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SFL celebrates 25 years of smallsat development

Space Flight Laboratory (SFL) is celebrating 25 years of building smallsats that provide big returns for commercial, government, and research clients — established in 1998, SFL has built 70 operationally successful satellites. recording 270 years on-orbit for dozens of distinct smallsat missions.

This year alone, the Toronto, Canada-based smallsat developer has seen 13 of the firm’s satellites launched and deployed, with another 26 satellites under development or awaiting launch. SFL’s record of accomplishments includes developing microspace missions for applications related to EO, atmospheric monitoring, ship tracking, telecommunications, RF geolocation, and space astronomy.

Pushing the envelope of what smaller satellites can accomplish, SFL has achieved microspace breakthroughs in space technology miniaturization including advanced attitude control for precise sensor pointing, drag sail deorbiting, autonomous formation flight, modular power systems, and custom deployables (e.g., antennas, solar panels, instrument shutters and doors) for small spacecraft. 

Notable SFL missions include the following:

  • HawkEye 360 Commercial Constellation – SFL has developed 18 formation-flying radio frequency geolocation microsatellites and guided integration of three others by HawkEye 360, all launched since 2018. Additional three-satellite clusters are under development at SFL’s Toronto headquarters and at HawkEye 360’s U.S. facility under SFL’s Flex Production Program.
  • GHGSat Commercial Constellation – Since 2016, SFL has developed nine greenhouse gas monitoring microsatellites, achieving remarkably precise attitude control and sensor pointing for the commercial GHGSat of Montreal, in addition to sustained detection and measurement of methane emissions at double the design capacities of the satellites.
  • Telesat LEO 3 Communications Microsatellite – Built on SFL’s scalable and versatile DEFIANT platform, this 30 kg demo spacecraft was launched in 2023 and will provide continuity for customer and ecosystem vendor testing campaigns following decommissioning of Telesat’s Phase 1 LEO satellite.
  • NEMO-HD Earth Observation (EO) Microsatellite – Built at a fraction of the cost of a traditional EO spacecraft, Slovenia’s first satellite captures 2.8-meter multispectral optical imagery and high-definition video used in a variety of applications since its 2020 launch.
  • Commercial Communications Constellation – Eighteen CubeSats have been deployed on orbit and are successfully operating using the SFL 6U-XL SPARTAN design for a Toronto-based company.

“For 25 years, SFL has focused on developing quality smaller satellites that achieve high levels of performance at price points affordable for customers in all sectors. By adhering to rigorous microspace development practices, we have stood the test of time, becoming a leading innovator of small satellites and cutting-edge technologies.”At SFL, we have built our reputation on developing smaller satellites that not only work the first time but exceed expectations both in terms of operational performance and lifespan.” — Dr. Robert E. Zee, Director, SFL

SFL offers a complete suite of nano-, micro- and small satellites – including high-performance, low-cost CubeSats – that satisfy the needs of a broad range of mission types from 3 to 500 kilograms. For a comprehensive list of SFL high-performance satellite platforms, please visit www.utias-sfl.net/satellite-platforms/overview/. 

The launch of Arianespace Flight VV23 is a smallsat deployment success

On Friday, October 8, 2023, at 22:36 p.m. local time (01:36 a.m. UTC), Arianespace’s Vega mission successfully lifted off from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, carrying the optical observation satellite THEOS-2, the weather satellite FORMOSAT-7R TRITON as well as ten auxiliary passengers.

The Kourou Spaceport in French Guiana. Photo is courtesy of Arianespace.

After liftoff from Europe’s Spaceport, the Vega launcher was powered by the first three stages for a little over six minutes before the separation of the upper stage from the third stage, ZEFIRO-9.

The AVUM upper stage ignited twice before releasing simultaneously the two main satellites at an altitude of 601 km. Following two other ignitions of the AVUM, the ten cubesats composing the auxiliary payload all successfully separated, thus marking the end of mission VV23, one hour, 43 minutes and 58 seconds after liftoff. A fifth and last AVUM ignition de-orbited the launcher.

With this launch, Vega successfully orbited: THEOS-2 (THailand Earth Observation System-2), a very-high-resolution Earth observation optical satellite, provided by Airbus Defence and Space to support the Kingdom of Thailand’s key development priorities.

Artistic rendition of the Kingdom of Thailand’s THEOS-2 smallsat on-orbit. Image is courtesy of satellite manufacturer, Airbus.

FORMOSAT-7R/TRITON, an experimental satellite designed and manufactured by TASA (Taiwan Space Agency). FORMOSAT-7R/TRITON plays two roles: it is both a weather satellite and a scientific satellite.

