Starlink & Satellites

[BruceS]

Was supposed to be 2 launches about 50 mins apart but the second one has been scrubbed now.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b88ru3jQy-4
52.47
The first was a success and was a 'share load' ..... meaning other companies paid SpaceX to get their items into orbit around the world. The scrubbed one was loaded with a heap of SpaceX's Starlink satellites. Probably be launched tomorrow I guess.
Early tomorrow morning Sth Aussie time a Dragon Spacecraft is scheduled to be launched.
This one will have 4 astronauts on board, will dock with the ISS, unload supplies & people & is scheduled to return to Earth with the "abandoned" people .... Sunny & ? plus two others due for rotation. It is aimed for splashdown under parachutes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uKdS-WnIy4

[BruceS]

Around 1 hour to scheduled liftoff.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uKdS-WnIy4
Such a long time for the 4 of them to be sitting in the capsule just waiting.
Ooops! Looks like there might be a hydraulic problem with the catch/hold arms. (also refered to as chopsticks)
Countdown is continuing with the hope it can be fixed or worked around.

[T1 Terry]

Well, that was ...... ummm...... certainly a long time to sit up there hoping they get it sorted out ........

T1 Terry

[BernieQ2]

Bummer...

[BruceS]

NASA dictates that no other launches are allowed within 24 hours before or after a launch of anything that has live people on board, the rescheduled launch of the previous scrubbed launch of the Starlink load of satellites was not supposed to go ahead.
Now since the launch of the one that was going to carry the 4 people has been cancelled, it is happening.
Live now ........... 18 mins to liftoff.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moW4k0mSHLI
The things I find when calling in for lunch!

[BernieQ2]

Bit better than a few days ago

[BruceS]

56 minutes until another liftoff attempt to send the astronauts up to the ISS.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJgYG6REDuY

[BruceS]

10 mins & counting.

[BernieQ2]

Thanks Bruce
...

[BruceS]

4hr 16min 20seconds.
For those who didn't watch it live you can scroll across until about 4:16:20.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJgYG6REDuY
Successful takeoff. I think the LIVE docking will be about 2AM SA Time.
After a couple of days of unloading, reloading, instructions & handover to the new crew the capsule is due to return & splashdown with the returning people.