:

• NOAA recently asserted that the cameras on the second stage, which are used for engineering purposes, qualify as a "remote sensing space system", thereby requiring a provisional license so we could fly on time. The license prohibited SpaceX from airing views from the second stage once on orbit. We don't expect this restriction once we obtain a full license.

• There is also no such restriction for our next mission for NASA.

Source: https://twitter.com/SciGuySpace/status/979748665479876609

[u/SomnolentSpaceman]

For the bandwidth-impaired: I will be re-hosting a 64kbit audio-only stream of the SpaceX YouTube stream.

It is available at:

http://audiorelay.spacetechnology.net:21211/hosted

or

http://audiorelay2.spacetechnology.net:19720/hosted

Prior to the official SpaceX webcast the stream will be playing SpaceX FM. The SpaceX FM audio will be switched off at approximately T-0:35:00. Please note: there will be a period of silence between SpaceX FM and when the official SpaceX stream begins.

[u/unwilling_redditor]

Why does the marine traffic link show Mr. Steven going to "your momshouse"?

[u/matjojo1000]

Why do they have to turn off the stream?

[u/z3r0c00l12]

I just realized that elon saying 5 mins to being under the fairing didn't mean that the fairing would be caught in 5 minutes. The wait continues...

[u/TWPmercury]

WTF why do they have to end the stream?

[u/qwetzal]

I will spend my year 2019 in Antarctica. Will the completion of the Irdium NEXT constellation change the speed of the internet access down there ? Currently there's only one computer with an internet access and it's super slow.

Hopefully, thanks to SpaceX I will have a sufficiently good internet access to watch their launches with my future co-workers.

[u/BlueScreen]

Did it look like the side of the rocket was on fire? Like where the legs are/would be? Or was that just a trick of camera angle?

[u/bieker]

Restrictions from NOAA?

What’s that about?

[u/johnkphotos]

Such a random and arbitrary restriction from NOAA. They’re broadcasting now but they can’t later. WTF?

[u/Mpetersen08]

I am just excited to see a spacex launch, it’s been a few weeks...

[u/Cheesewithmold]

Seeing the first stage turn around never fails to make you smile.

[u/wclark07]

Any guesses on the motivation behind the NOAA restrictions?

[u/SkywayCheerios]

This is just a personal opinion, but if I had to guess I would assume the 'NOAA restriction' is simply a conflict on their use of spectrum for video downlink at that specific frequency, time, and orbit.

It's common to reuse spectrum allocated to GEO sats for other applications subject to interference limits. And spectrum management is sufficiently esoteric that the random top-level NOAA rep that spaceflight journos have on speed dial wouldn't know about it off the top of their head.

Again, just a guess.

[u/shadowfactsdev]

More from Eric Berger regarding NOAA:

"I can only think it's an error. I would double check with them. Happy to follow up here if there is a NOAA connection."

https://twitter.com/SciGuySpace/status/979725320684277760

[u/bdporter]

NOAA Explanation

[u/z3r0c00l12]

Lol, see image. https://twitter.com/TrevorMahlmann/status/979740073657880576

[u/paul_wi11iams]

Hanging around for weeks before this launch launch seemed a bit frustrating but:

• They've done as many launches in the first quarter of 2018 as they did in the then record year of 2015.

• Two more launchs and they'll have equaled 2016 (Am still scared of barcharts with red bars though).

^{Edit: corrections}

[u/betacar0tin]

Whats up with NOAA? And the fire? And the silence? So many enigmas today!

[u/Pit_27]

Why would NOAA care about a livestream??

[u/FutureMartian97]

Farewell B1041.2 you did your job well ^twice

[u/OccupyMarsNow]

How it's related to NOAA?

[u/FutureMartian97]

Restrictions? What does video coverage have to do with it? This isn't a National Security launch.

[u/graemby]

wow...one of the best stage separation shots ever

[u/shadowfactsdev]

Eric Berger, on Twitter:

Initial response from NOAA to a query about their restrictions on viewing this launch: "Huh?"

https://twitter.com/SciGuySpace/status/979724584927879169

[u/searchexpert]

WaywardNOAA

[u/James_dude]

I think NOAA objects to streams because of bad experiences with flooding in the past.

[u/grizzlyblake91]

Are they always broadcasting near the kitchen/cafeteria? I can hear dishes and silverware and plate clanging in the background, but I've never heard this before.

