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SpaceX Falcon 9 Launches Dual Satellite Mission
JoeSilva writes SpaceX successfully launched two satellites towards Geosynchronous Orbit. There's already a video of one deployment. Word is the launch went very smoothly and bodes well for their next launch in three weeks, as they work to fulfill what is now a very full launch manifest. In addition Elon had one more thing to share: "Upgrades in the works to allow landing for geo missions: thrust +15%, deep cryo oxygen, upper stage tank vol +10%."
upper stage tank vol +10%
So it goes to 11 then!
I've found that the best way to watch a rocket launch is at the T-10sec mark to start The Final Countdown in another tab.
Instantly epic launch.
I was in Florida to speak at Orlando Hamcation and went to see the DISCOVR launch at Kennedy Space Center. I paid $50 to be at LC-39 for the launch, an observation tower made from a disused gantry on the Nasa Causeway between the pads and the Vehicle Assembly Building. A crawler was parked next door! A hot sandwich buffet, chips, and sodas were served. It was cold and windy! I watched for a few hours and unfortunately the launch scrubbed due to high stratospheric winds.
The next day, Delaware North Corporation, which operates tourism at KSC, decided not to open LC-39 or the Saturn 5 center for the launch. This was the third launch attempt and I guess they decided most people had left. I was annoyed.
The closest beach was going to be closed in the evening, it's a sensitive ecological area. I ended up seeing the launch from Jetty Park. This turned out not to be such a great location, the tower wasn't visible at all and the first 10 seconds of the rocket in flight were obscured before we saw it over a hill.
What's a better viewing location?
Bruce Perens.
It was mentioned elsewhere that these two satellites uses ion propulsion instead of traditional chemical propellant for navigation. Supposedly this cuts down on the weight of the satellite as well as reduced the movable parts on the satellites themselves.
Did you get your sour grapes from California, or do they have to be flown in from Chile this time of year?