SpaceX throwing away THREE boosters – Falcon Heavy [Live: 01.05.2023, UTC 02:29]
First launch attempt aborted. Next launch window on the 30th at the same time.
After delays due to wind, attempt at the end of the launch window
We have gotten used to SpaceX launching Falcon 9 every week and recovering the first stage booster. This time will be a little different.
It is only the sixth flight of the heavy configuration. Five are planned for this year overall. The first Heavy flew in January.
What makes this mission stand out is that it will be a fully expendable Falcon Heavy. No recovery of any stages.
Payload mass is only 6’700 kg but the target is geostationary orbit for ViaSat and Astranis Space Technologies.
Payload Classification
Falcon Heavy is classified as a super heavy-lift launch vehicle. Per NASA, super heavy is a rocket that can deliver more than 50 tons to low Earth orbit (LEO). To fall into the Russian definition, the vehicle needs to be able to lift 100 tons to LEO.
Currently there are only two operational rockets with this classification: Falcon Heavy and the Space Launch System.
Heavy-lift launch vehicle is a vehicle that can lift between 20 and 50 tons to LEO. The Russian classification is from 20 to 100 tons to LEO.
There are four rockets with that classification active today: Ariane 5, Delta IV Heavy, Long March 5 and Proton-M.
How much room is left in space?
A piece by PBS Space Time to illustrate how much or little space we have left in Earth’s orbit:
Livestream
15 minutes before launch: SpaceX Livestream
Tim Dodd: Watch #SpaceX Push Falcon Heavy Harder Than Ever Before!
Weather is 60% go according to the 45th Weather Squadron.
Background information about previous SpaceX launches: Wikipedia
The Most Confusing Things About Spacecraft Orbits
Tim Dodd: Is SpaceX's Raptor engine the king of rocket engines?
Tim Dodd: Why don't rocket engines melt? How engineers keep engines cool
Tim Dodd: [Elon Musk Explains SpaceX's Raptor Engine!
Tim Dodd: Rocket engine cycles: How do you power a rocket engine?
Tim Dodd: Elon Musk Explains SpaceX's Merlin Engine!
Starlink availability world map
Scott Manley: SpaceX's 'Wet' Fleet 2021
Why SpaceX is Making Starlink - Real Engineering: Youtube
Ellie in Space: Does SpaceX's Starlink have a first mover advantage against competitors like Amazon?
MikeOnSpace: OFFICIAL Starlink SPEED TEST results and SPACE LASERS - details on the Private Beta and Public Beta
Mark Handley: Using ground relays with Starlink
MikeOnSpace: Amazon KUIPER vs SpaceX STARLINK - Another heavyweight enters the race for Global Satellite Internet
Ben Sullins: Starlink Could Change EVERYTHING!
LTT: Gaming on STARLINK!!
Now You Know: We Test Elon’s $99 Mobile Internet | In Depth
Mediocre Coffee: Starlink vs. Telus: My Experience in Rural Alberta
Scott Manley: Graveyard Orbits Where Old Satellites Are Forgotten
Useful links to stay up to date on launches:
Spaceflightnow.com: Launch Schedule
Nextspaceflight: Launches
Everyday Astronaut: Prelaunch Previews
Space News:
NASA Spaceflight nasaspacefight.com
TMRO: YouTube
Track Starlink satellites: https://satellitemap.space/
Subreddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/Starlink
Vote for my witness: @blue-witness
Posted with STEMGeeks
Lots of trash up there 😔
It is getting a little concerning. Especially with the launch cadence of SpaceX and China. There are a few initiatives underway to deorbit trash but it is still a long time until this gets cleared up.