Taiwan Space Agency’s artistic rendition of the FORMOSAT-7R / TRITON satellites on-orbit.

Arianespace is responsible for operating the new-generation Ariane 6 and Vega C launchers, developed by ESA, with respectively ArianeGroup and Avio as industrial primes. Arianespace is headquartered in Evry, near Paris, and has a technical facility at the Guiana Space Center in French Guiana, plus local offices in Washington, D.C., Tokyo and Singapore.

Arianespace is a subsidiary of ArianeGroup, which holds 74% of its share capital, with the balance held by 15 other shareholders from the Ariane and Vega European launcher industry, and ESA and CNES as censors.

Regarding the cubesats for institutional missions and the European Commission, all separation commands were properly executed; the confirmation of the separation was acquired for 8 satellites; the separation of the last 2 cubesats is still to be confirmed. As prime contractor for the Vega, in charge of development and production, AVIO Spa (Colleferro, Italy) delivers a flight worthy launcher on the launch pad to Arianespace, which sells and operates the launcher from the Guiana Space Center (CSG). During the launch campaigns, Arianespace works closely with CNES, the French space agency and the launch range authority at the European Spaceport in Kourou, who is notably looking after the satellite preparation facilities.

”Congratulations to Arianespace teams and their partners, amongst them Avio, ESA and CNES, for this successful Vega launch, commented , after the separation of the last satellite. By delivering multiple satellites to orbit, Vega again has demonstrated its unique versatility. I wish to thank our customers, Airbus Defence and Space for Thailand, Taiwan Space Agency, and the operators and sponsors of the cubesats, amongst them the European Commission, for their trust.” — Stéphane Israël, CEO, Arianespace

”We are very happy about the success of the mission, said . The joint work of Avio, Arianespace and ESA teams has allowed to leverage the Vega launcher, in order to minimize schedule changes for customers, demonstrating resilience and commitment.” Giulio Ranzo, CEO, Avio SpA

PLD Space successfully completes 1st private space rocket launch in Europe

PLD Space has made history after successfully completing the launch of the first private European rocket, MIURA 1 — this milestone achievement reinforces PLD Space’s position in building national and European strategic capabilities.

The first launch of MIURA 1 occurred at 02:19 CET (00:19 UTC) on Saturday, October 7th, at the facilities of the El Arenosillo Experimentation Centre (CEDEA), belonging to the Spanish National Institute for Aerospace Technology (INTA). PLD Space has fulfilled the primary mission objectives related to engine thrust, trajectory tracking and launcher behavior.

The flight lasted 306 seconds in which MIURA 1 reached apogee at an altitude of 46 kilometers. The mission concluded with the rocket landing in the Atlantic Ocean and the company will proceed with the work of recovering the rocket during the next few hours.

The launch also tested a technological device from the German Centre for Applied Space Technology and Microgravity (ZARM) under microgravity conditions. The data gathered during the flight will inform future experiments.

Following an in-depth analysis of the mission, PLD Space will publicly release the data collected during the inaugural MIURA 1 flight test. Miura 1 is the first rocket created by a private company in Europe. PLD Space has achieved something which only three companies in Europe has achieved, that being the development of rocket technology that is recoverable and reusable.

The launch of the MIURA 1 suborbital rocket comes 12 years after the creation of PLD Space. With this maiden flight, the Spanish company marks a turning point in the European space race, where small satellites are revolutionizing access to information to accelerate innovation in multiple sectors on Earth. With this launch, Spain becomes the tenth country in the world to have direct space capability. With this launch, Spain has become the tenth country in the world with the capacity to reach space.

The inaugural suborbital flight of MIURA 1 marks a pivotal moment for the MIURA 5 orbital launcher’s development. The data gathered will enable validation of nearly 70% of the design and technology set to be incorporated into MIURA 5.

At present, over 90% of the PLD Space team is dedicated to developing MIURA 5 with the maiden launch scheduled for 2025 at the European spaceport CSG in Kourou, French Guiana, with commercial operations set to begin in 2026.

“This launch culminates over 12 years of relentless effort, yet it marks just the start of our journey. This test flight has yielded valuable data, enabling us to validate crucial design elements and technologies that will underpin the development of our MIURA 5 orbital launcher.” — Raúl Torres, Launch Director and Co-Founder, PLD Space.