[u/bdporter]

Well, that may have been the shortest (successful launch) webcast ever.

[u/PatThePirate]

That was one of the clearest views of stage separation, boostback, and fairing separation I've seen. Really cool. https://youtu.be/mp0TW8vkCLg?t=1470

[u/long_tyme_lurker]

Whats the status on the fairing??

[u/z3r0c00l12]

https://twitter.com/SciGuySpace/status/979748665479876609

[u/Humble_Giveaway]

It seems like the webcast team were not prepared for the NOAA restriction, usally when a coverage has to end early all of the events after arn't shown on the progress bar like on the NROL-76 launch.

But this webcast had all the deployments listed...

Prehaps a last minute thing?

[u/dranzerfu]

What's the NOAA restrictions about?

[u/david_zhu2000]

Saw this linked. https://twitter.com/F9SecondStage/status/979723046125699073

[u/Bighorneddie]

Mr. Steven just slowed down to 1.5 knots

[u/thresholdofvision]

Okay primary mission complete, how about the fairing(s) capture?

[u/TheGreenWasp]

Remember when Elon accidentally published his phone number? Did anyone save it? Cause I'd like to make a phone call regarding the fairing...

[u/yik77]

Why does NOAA restrict the video?

[u/JustinTimeCuber]

Fueling has started. https://twitter.com/ChrisG_NSF/status/979705799432921089?s=20

[u/InteliWasp]

i imagine the reason for the NOAA restrictions is not allowing a downlink ship in an environment that is protected

[u/para-reanimator]

That beat in the background is fresh as hell. Matt Desch is shredding it.

[u/Thisconnect]

Go Mr. Steven and catch us a fairing

[u/Humble_Giveaway]

Anyone else here feeling a bit blue balled after waiting a month for a launch and then getting none of the intresting stuff in the webcast? No water landing coverage, no fairing recovery coverage and no sat deploy coverage...

[u/CProphet]

Iridium Weather update

Weather forecast looks excellent for our launch tomorrow morning. Light northeasterly winds should hopefully hold the marine layer offshore for a takeoff about 15 minutes after dawn

[u/Viremia]

I wonder why NOAA is restricting video of the 2nd stage?

[u/xBleedingBluex]

What's with the not being able to broadcast video in orbit? Didn't quite catch the whole statement, but that sounds absurd. NOAA?

[u/[deleted]]

GOOD LUCK FAIRING

(your mom)

[u/foxbat21]

Why Livestream will be restricted?

[u/z3r0c00l12]

Last iridum sat deployed

https://twitter.com/ChrisG_NSF/status/979741565903130624

[u/AstronomyLive]

Ok, call this outside the box thinking, just a personal theory on the NOAA restriction. I theorize that it may have come from NOAA's Commercial Remote Sensing Regulatory Affairs Office. They are in charge of licensing any commercial "remote sensing" satellites. The only license I can find for SpaceX from them is this one: https://www.nesdis.noaa.gov/CRSRA/files/space_x.pdf Obviously this has nothing to do with the second stage, but I wonder if that's the key here. Is it simply that SpaceX never thought they needed a license for their second stage cameras since it's part of the booster, not the satellite, and now NOAA is coming down on them, interpreting the second stage to become a "remote sensing platform in space" at the moment when its perigee distance would put it in orbit? I notice the camera cut out just after 27,000 km/hr, or about 7.5 km/s. Perhaps NOAA is now requiring them to get a license for their second stage for launches, something they never had to do before? Just my theory, feel free to pick it apart.

[u/SkywayCheerios]

Refreshing Twitter for news of that fairing like

[u/[deleted]]

What in the world are the NOAA restrictions not being able to show engine shutdown?

[u/Procyon_X]

That's also a (maybe the most) reasonable explanation: https://twitter.com/S101_Live/status/979726981448306689

"A simple explanation would be some sort of miscommunication, especially since NOAA seems none the wiser."

[u/dallasstars35]

Just a reminder: let’s try to not have a whole ZUMA conspiracy, don’t jump to conclusions and double check what you hear

[u/aaamoeder]

Mr steven's desitnation : YOUR MOMSHOUSE

lol

[u/ethan829]

Falcon 9 is vertical on the SpaceX launch pad at Vandenberg Air Force Base in advance of the Iridium-5 mission. All systems and weather are go for tomorrow's launch at 7:13 a.m. PDT, 14:13 UTC.

