SpaceX Falcon 9: Spaceflight SSO-A (Sun Synch Express) to launch Nov 19 2018

[SlowApproach]

For the aerospace (with emphasis on space) enthusiasts among us:

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket (thanks, Elon) will be launching an impressive number of small satellites headed for a sun-synchronous polar orbit.

Launch vehicle & mission: Falcon 9 Spaceflight SSO-A
Launch date & time: 2018/11/19 @ 1832 GMT
Launch site: SLC-4E, VAFB (Vandenberg Air Force Base, California)

This is a special one, because:
(1) it will be the largest single ride-share mission from a US-based launch vehicle in history! This single launch will take to space a payload of more than 60 spacecraft belonging to around 35 commercial and government organisations from over 18 countries
(2) I have more than a vested interest in a small cluster of satellites that are on the ride (so I hope it does indeed happen this time )...

Not confirmed yet whether the launch will be live-streamed, but if it is, it (or the recorded launch) will be found at: https://www.youtube.com/user/spacexchannel/videos

More about the Falcon 9 itself:
https://www.spacex.com/falcon9

[Spoke Eagle]

Hi SA,
Does those little satellites all come with motors to change orbit or direction or are they "mailed " and left to them selves?

[SlowApproach]

SE, they have a propulsion system and thrusters which make them fully manoeuvrable in orbit. Considering that the satellites generally range in size from about a shoebox to a microwave oven, the system comprises of rather ingenious electrothermal devices that use water as a propellant (they expel superheated water vapour).

Guys like Deep Space Industries (https://deepspaceindustries.com/comet) manufacture the propulsion systems.

[SlowApproach]

For those who are wondering how all those little satellites are taking the ride up and how they are actually going to manage to deploy all of them once up there, here's a nice impression of the process:

https://spaceflight.com/wp-content/uplo ... xpress.mp4

[jimdavis]

Thanks so much SA. This is magic stuff!

jim

[apollo11]

Fantastic thank you for the heads up SA ... amazing stuff, what is your "more than vested interest?"

[SlowApproach]

My pleasure, all

Apollo, it is pretty unique, ground-breaking stuff regarding the type of data acquisition and processing. However, I don't want to create a fanfare and raise false expectations until the satellites are actually up there and working like they are expected to. I'll reveal all later but for now let's just say that I basically bet the farm on their successful operation and I'm going to be royally-fooked financially if their launch is delayed, again.

If it works out however, I might even be able to afford to fly again (Something I miss terribly and think of, every single day).

[apollo11]

My pleasure, all

Apollo, it is pretty unique, ground-breaking stuff regarding the type of data acquisition and processing. However, I don't want to create a fanfare and raise false expectations until the satellites are actually up there and working like they are expected to. I'll reveal all later but for now let's just say that I basically bet the farm on their successful operation and I'm going to be royally-fooked financially if their launch is delayed, again.

If it works out however, I might even be able to afford to fly again (Something I miss terribly and think of, every single day).

Hope all goes well, look forward to you "showing your hand in this affair" and telling us more...

[SlowApproach]

Thanks, Apollo. The excitement and trepidation is like that of a bloke going on his first blind date organised by buddies who are known to be mischievous

[SlowApproach]

Ag *$@#%!!! It's been delayed again, apparently for conducting additional pre-flight inspections (it's unclear what issue prompted the call for further inspection). New launch date unconfirmed but some sources reckon something around another five to six days time. (I hope it's just that little )

"Barman, make it a double. No wait. Just gimme the whole bluddy bottle..."

[apollo11]

Oh crumbs, OK watching this space...

[jimdavis]

Ag *$@#%!!! It's been delayed again, apparently for conducting additional pre-flight inspections (it's unclear what issue prompted the call for further inspection). New launch date unconfirmed but some sources reckon something around another five to six days time. (I hope it's just that little )

"Barman, make it a double. No wait. Just gimme the whole bluddy bottle..."

I feel for you SA. It's a bugger when you put all your eggs in one basket and then hand it to a guy who is just learning to ride a bicycle.

jim

[Spoke Eagle]

Hi SA,

Was going to wish you well and then saw the delay. Sorry man.

Won't you give us a subtle hint to your involvement, its getting to the point where I'm starting to drink for your sake

[Ugly Duckling]

SA
Seeing you have bet the farm on this venture I trust that the rains come in abundance and bless you with a rich harvest for years to come

[falcoman]

Perhaps the launch of a Falcon 9 on Friday caused resources to be thin on the ground?
Friday's launch was with a previously used rocket and the booster(s) was(were) successfully landed again.