“This launch establishes PLD Space as the frontrunner in the European space race. We ventured into space fueled more by determination than resources, yet we triumphed. The team’s elation is visible. Indeed, the mission’s success is a collective accomplishment, encompassing our investors, partners, and suppliers.” — Ezequiel Sánchez, CEO, PLD Space

“Looking to the immediate future, the success of a test flight like this is gauged by the insights we gain, insights that enhance our future reliability and success rate. We developed MIURA 1 as a stepping stone to accelerate the technological advancement of MIURA 5. With this mission’s success, our team is poised to rapidly progress towards the inaugural flight of MIURA 5 – our ultimate goal.” — Raúl Verdú, Business Development Manager and Co-Founder, PLD Space

United Launch Alliance’s successful launch of Amazon’s Protoflight mission

Liftoff!: Atlas V Project Kuiper Protoflight
The United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket carrying the Protoflight mission for Amazon’s Project Kuiper lifts off from Space Launch Complex-41 at 2:06 p.m. EDT on October 6.
Photo by United Launch Alliance

Success. A picture perfect launch as Atlas V precisely delivers initial Project Kuiper prototype satellites. 

A ULA Atlas V rocket carrying the Protoflight mission for Amazon’s Project Kuiper lifts off from Space Launch Complex-41 at 2:06 p.m. EDT on October 6. Photo by United Launch
Alliance

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fla., (October 6, 2023) – A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket carrying the Protoflight mission for Amazon’s Project Kuiper lifted off on Oct. 6 at 2:06 p.m. EDT from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. To date, ULA has launched 158 times with 100 percent mission success. The Protoflight launch is the first mission in a broader commercial partnership between ULA and Amazon to launch the majority of the Project Kuiper constellation.    

“This initial launch is the first step in support of deployment of Amazon’s initiative to provide fast, affordable broadband service to unserved and underserved communities around the world,” said Gary Wentz, ULA vice president of Government and Commercial Programs. “We have worked diligently in partnership with the Project Kuiper team to launch this important mission that will help connect the world. We look forward to continuing and building on the partnership for future missions.” 

ULA’s next launch is the inaugural Vulcan mission from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The next generation Vulcan rocket will offer unprecedented flexibility in a single system with streamlined operations and greater affordability, while continuing to provide unmatched reliability and orbital precision.  

Amazon purchased nine Atlas 5 launches for its internet constellation along with 38 flights aboard the forthcoming Vulcan rocket.

The Atlas V’s missions is used for interplanetary missions, military payloads and cargo deliveries to ISS. ULA’s Atlas V’s record includes more than 75 successful launches (as of March 2018) with no failures and is credited as one of ‘the most reliable in the world’ having launched the Pluto-bound New Horizons mission, the top-secret X-37B space plane and the Mars Curiosity rover.

In the future the Atlas V rocket will also be used to launch the Boeing CST-100 spacecraft to carry astronauts to the International Space Station.

Roll to Pad: Atlas V Project Kuiper Protoflight
The United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket is transported from the Vertical Integration Facility to Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral, Florida, in preparation to launch Amazon’s Project Kuiper Protoflight mission. Photo by United Launch Alliance

LAUNCH-1: Everything continues to progress towards the ULA Atlas V launch carrying the Protoflight mission for Amazon’s Project Kuiper. The mission is planned to lift off on Fri., October 6 from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The two-hour launch window opens at 2 p.m. EDT. Today’s forecast shows a 70 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. 

Launch Forecast Summary:

Overall probability of violating weather constraints: 30%

Primary concerns: Thick Cloud Layers Rule, Cumulus Cloud Rule

Overall probability of violating weather constraints for 24-hour delay: 15%

Primary concern: Thick Cloud Layers Rule

Mission Overview

A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V 501 rocket is launching the Protoflight mission for Amazon’s Project Kuiper. Liftoff will occur from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. ULA’s Atlas V rocket will deliver two prototype satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO) for Project Kuiper, a LEO satellite network that will provide fast, affordable broadband to unserved and underserved communities around the world.

Atlas V Project Kuiper Protoflight: Payload hoist
United Launch Alliance (ULA) hoists Amazon’s Project Kuiper Protoflight mission payload atop the Atlas V rocket in the Vertical Integration Facility (VIF) adjacent to Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Photo credit: United Launch Alliance

LAUNCH 2: Everything continues to progress towards the ULA Atlas V launch carrying the Protoflight mission for Amazon’s Project Kuiper. The mission is planned to lift off on Friday, October 6 from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The two-hour launch window opens at 2 p.m. EDT. Today’s forecast shows an 80 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. 