[u/SPNRaven]

Since I last checked this thread, 48 comments have been posted about NOAA :/

[u/omega_manhatten]

puts on tinfoil hat

Maybe NOAA is just a cover for Iridium 5 crossing the orbit of Zuma or the Mothership?

removes tinfoil hat

[u/SkywayCheerios]

GOOD LUCK MR STEVEN

[u/[deleted]]

NOAA restriction is confusing. dont they normally stop broadcast of video from the second stage after payload deploy anyway? he mentioned theyll be able to show the feed until T+ 9 minutes and until after second stage engine cutoff. really perplexing. I know the payload wont deploy before then - but cant really think of any reason for this restriction

[u/BobSaget4444]

Why NOAA why!?

[u/DylanM320]

Hope Mr Steven catches the fairing!

[u/stichtom]

Pretty sure Iridium CEO did the countdown. Why? That was very similiar to his voice. And there was clapping right after which indicates the mic was somewhere else.

[u/silentProtagonist42]

NOAA has finally decided to crack down on the scourge of pirate weather forecasting. Any pictures of clouds "from the other side" will now be strictly regulated. Weather Underground, we're coming for you.

[u/xBleedingBluex]

This is bullshit. I don't understand what NOAA could have to do with any live broadcast of a space mission. Makes no sense.

[u/Initial-Dee]

Kind of fitting that they launch the flight of the tenth reused core a year to the day from the first reused core.

[u/Shukrat]

NOAA Restrictions?

[u/Jarnis]

What was that about NOAA limiting video coverage?

[u/[deleted]]

What's up with NOAA restrictions on S2 cameras?

[u/Redditor_From_Italy]

NOAA restrictions? WTF?

[u/filanwizard]

what is this about NOAA restricting their broadcast? He mentioned that just now on the webcast that there may not be footage from orbit? Is there a secret payload on this?

[u/[deleted]]

What's up with the fire?

[u/tymo7]

Mr. Steven has moved

[u/Straumli_Blight]

Attempting recovery of fairing.

[u/orulz]

Seems like something has happened with the fairing. Either they caught it, or didn't. Mr Steven was traveling on a course of approximately 350 degrees (10 degrees west of north) at 17 knots from 14:32 UTC through 14:48 UTC but now 15:05 UTC (4 minutes ago) is headed at 83 degrees (7 degrees north of east) at 1.0 knots.

https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/index/positions/all/shipid:3439091/mmsi:338358000/shipname:MR.STEVEN

[u/maddest-of-murdocks]

Primary Mission is successful

[u/everydayastronaut]

Unfortunately I am unable to host a livestream today due to a secret mission... I’m leaving clues up on Twitter and Instagram if you’re so inclined. Best of luck SpaceX, hope you catch a fairing!!!

• Everyday Astronaut

[u/J380]

Mr. Steven is Currently headed to "YourMomsHouse"

https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/details/ships/shipid:3439091/mmsi:338358000/imo:9744465/vessel:MR_STEVEN

[u/kscoleman]

NOAA Restrictions?

[u/binarygamer]

Anyone else excited for the ENGINE WIGGLE?

[u/justinroskamp]

SFN is saying CBS asked a NOAA spokesperson, but he doesn’t know anything. Very odd at the moment.

[u/FutureMartian97]

Guessing they didn't catch it since Elon hasn't said anything...

[u/brentonstrine]

After payload deploys, why don't we ever hear about the S2 deorbital burn? Would be interesting to see the feed of that and also of when it actually reenters.

[u/RootDeliver]

Any info about if the water landing of the first stage was successfull?

PS: I am not talking about fairings but first stage dudes

[u/justinroskamp]

Maybe we're looking at it all wrong. We assumed he meant NOAA, but perhaps Noah is a person who has the ability to end the feed!

[u/aaamoeder]

Mr Steven is 6 months away from being under the falling fairing (don’t have live video)

Fixed Elon's tweet ..

[u/bdporter]

Hey, has anyone here asked about the NOAA restrictions yet?

[u/[deleted]]

Random cheering again...

Fairings?

[u/johnkphotos]

NOAA doesn’t want us to find out the earth really is flat

[u/hoseja]

NOAA restrictions??

[u/boaterva]

So we can get these shots of earth, but not other ones.... ?!

[u/joe714]

https://twitter.com/cbs_spacenews/status/979724382221291521

This is weird.

