SpaceX sent another batch of Starlink Internet satellites on Friday (August 12).
space x brought the group 3-3 of star link The constellation will be launched into orbit at 5:40 PM EDT (2140 GMT; 2:40 PM local time) from Space Force Station Vandenberg, California.
a falcon 9 The rocket launched 46 Starlink craft into space. About nine minutes after launch, the rocket’s first stage landed on top of the drone ship in the Pacific Ocean just under nine minutes after takeoff. In the second phase, he planned to deploy the satellite 63 minutes after launch, after the livestream ended.
Related: SpaceX’s Starlink megaconstellation launches in photos
The new set of satellites is part of Group 3 and could be an orbiting shell. Rubble “Squall” from Russian anti-satellite test According to recent reports, in November 2021 space news (opens in new tab).
SpaceNews reported that space tracking company COMSPOC recently uncovered an event called a “conjunction squall.” During that time, 6,000 approaches impacted 841 Starlink. satelliterepresenting about 30% of the SpaceX constellation.
The COMSPOC standard defines a conjunction as two orbital objects within 6 miles (10 kilometers) of each other. SpaceX has not commented on whether Starlink was affected, but past discussions space junkthe company emphasizes that its satellites can be maneuvered to fend off approaching spacecraft and debris.
The Group 3 spacecraft (SpaceX’s five-layer satellite) is in an orbit similar to other sun-synchronous satellites approaching Russia. ASAT chip Earlier, COMSPOC said in a report.
Group 3 is at an inclination of 97.6 degrees and an altitude of 347 miles (560 kilometers). Tesla Lati (opens in new tab)SpaceX has already sent two other Group 3 collections into orbit. July 10 When July 22both from Vandenberg.
SpaceX’s 36th launch in 2022 adds to its ever-growing record of launches in a single year. The company also completed his 62nd consecutive landing of the first stage and his 34th re-flight of the booster in 2022.
Friday’s flight was the tenth of this particular Falcon 9’s first stage. SpaceX mission description (opens in new tab).
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