Launch Forecast Summary:

Overall probability of violating weather constraints: 20%

Primary concerns: Cumulus Cloud Rule, Thick Cloud Layers Rule

Overall probability of violating weather constraints for 24-hour delay: 15%

Primary concern: Cumulus Cloud Rule

Launch visibility
Wondering if you can see the Atlas V launch of Project Kuiper Protoflight? This visibility map shows when and where your best chances are to see the rocket as it lifts off Friday at 2:00 p.m. EDT (1800 UTC) from Cape Canaveral.

The Launch Readiness Review (LRR) is GO for Friday’s liftoff of the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket on the Project Kuiper Protoflight mission to place prototypes of Amazon’s satellite design into space for real-world testing.

Liftoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. EDT (1800 UTC) from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The available launch window extends for two hours.

The LRR, led by ULA Launch Director James Whelan, was completed this morning at the Advanced Spaceflight Operations Center (ASOC).

Leadership from ULA, Amazon and the Space Force assessed the readiness of the rocket, payload and mission assets, discussed the status of pre-flight processing work, heard technical overviews of the countdown and flight, and previewed the weather forecast that projects an 80 percent chance of meeting the launch rules.

At the conclusion of the meeting, senior leaders were polled and gave a ready status for launch, then signed the Launch Readiness Certificate. 

The Atlas V 501 rocket, designated AV-104, stands 196 feet (59.7 meters) tall and will weigh 748,149 pounds (339,355 kg) when fully fueled at liftoff.

The Protoflight launch is the first mission in a broader partnership between ULA and Amazon to help deploy Project Kuiper’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation. Amazon will use nine launches of the Atlas V rocket and 38 launches of Vulcan Centaur to deploy its satellites. The prototype mission gives ULA and Amazon practical experience working together ahead of full-scale launches, including processing procedures, payload integration and mission management.

ULA will offer live reports from launch control in our automatically-refreshing blog beginning Friday at 11 a.m. EDT (1500 UTC). The launch webcast starts at 1:40 p.m. EDT (1740 UTC).

The Protoflight mission payload arrives at the VIF. Photo by United Launch Alliance

L-3 UPDATE: Everything continues to progress towards the ULA Atlas V launch carrying the Protoflight mission for Amazon’s Project Kuiper. The mission is planned to lift off on Friday, October 6 from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The launch window opens at 2 p.m. EDT. Today’s forecast shows an 80 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. 

The forecast from the Space Force’s Space Launch Delta 45 weather squadron and Launch Weather Officer Melody Lovin for Friday’s launch of Atlas V indicates an 80 percent chance of acceptable conditions.

“By Friday, the ridge across the eastern Continental U.S. weakens and shifts into the north Atlantic, loosening the pressure gradient and thereby our winds and moisture levels in time for launch day. Showers and thunderstorms cannot be completely ruled out but should be on the isolated side Friday afternoon,” the weather team says.

The launch time forecast for 2:00 p.m. EDT (1800 UTC) includes scattered clouds, possible isolated showers, good visibility, northerly winds 8 to 12 knots and a temperature near 81 degrees F.

If the launch moves to the backup opportunity on Saturday for some reason, there is an 85 percent chance of meeting the weather rules with similar but drier conditions expected.

Launch Forecast Summary:

Overall probability of violating weather constraints: 20%

Primary concerns: Cumulus Cloud Rule

Overall probability of violating weather constraints for 24-hour delay: 15%

Primary concern: Cumulus Cloud Rule

Standing nearly 20 stories tall, the Atlas V 501 rocket will deliver its payload into low Earth orbit as part of the Project Kuiper Protoflight mission for Amazon. The prototypes of the final Kuiper satellite design will allow Amazon to test its technology in space before beginning full-scale production launches next year.
 
The Protoflight launch is also the first mission in a broader partnership between ULA and Amazon to help deploy Project Kuiper’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation. Amazon will use nine launches of the Atlas V rocket and 38 launches of Vulcan Centaur to deploy its satellites. The prototype mission gives ULA and Amazon practical experience working together ahead of full-scale launches, including processing procedures, payload integration and mission management.
 
Atlas V will place two spacecraft — Kuipersat-1 and Kuipersat-2 — in 311-mile (500-km) orbits with an inclination of 30 degrees. Centaur uses a single burn to place the satellites into their desired perch and deploys them approximately 18 minutes after liftoff, at which point Amazon will assume control of the satellites and proceed with testing.
 
The Protoflight mission will add real-world data from space to Amazon’s results from its extensive lab testing, fieldwork and simulation, and help Amazon finalize plans ahead of a full-scale satellite deployment beginning in 2024.