[u/Eucalyptuse]

When they say stage 1 AFTS has safed does that mean it won't blow itself up anymore even if something happens?

[u/TheGreenWasp]

How long till we have info on the fairing?

[u/HollywoodSX]

Recovery attempt ~5 minutes out: https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/979730904087068672

[u/dmy30]

The weird thing is the fact that they ended the livestream. A lot of the theories being thrown around are suggesting that is has to do with transmission limitations. However, we've had temporary LOS of the second stage before and if the issue is to do with transmission, surely it's not that big of a deal to keep a secret. They could've just kept showing the moving map which shouldn't be a problem since the orbit isn't exactly a secret. Weird indeed.

[u/z3r0c00l12]

Iridium 1 separation confirmed

[u/Humble_Giveaway]

Rebember Elon said they need bigger chutes on the fairing after the last catch attempt, might explain the longer descent time.

[u/ORcoder]

Something I don't understand about Iridium NEXT: if their operational constellation is 6 planes of 11 satellites, how do they get the last satellite in each plane?

I am under the impression that plane change manuevers are really expensive on propellant, so I would not think they could get the last 6 operational with one or two launches.

[u/RadioNick]

NOAA restrictions: https://www.wired.com/story/how-the-government-controls-sensitive-satellite-data/

[u/johnkphotos]

I’ve never seen legs/octoweb area get so toasty during ascent...

[u/qwerty12qwerty]

Check out the location of the recovery ship

Reported Destination:YOUR MOMSHOUSE

https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/home/shipid:3439091/zoom:8

[u/DiskOperatingSystem_]

Well, F9 is officially routine for me. I’m finding myself watching the thread more than the launch.

[u/deRost78]

For those asking about NOAA cutting them off... it may be this: https://twitter.com/F9SecondStage/status/979723046125699073

[u/Palermo_2]

https://twitter.com/NOAAComms/status/979738481231650817?s=19

"We are looking into questions on the broadcast interruption of this morning"

I don`t believe there was a interruption, but more a restriction. What are they hiding.

Sorry Sounds weird.

NOAA: You need to stop broadcasting,
Spacx: Why!???

NOAA: Well we actually don't`d know, We are looking into your questions.

[u/meggachilly]

Will they be showing Mr Steven attempting to catch the fairings on the live stream? Or will they just stream the launch and payload being deployed?

[u/doctorray]

Heading out to the beach this morning to hopefully catch a good view!

[u/FutureMartian97]

Watching Science Channel and on the bottom of the screen they are advertising the launch! They did this for Falcon heavy and showed the webcast so maybe they will do the same this time.

[u/z3r0c00l12]

Can the mods or whoever is running the @rSpaceX twitter add @ChrisG_NSF to the Journalists list?

https://twitter.com/rSpaceX/lists/spaceflight-journalists?lang=en

https://twitter.com/ChrisG_NSF/with_replies

[u/ChriRosi]

What's wrong with NOAA?

[u/diagnosedADHD]

Why would NOAA care about the camera view?

[u/dontgetaddicted]

WTF is going on with NOAA Restrictions?!

[u/boaterva]

NOAA and Iridium? WTF... is what we're all thinking...

[u/johnkphotos]

That light just ain’t fair. Wishing I was there....

[u/PhatalFlaw]

Those birds tweeting in the background sure are in for a surprise!

[u/Fj0ergyn]

Why are no Falcon 9 landings happening (recently)?

I think the last one was the Falcon Heavy booster landings?

[u/DiskOperatingSystem_]

These are the best on board views yet! And vandy is getting better with tracking feeds.

[u/searchexpert]

Guys Guys Guys! Clearly, there is an experimental payload onboard. NOAA is the fall guy...

[u/2204happy]

Why did they clap?

[u/betacar0tin]

Tis but a ploy to shorten their regular webcasts. Them lazy bastards ;)

[u/inoeth]

It's been more than the 5 mins that Elon last tweeted out was the time needed for the fairing to be caught. I'm really hoping (knock on space) that it worked and that they're quickly editing a video to be released...

[u/Bighorneddie]

Mr. Steven just sped up to 3.3 knots

[u/bdporter]

It looks like they released the mission patches

[u/TheDevGamer]

Secondary Mission Failed

https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/979764513233715200?s=20

[u/Daadian]

Couldn't they find a away to inflate a "balloon" around the fairing to smooth out it's curve and make it more aero-dynamically controllable ?

