SpaceX Falcon 9 FT launch - SES 9 - SLC-40

This looks like it will be the next launch for the company:

NET Feb. 6? Falcon 9 • SES 9

Launch window: TBD
Launch site: SLC-40, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch the SES 9 communications satellite. Owned by SES of Luxembourg, the spacecraft will provide direct-to-home and other communications services over Northeast Asia, South Asia and Indonesia, as well as maritime communications for vessels in the Indian Ocean. The rocket will fly on a full-thrust version of the Falcon 9 rocket. Delayed from July 15, August, November and December. [Jan. 13]

ecarfan said:

Will there be a first stage recovery attempt?

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I think so. I seem to remember in one of the articles about Jason 3 that there would be an attempt on this launch. Another barge landing too, I think.

VolkerP said:

I read somewhere that every Falcon launch carries surplus fuel. It is needed in case of an "engine out" event in the first stage. The remaining engines need to burn longer to deliver the payload with correct orbit parameters. The rocket would be a loss.

If no such event occurs, the fuel can be spent for the landing manoeuvre.

Can someone confirm this story line?

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Kind of yes, and kind of no. F9 has different parameters based on many factors. There is a weight allowance for the payload, if the weight exceeds a certain amount then there will be no attempt at landing. There is a speed and angle allowance as well. If the rocket is moving too fast or angled for certain orbits it creates issues that interfere with a land landing, barge landing, or even trying for a landing at all. I believe that there is no chance for booster recovery of a GEO type satellite launch which SpaceX has done twice.

So, yes, there is surplus fuel. I don't think it is specifically enough to perform a landing attempt.

With one less engine burning fuel does a F9 need extra fuel or is the fuel just routed to the remaining engines and a longer burn is needed?

rabar10 said:

Based on NSF forum comments and also lack of immediate pre-launch support activity i.e. no static fire prep, looks like the NET (no earlier than) date for this SES-9 launch is getting pushed back -- to at least last part of February, and potentially later than that.

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It seems there might be a clear reason for a small delay:

SpaceX will modify its Falcon 9 rocket based on tests of its landed vehicle | The Verge

I doubt they are making big overall changes that will affect this launch but there might be a few small changes to better improve landing chances.

An article that backs the point that there are some delays:

SpaceX Falcon 9 Upgrade launch delay raises concern

Maybe it won't be delayed as much as we think:

SpaceX seeks to accelerate Falcon 9 production and launch rates this year - SpaceNews.com

Shotwell, after her conference speech, said SpaceX plans to launch SES-9 “in the next couple of weeks.” The company then plans to maintain a high flight rate. “You should see us fly every two to three weeks,” she said.

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There is a lot more detail about future plans in the article.

RDoc said:

Apparently SpaceX is going to launch the satellite into a higher orbit than normal so it will be actually on-station at the originally planned date despite the launch delays. I believe this satellite was originally supposed to get to it's final orbit using an electron propulsion engine which is very slow, but with the increased capabilities of the Falcon 9 Full Thrust, they can get it much closer to the final orbit. However, that means there's not as much fuel left in the launch stage, and I believe it will have more velocity to get rid of.

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SES is very pleased that SpaceX is willing to spend the extra fuel necessary to get their satellite into the higher orbit. SpaceX, being an Elon company, is willing to go above and beyond the parameters of the contract for their customer especially because of the delays. This allows SES to get the satellite operational around the same time as originally planned and it will save them extra fuel for future maneuvers as well. Someone on SpaceX facebook said that the information from the landing attempt will be useful no matter what. If the booster is coming in "too hot" they will likely not try to hit the barge but bring it in nearby. If SpaceX does manage to land this booster under essentially the worst possible conditions and situation, well that will be another serious win for the company.

The next "return to landing pad" attempt will likely be for CRS-8.