Centaur Stack: Atlas V Project Kuiper Protoflight
The Centaur upper stage is brought to the Vertical Integration Facility at Cape Canaveral, Florida, and placed atop the first stage of the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket in preparation to launch Amazon’s Project Kuiper Protoflight mission. Photo by United Launch Alliance

L-4 UPDATE: Everything continues to progress towards the ULA Atlas V launch carrying the Protoflight mission for Amazon’s Project Kuiper. The mission is planned to lift off on Fri., October 6 from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. 

The launch window opens at 2 p.m. EDT. Today’s forecast shows an 80 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. 

Launch Forecast Summary:

Overall probability of violating weather constraints: 20%

Primary concerns: Cumulus Cloud Rule, Surface Electric Fields Rule

Overall probability of violating weather constraints for 24-hour delay: 15%

Primary concern: Cumulus Cloud Rule

The launch of a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V 501 rocket carrying Amazon’s Project Kuiper Protoflight mission is planned for Fri., Oct. 6 from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. The launch window opens at 2 p.m. EDT.Liftoff will occur from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida.

Launch Date: October 6, 2023
Launch Window: Opens at 2 p.m. EDT

GO Atlas V! GO Centaur! GO Project Kuiper! GO Protoflight!

The Atlas V booster stage is hoisted into the VIF. Photo by United Launch Alliance

Launch status update

(Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fla., Sept. 28, 2023) – The launch of a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V 501 rocket carrying Amazon’s Project Kuiper Protoflight mission is planned for Fri., Oct. 6 from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. The launch window opens at 2 p.m. EDT.

Protoflight: Atlas V stacked ahead of first Kuiper launch

United Launch Alliance (ULA) uses heavy-duty cranes, teamwork and a lot of coordination to assemble our massive rockets before they head into space. That art of rocket stacking is both time-tested and an obligation to some passengers who require vertical integration of their payloads.

This week, engineers and technicians at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, completed the initial buildup of the Atlas V 501 rocket that will launch prototypes of the Project Kuiper broadband system for Amazon.

The satellites will add real-world data from space to results from Amazon’s extensive lab testing, fieldwork, and simulation. This Protoflight mission also helps Amazon finalize design, deployment and operational plans ahead of a full-scale deployment beginning in 2024.

Preparations for this first launch began Sept. 16 with the Launch Vehicle on Stand (LVOS) milestone.

Before sunrise, the move crew arrived at the Advanced Spaceflight Operations Center (ASOC) to configure the Atlas V first stage for its delivery to the Vertical Integration Facility (VIF), located about four miles up the road.

more information follows at this blog...

Virgin Galactic has completed their 5th spaceflight in 5 months

Virgin Galactic Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: SPCE), on October 5th, completed the company’s fifth successful human space mission in five months — ‘Galactic 04.’

The three private astronauts aboard ‘Galactic 04’ bring different backgrounds and cultures to the mission, along with a shared passion for space, exploration and adventure.

Onboard ’Galactic 04’:

· Astronaut 017 Ron Rosano from the United States of America.

· Astronaut 018 Trevor Beattie from the United Kingdom.

· Astronaut 019 Namira Salim from Pakistan, marking the first person to fly to space from that country. Salim is also a resident of the United Arab Emirates and of Monaco.

VSS Unity was piloted by Commander Kelly Latimer and Pilot CJ Sturckow, with Chief Astronaut Instructor Beth Moses on board. VMS Eve was piloted by Commander Nicola Pecile and Pilot Jameel Janjua.

The Company will now proceed with post-flight inspections and analysis in preparation for the next commercial space mission, ‘Galactic 05’.

“Our teams in New Mexico and California have delivered on our monthly spaceflight objectives. Three new astronauts journeyed to space today and brought back incredible memories and stories of their experience above the Earth. These early missions with our initial ship, VSS Unity, have informed and confirmed the design and maintenance objectives for our Delta class spaceships, and the production tooling for those ships is on track to commence later in the fourth quarter.” — Michael Colglazier, CEO of Virgin Galactic

SpaceX launches 22 Starlinks making this the 70th successful launch of the year

The cameras at the launch site were visibly shaking due to the strong winds, but the launch took place to everyone’s relief.

THURSDAY UPDATE: SpaceX launches … After numerous delays beginning on the evening of October 4th the launch took place in the wee hours of Thursday, October 5th.

SpaceX did not give a reason for the delay but high winds are buffeting the area.

