Main Engine Cut OffFirst Batch of Iridium NEXT Satellites at Launch Site
It’s go time for Iridium NEXT:
At approximately 7:00 A.M. PDT on August 25, the final satellites required for the first payload were delivered, and immediately began pre-launch processing. These satellites represent the first set of the 70 total satellites that will be launched on SpaceX Falcon 9 rockets, marking the start of a series of seven launches scheduled over the next 18 months.
The first launch is just under a month away. It’ll be the first launch for SpaceX from Vandenberg since January.
I’m particularly interested in the flight pattern and recovery of this first stage. Last we heard, SpaceX was working on RTLS clearance for Vandenberg flights, and was constructing what looked like their west coast landing zone.
Based on where the launch is headed (polar orbit, 780 kilometers) and the payload mass (9,600 kilograms), I’ll bet this is an ASDS landing with more margin than GTO flights. They might even throw in a short boostback burn, like the kind seen on the CRS-8 flight.