SpaceX F9 - SXM 7 - SLC-40

[Grendal]

Launch Date: December 11
Launch Window: 11:19 AM EDT, 8:19 AM PDT (16:19 UTC)
Launch site: SLC-40, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
Core Booster Recovery: ASDS - JRTI
Booster: B1051.7
Fairings: 50% previously flown
Mass: Approx 7000 kg
Orbit: GTO to GEO

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch the SXM 7 satellite for SiriusXM. The satellite will replace the XM 3 satellite in SiriusXM’s fleet providing satellite radio programming to consumers across North America. SXM 7 was built by Maxar Technologies The satellite features a large unfurlable S-band reflector to broadcast radio signals to users on the ground. First time a commercial primary payload will fly on a booster which has been used more than 3 times.

SXM 7, 8
SXM-7 | Falcon 9 Block 5

25th launch of the year.

 

[Grendal]

Early signs are for great weather - 90% favorable on primary launch day.

 

[e-FTW]

A 7th mission for the 1051 booster! Gotta give 1049 a run for its money in the race to 10!

 

[Grendal]

Static fire complete - One day delay due to conflict of the range for the Delta IV launch. First post updated.

 

[e-FTW]

Static fire complete - One day delay due to conflict of the range for the Delta IV launch. First post updated.

I‘ve got money on another delay on that Delta IV launch. That thing (and its ground equipment) is showing its age.

 

[Grendal]

I‘ve got money on another delay on that Delta IV launch. That thing (and its ground equipment) is showing its age.

Yep. Wouldn't be surprised.

 

[Grendal]

NSF Webcast:

 

[e-FTW]

With that Delta out of the way, we are good to go here! Go 1051!

 

[Grendal]

 

[Grendal]

A hold and abort for today. At 30 seconds to launch. So it was the rocket that probably caused the abort. Something was probably off in the numbers.

 

[Nikxice]

Just thought to note the name change made to the launch site that encompasses SLC-40. Two days ago Pence dedicated the location. It's now officially known as Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS). Not sure how I feel about all the signage changes. They could unintentionally serve to direct the aliens!

 

[Grendal]

The abort was caused by high winds. Nearest backup date is Sunday.

 

[Electroman]

What is the impact of high winds? Thrown off course? Something the 2nd stage can’t do a correction to offset that?

 

[bxr140]

What is the impact of high winds? Thrown off course? Something the 2nd stage can’t do a correction to offset that?

Still first stage (it goes to like 75km or something), but yes, it’s about vehicle control. Especially if you have variable shear, the long thin and relatively light vehicle can experience pretty complex loading and corollary dynamics. So...best to just not mess with it.

 

[Grendal]

What is the impact of high winds? Thrown off course? Something the 2nd stage can’t do a correction to offset that?

It's more about stability than direction. During the In Flight Abort test the booster that exploded happened because of instability of the rocket frame when the capsule boosted away from it. It wasn't because SpaceX detonated the booster. With the amount of energies being used, even small variations in stability can be catastrophic.

 

[e-FTW]

I don’t remember hearing the usual “LD go for launch” call at T minus 40 seconds. Just silence then the hold at T-30s. Relevant?

 

[Grendal]

 

[Electroman]

Thank you both.

I really thought they detonated that first stage with some fuse and explosives. Didn’t know it blew up on its own.

 

[Grendal]

 

[Grendal]

B1051 has done it's job again. Successful launch, MECO, and landing. Nominal orbital insertion for the second stage. Just waiting on coast phase, short 45 second burn, then deployment.

And complete success.