The U.S. Space Force’s 45th Weather Squadron, based at Cape Canaveral, is warning of scattered showers rolling in off the Atlantic and breezy winds. They predict a 50-50 chance of a weather rule violation, with cumulus clouds and liftoff winds being the major concerns.

Following stage separation, the first stage landed on the Just Read the Instructions droneship, which will be stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.

SpaceX photo from Friday, September 29 launch

WEDNESDAY UPDATE: SpaceX is targeting Wednesday, October 4 at 10:45 p.m. ET for a Falcon 9 launch of 22 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. This is the 70th mission of the year.

If needed, four backup opportunities are available starting at 11:38 p.m. ET until 1:57 a.m. ET on Thursday, October 5. Six backup opportunities are also currently available on Thursday, October 5 starting at 10:29 p.m. ET until 1:49 a.m. ET on Friday, October 6.

This is the eighth flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched CRS-26, OneWeb Launch 16, Intelsat IS-40e, and four Starlink missions. Following stage separation, the first stage will land on the Just Read the Instructions droneship, which will be stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.

SpaceX Starlink launches for October currently reveal only one on Wednesday, October 4, at 7:16 PM from SLC-40, Cape Canaveral SFS, Florida. The $67.0 million launch on Falcon 9 will carry a batch of Starlink v2-mini satellites for their second generation high-speed Low Earth Orbit internet satellite constellation.

According to Wikipedia, as of August 2023, Starlink consists of over 5,000 mass-produced small satellites in Low Earth Orbit which communicate with designated ground transceivers providing internet to more than 2 million subscribers.

SpaceX Starlink launch just hours away

SpaceX photo from Friday, September 29 launch

WEDNESDAY UPDATE: SpaceX is targeting Wednesday, October 4 at 10:45 p.m. ET for a Falcon 9 launch of 22 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. If needed, four backup opportunities are available starting at 11:38 p.m. ET until 1:57 a.m. ET on Thursday, October 5. Six backup opportunities are also currently available on Thursday, October 5 starting at 10:29 p.m. ET until 1:49 a.m. ET on Friday, October 6.

This is the eighth flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched CRS-26, OneWeb Launch 16, Intelsat IS-40e, and four Starlink missions. Following stage separation, the first stage will land on the Just Read the Instructions droneship, which will be stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.

A live webcast of this mission will begin on X @SpaceX about five minutes prior to liftoff.

SpaceX Starlink launches for October currently reveal only one on Wednesday, October 4, at 7:16 PM from SLC-40, Cape Canaveral SFS, Florida. The $67.0 million launch on Falcon 9 will carry a batch of Starlink v2-mini satellites for their second generation high-speed Low Earth Orbit internet satellite constellation.

According to Wikipedia, as of August 2023, Starlink consists of over 5,000 mass-produced small satellites in Low Earth Orbit which communicate with designated ground transceivers providing internet to more than 2 million subscribers.

Spain’s MIURA 1 launch campaign kicks off

PLD Space has successfully concluded the two pre-launch tests of the first flight unit of the Spanish launcher, specifically the umbilical cable tests and the Wet Dress Rehearsal (WDR) — the positive results obtained during these tests effectively give the green light to the flight mission of the suborbital microlauncher.

The launch will occur this October at the El Arenosillo Experimentation Centre (CEDEA) of the National Institute for Aerospace Technology (INTA) in one of the different launch windows that PLD Space has reserved in October and November. The company will announce this date approximately 24 hours in advance.

PLD Space is gearing up for the third launch attempt of MIURA 1. On May 3st, the company postponed the flight of its microlauncher due to the winds at altitude, and on June 17th, it tried again, but an automatic abort occurred just 0.2 seconds prior to lift-off. Since then, PLD Space has not been able to schedule a new flight attempt due to mandatory compliance with current fire prevention regulations, the high temperatures at this time of year and the firm’s commitment in conjunction with the Guardia Civil to ensure safety in the area.

Consequently, the team has spent recent months meticulously analyzing the events of the initial launch and conducting comprehensive checks to ensure a successful outcome for the upcoming flight. The main conclusion of the analysis conducted confirms that the automatic abort resulted from the release timing of the umbilicals (the cables connecting the rocket to the launchpad). Further insight revealed a mere one-tenth of a second delay in the release of one of the umbilicals.

The ground software interpreted that one of these cables had not been released and automatically sent a command to abort the launch. The reality is that this release had indeed been executed, but with a delay of 0.1 seconds. Data obtained by PLD Space shows that this delay was caused by a one-degree deviation in inclination measured by a strongback sensor.