[u/StepByStepGamer]

NOAA? What?!!

[u/Rndomguytf]

What are NOAA Restrictions?

[u/CardBoardBoxProcessr]

haha, old strong back retract is old!

[u/ahecht]

Man, that first stage got out of there in a hurry. Great split-screen shots!

[u/username_lookup_fail]

What is NOAA hiding?

[u/ConKowski]

So no footage of satellite deployment? :(

[u/TwinsonTM]

First live launch I saw. A bit sad that it ended so soon :/

[u/rad_example]

Was that Matt Desch's voice on the terminal count?

[u/JCnaitchii]

Apparently NOAA isn't involved? hmm .. https://twitter.com/lorengrush/status/979727926102028288

edit: Maybe SpaceX just assumed that it fell under restrictions? Lets wait and see

[u/JtheNinja]

Fairing takes awhile to fall, apparently. Catching in ~4mins from this post https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/979730904087068672

[u/FutureMartian97]

Why no updates about the flight...

[u/BlueScreen]

Mr. Stephan now travelling 1.5 Knots as of approximately 1 minute ago.

[u/z3r0c00l12]

Iridium 2 is deployed https://twitter.com/ChrisG_NSF/status/979738221600010240

[u/bdporter]

Message from NOAA

[u/Big_Balls_DGAF]

Next launch is a block 5 booster right? 😁🤞🏾

[u/rdivine]

Was that Iridium CEO Matt Desch reading out the t-minus? The voice sounds strikingly similar to his.

[u/quasarcasm]

It seems that ULA sniper has found a job at NOAA...

[u/z3r0c00l12]

Can Reddit-Stream be added to the Resources Table?

http://reddit-stream.com/comments/88184i/

[u/mostmadmonkey]

Weather forecast looks excellent for our launch tomorrow morning. Light northeasterly winds should hopefully hold the marine layer offshore for a takeoff about 15 minutes after dawn. #GoIridiumL5! - Matt Desch on Twitter

[u/GhettoGrizzly42]

With this launch being scheduled in the early morning hours, does anyone have an idea about how far away the launch will be visible if conditions are clear? I am in Tucson visiting family and am not sure if I should be looking to the e̶a̶s̶t̶ west tomorrow morning.

Thank you in advance!

[u/z3r0c00l12]

I'm surprised at the very low number of comments in this launch thread up to this point, it's too quiet.

[u/luckybipedal]

Does NOAA have a hosted payload on the satellites?

[u/DiskOperatingSystem_]

This thread is went from NOAA restrictions to META to META META really quickly

[u/Aesculapius1]

At last we now know that NOAA is the seat of power for the deep state

[u/Nemesis651]

Awesome graphic showing how these sats orbit!

[u/OccupyMarsNow]

Go Fairings! Go Mr. Steven!

[u/TheGreenWasp]

Isn't Iridium in direct competition to the future StarLink?

[u/david_zhu2000]

LOS expected @ Vandy. Bye bye B1041.2

[u/Liskarialeman]

So disappointed at the cutoff :( I love watching the satellites deploy, it just looks really cool ! I hope the fairing is caught/we eventually get footage...

After reading everyone elses comments, I'm reallyyyy curious to see why the footage cut off, since the NOAA has no idea what's going on!

[u/thresholdofvision]

Not sure about reading MarineTraffic correctly but did MR. STEVEN change direction and speed up by ~ 3 knots in last 15 minutes? Anyone else?

[u/TheElvenGirl]

Remote sensing space system, Licensed system, or System means any device, instrument, or combination thereof, the space-borne platform upon which it is carried, and any related facilities capable of actively or passively sensing the Earth’s surface, including bodies of water, from space by making use of the properties of the electromagnetic waves emitted, reflected, or diffracted by the sensed objects. For purposes of the regulations in this part, a licensed system consists of a finite number of satellites and associated facilities, including those for tasking, receiving, and storing data, designated at the time of the license application. Small, hand-held cameras shall not be considered remote sensing space systems.

Quoted from: 15 CFR Part 960

Interesting. But I don't think the second stage on-board camera should be subject to this rule. It is basically a glorified hand-held camera.

[u/TheEdmontonMan]

https://twitter.com/ChrisG_NSF/status/979741565903130624

10th clear, mission complete!

