SpaceX
SpaceX launches 51 Starlink satellites into orbit
On March 17, 2023, SpaceX launched 52 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit using the Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
The first stage booster for this mission is fully reusable and SpaceX used that previously in NROL-87, NROL-85, SARah-1, SWOT, and three Starlink missions.
Before launch, SpaceX via Twitter confirmed that all systems and weather are looking good for Falcon 9’s Starlink launch on March 17 at 12:26 p.m. PT.
For this mission, the activity and loading began 38 minutes prior to the liftoff. It ranges from launch director verification to giving a go for the propellant load.
The latter process is RP-1 loading, 1st stage LOX (liquid oxygen), 2nd stage LOX loading, and engine chill prior to launch. This is followed by a command flight computer to begin prelaunch checks.
Within one minute, SpaceX began propellant tank pressurization to flight pressure. At T-45, the SpaceX launch director verified the final go for launch. At T-3, Falcon 9 began the ignition sequence.
Liftoff:
The liftoff was powerful as we can expect from the Falcon 9 because it never disappoints us to showcase that thrust.
Liftoff! pic.twitter.com/scElnpo3uy
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) March 17, 2023
1st stage Separation:
Following the launch, 1st stag MECO event was triggered at 2:27 minutes of the launch.
1st stage landing:
Following an entry burn, SpaceX landed on a drone ship in the ocean at 8:47 minutes after liftoff.
Falcon 9’s first stage has landed on the Of Course I Still Love You droneship pic.twitter.com/8k4vdF5e1u
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) March 17, 2023
Deployment:
SpaceX confirmed the deployment of 52 Starlink satellites around 15 minutes of liftoff.
Congratulations to SpaceX team for this 52 Starlink deployment
It was a fast delivery and Starlink connectivity will get increased enjoyment.— EONMSK (@eonmsk) March 17, 2023
Another news drop for the Starship launch coming from Elon Musk, as the space rocket maker company, SpaceX is now waiting for an FAA license for the launch attempt.
Today, Elon Musk said that SpaceX is waiting for FAA license approval to process the upcoming Starship launch attempt. He revealed that the company will be ready to fire this giant rocket into orbit very soon.
The SpaceX chief also shared that it may take a few weeks to clear FAA and the first launch attempt would be around the third week of April.
FAA license?
A standard airworthiness certificate is the FAA’s official authorization allowing for the operation of a type of certificated aircraft. A standard airworthiness certificate allows the aircraft to be operated and used with the most minimal restrictions and for compensation and hire.
The FAA also issues commercial space licenses, verifies launch or reentry vehicles meant to carry humans operate as intended, and provides regulation of flight crew qualifications and training. The FAA also performs safety inspections and safely integrates commercial space operations into the National Airspace System.
Anticipating:
In a recent interview at Morgan Stanley Conference, Elon anticipates the upcoming launch attempt. He said, “I’m not saying it will get to orbit, but I am guaranteeing excitement, So, won’t be boring!”
He expects that there is a high chance for SpaceX to send Starship into orbit this year. However, he still thinks there is a couple of years required to build reusable.
Progress:
On January 23, SpaceX stacked Starship on top of the super heavy Booster 7 rocket at Starbase in Texas. The stacking leads us to a full flight-like wet dress rehearsal.
This was the first time an integrated ship and booster were fully loaded with over 10 million pounds of propellant.
Within the same month, SpaceX detached the Starship from booster 7 and achieved a successful Booster 7 static fire. However, we now have to wait until SpaceX comes up with a piece of good news.