With these conclusions, the Spanish space company has made the necessary adjustments to the inclinometer and, over the last few weeks, has undergone a comprehensive series of tests to ensure the repeatability of the system. Likewise, the response times of the software have been adjusted according to the results obtained during these tests. Simultaneously, PLD Space has conducted maintenance on every integrated subsystem of the rocket.

Following thorough technical inspections, and now with the warmer months behind it, the MIURA 1 flight unit has recently been transported back to PLD Space’s launch base in Huelva from its main office in Elche. There, it underwent the two recent pre-launch tests.

The first corresponds to the umbilical cable connections. The team has replicated the release of these cables with the rocket in a vertical position on the launchpad and the result has been as expected.

The second test is known as Wet Dress Rehearsal (WDR). This is a full propellant loading test, which includes all aspects of the launch sequence prior to the ignition of the rocket’s engines. The success of this test means that MIURA 1 is ready to fly in the next launch window scheduled for October.

What remains pending is for INTA and PLD Space to formalize the flight readiness review (FRR) and, following the integration of the payload from the German Center for Applied Technology and Microgravity (ZARM), affiliated with the University of Bremen, to proceed with the flight authorization, known as the Launch Readiness Review (LRR).

From that moment on, the Spanish company has a series of launch windows during October and November to proceed with new flight attempts, which will be communicated publicly 24 hours in advance.

This complex operation is exposed to a number of internal and external variables that PLD Space has defined within its risk mitigation plan. During pre-launch, the Spanish company considers changing weather forecast (especially upper winds), safety range violations or technical issues associated with, for example, propellant loading. During auto sequence, the Launch team also considers possible abort situations resulting from technical anomalies such as onboard sensor readings. Finally, PLD Space anticipates possible scenarios during the flight related to the deviation of the trajectory or the behavior of some of the subsystems.

“If the cable is less taut than expected, the pull time is longer because the system only has to pull the connector but first it has to tension the cable and so the margin of error was very small. The rocket engines function until they’re told not to and in this case, it was the ground software that sent the command to not continue with the launch because it understood that the umbilicals were still connected.” — Raul Torres, Launch Director, PLD Space

“The success rate of a first launch in the industry is about 45%. We are aware that we have taken on a challenge in the European industry at the highest level, but we face it with the confidence and leadership that comes from our track record and the know-how we have been accumulating.” — Ezequiel Sánchez, Executive Vice President, PLD Spac

L-3 Update for ULA’s launch of Amazon’s Project Kuiper Protoflight mission — weather a factor

The Protoflight mission payload arrives at the VIF. Photo by United Launch Alliance

L-3 UPDATE: Everything continues to progress towards the ULA Atlas V launch carrying the Protoflight mission for Amazon’s Project Kuiper. The mission is planned to lift off on Friday, October 6 from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The launch window opens at 2 p.m. EDT. Today’s forecast shows an 80 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. 

The forecast from the Space Force’s Space Launch Delta 45 weather squadron and Launch Weather Officer Melody Lovin for Friday’s launch of Atlas V indicates an 80 percent chance of acceptable conditions.

“By Friday, the ridge across the eastern Continental U.S. weakens and shifts into the north Atlantic, loosening the pressure gradient and thereby our winds and moisture levels in time for launch day. Showers and thunderstorms cannot be completely ruled out but should be on the isolated side Friday afternoon,” the weather team says.

The launch time forecast for 2:00 p.m. EDT (1800 UTC) includes scattered clouds, possible isolated showers, good visibility, northerly winds 8 to 12 knots and a temperature near 81 degrees F.

If the launch moves to the backup opportunity on Saturday for some reason, there is an 85 percent chance of meeting the weather rules with similar but drier conditions expected.

Launch Forecast Summary:

Overall probability of violating weather constraints: 20%

Primary concerns: Cumulus Cloud Rule

Overall probability of violating weather constraints for 24-hour delay: 15%

Primary concern: Cumulus Cloud Rule

Standing nearly 20 stories tall, the Atlas V 501 rocket will deliver its payload into low Earth orbit as part of the Project Kuiper Protoflight mission for Amazon. The prototypes of the final Kuiper satellite design will allow Amazon to test its technology in space before beginning full-scale production launches next year.
 
The Protoflight launch is also the first mission in a broader partnership between ULA and Amazon to help deploy Project Kuiper’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation. Amazon will use nine launches of the Atlas V rocket and 38 launches of Vulcan Centaur to deploy its satellites. The prototype mission gives ULA and Amazon practical experience working together ahead of full-scale launches, including processing procedures, payload integration and mission management.
 