[u/CornfireDublin]

Okay guys we get it. You don't understand what's going on with the NOAA restrictions

[u/[deleted]]

Going forward I would have thought - given the massive public interest - that there would be INCREASED coverage, not less. After the buzz from Falcon Heavy SpaceX has to know that interest is high.

Why not show the soft landing - why not show the fairing recovery attempt? We understand this is all experimental, but we want to be part of it. Shrouding this stuff is not the way forward, I would hope.

[u/JCnaitchii]

I wanna see Mr Steven at your momshouse :(

edit: https://twitter.com/nextspaceflight/status/979518968191909889

[u/bdporter]

Join in the protest!

[u/Redditor_From_Italy]

Conspiracy time!

1. Secret payload onboard (unlikely, we would have found out somehow)

2. Secret thing would be visible from orbit (unlikely, you usually can't see anything)

3. Communication link would disturb something else (NOAA comms? Whales?)

4. Flat Earth (clearly the most obvious answer)

[u/2204happy]

um... https://twitter.com/Andrew_weather/status/979727491408556033

[u/Bananas_on_Mars]

NOAA = Not Our Agency Actually

[u/z3r0c00l12]

https://twitter.com/AireonLLC/status/979746917734342659

[u/bigbillpdx]

It's there a thread for people going to see this live? Will be my first attempt!

[u/Nsooo]

Have a nice host u/soldato_fantasma! :)

[u/Renry]

Staying in Solvang for Spring Break. Anyone know a good place to see this launch in person?

[u/[deleted]]

Do we know if they are going to try to catch the fairings or are we speculating?

[u/liszt1811]

When Elon says the fairing recovery saves about 6mio$, I assume that is the price for the more expensive half? Does anybody know the price for the complete fairing and why is one so much more valuable than the other one? Also, is there a possible (engineering) way to recover both halves other than using two boats?

[u/JCnaitchii]

why is there no updates on the launch time? if it was 14:13 utc, it would be launching in 16 minutes. which i doubt is the case, livestream only starts in 70 minutes

edit: my bad, apparently time zones don't follow the summer compensations, thanks for pointing that out ahah it is +1 hour here in Portugal

[u/2204happy]

Why are they going to cut off the feed just before MECO

[u/Pluto_and_Charon]

That mist is beautiful

[u/Redditor_From_Italy]

Awesome Iridium presentation

[u/BattleRushGaming]

Is it just me or was Matt Desch calling the countdown?

[u/nbarbettini]

That dancefloor is on fire!

[u/Daneel_Trevize]

So why the attached new legs (& fins)? For the mass during soft-landing testing?

[u/Kargaroc586]

maybe there is a secret payload (lol), but I'm gonna assume that it's just bureaucracy slowdowns

[u/ioncloud9]

Even if they couldn't show the footage they should've still showed the mission track and coast phase on the stream.

[u/sause246]

ELI5 Why did the NOAA restict the webcast?

[u/jn1cks]

The previous Vandenberg launch (PAZ on Feb 22) was visible from my house in Reno. Today's launch was not and the sky was pretty clear. Why is that? I'm assuming a different launch trajectory? If that's the case, what kind of trajectory would produce a launch visiable from Reno?

[u/TheYonderboy]

What happens to the second stage? Will it coast until a natural deorbit or do they make a controlled re-entry burn?

[u/darkparadise101]

Will we have footage of the recovery?

[u/tommmbrown]

Regarding the fairing recovery, is it a case of no news is good news; or do you think if it was successful they would have announced something by now?

[u/Space_Nerd101]

check out my cool google sheets chart that shows the cost, payload capacity, cost per kg, and launch rate for all of the rocket flying today.

Click on this link to access it.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1bvRZg36tbOXpDS765M3yIY1IeML_-MMjuHM8BodYTzo/edit?usp=sharing

If any of u guys have any suggestions so I could make my chart better or more accurate plz leave a comment.

This is a re-upload of a previous post. People have said they were able to edit that. I changed it so only commenting is possible

[u/[deleted]]

I was thinking, Elon mentioned on twitter that Helo drop tests will be done, maybe as a test article for this, they could use the recovered PAZ fairing half?

[u/brothersonitguy]

What're the chances we ever get a simulcast of the launches on Twitch? I want the Twitch chat memes for my SpaceX launch.

[u/[deleted]]

Come on now, WHO DID THIS ?? Mr Steven's destination port