Atlas V will place two spacecraft — Kuipersat-1 and Kuipersat-2 — in 311-mile (500-km) orbits with an inclination of 30 degrees. Centaur uses a single burn to place the satellites into their desired perch and deploys them approximately 18 minutes after liftoff, at which point Amazon will assume control of the satellites and proceed with testing.
 
The Protoflight mission will add real-world data from space to Amazon’s results from its extensive lab testing, fieldwork and simulation, and help Amazon finalize plans ahead of a full-scale satellite deployment beginning in 2024.

Centaur Stack: Atlas V Project Kuiper Protoflight
The Centaur upper stage is brought to the Vertical Integration Facility at Cape Canaveral, Florida, and placed atop the first stage of the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket in preparation to launch Amazon’s Project Kuiper Protoflight mission. Photo by United Launch Alliance

L-4 UPDATE: Everything continues to progress towards the ULA Atlas V launch carrying the Protoflight mission for Amazon’s Project Kuiper. The mission is planned to lift off on Fri., October 6 from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. 

The launch window opens at 2 p.m. EDT. Today’s forecast shows an 80 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. 

Launch Forecast Summary:

Overall probability of violating weather constraints: 20%

Primary concerns: Cumulus Cloud Rule, Surface Electric Fields Rule

Overall probability of violating weather constraints for 24-hour delay: 15%

Primary concern: Cumulus Cloud Rule

The launch of a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V 501 rocket carrying Amazon’s Project Kuiper Protoflight mission is planned for Fri., Oct. 6 from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. The launch window opens at 2 p.m. EDT.Liftoff will occur from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida.

Launch Date: October 6, 2023
Launch Window: Opens at 2 p.m. EDT

GO Atlas V! GO Centaur! GO Project Kuiper! GO Protoflight!

The Atlas V booster stage is hoisted into the VIF. Photo by United Launch Alliance

Launch status update

(Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fla., Sept. 28, 2023) – The launch of a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V 501 rocket carrying Amazon’s Project Kuiper Protoflight mission is planned for Fri., Oct. 6 from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. The launch window opens at 2 p.m. EDT.

Protoflight: Atlas V stacked ahead of first Kuiper launch

United Launch Alliance (ULA) uses heavy-duty cranes, teamwork and a lot of coordination to assemble our massive rockets before they head into space. That art of rocket stacking is both time-tested and an obligation to some passengers who require vertical integration of their payloads.

This week, engineers and technicians at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, completed the initial buildup of the Atlas V 501 rocket that will launch prototypes of the Project Kuiper broadband system for Amazon.

The satellites will add real-world data from space to results from Amazon’s extensive lab testing, fieldwork, and simulation. This Protoflight mission also helps Amazon finalize design, deployment and operational plans ahead of a full-scale deployment beginning in 2024.

Preparations for this first launch began Sept. 16 with the Launch Vehicle on Stand (LVOS) milestone.

Before sunrise, the move crew arrived at the Advanced Spaceflight Operations Center (ASOC) to configure the Atlas V first stage for its delivery to the Vertical Integration Facility (VIF), located about four miles up the road.

more information follows at this blog...

A Florida Friday night successful SpaceX Starlink launch

UPDATE: The weather held and so on Friday, September 29 at 10:00 p.m. ET, Falcon 9 launched 22 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

This was the 10th flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched CRS-24, Eutelsat HOTBIRD 13F, OneWeb 1, SES-18 and SES-19, and now six Starlink missions.

Following stage separation, two and half minutes into flight, booster 1069, which was making its 10th flight, landed on the drone ship “A Shortfall of Gravitas,” stationed about 420 miles (675 km) downrange in the Atlantic east of the Bahamas. Touch down occurred about eight and half minutes after launch.

SpaceX is now targeting Friday, September 29 at 6:39 p.m. ET for a Falcon 9 launch of 22 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

If needed, three backup opportunities are available starting at 7:34 p.m. ET until 10:15 p.m. ET.

While the California-based company did not say why it was pushing back its launch, originally scheduled for Thursday at 7:28 p.m. ET, it is possible that it was due to severe weather that has plagued most of Central Florida for the majority of the week. SpaceX is now aiming to launch the Starlink 6-19 mission on Friday from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

This is the 10th flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched CRS-24, Eutelsat HOTBIRD 13F, OneWeb 1, SES-18 and SES-19, and five Starlink missions. Following stage separation, the first stage will land on the A Shortfall of Gravitas droneship, which will be stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.

A live webcast of this mission will begin on X @SpaceX about five minutes prior to liftoff.