Update on the first aerial capture of a rocket booster by Rocket Lab:
Tweet by CEO and founder Peter Beck:
Incredible catch by the recovery team, can’t begin to explain how hard that catch was and that the pilots got it. They did release it after hook up as they were not happy with the way it was flying, but no big deal, the rocket splashed down safely and the ship is loading it now.
— Peter Beck (@Peter_J_Beck) May 3, 2022
Tim Dodd explains the different configurations to make rocket engines create thrust:
Rocket engine cycles: How do you power a rocket engine?
Starlink 4-17
SpaceX is launching 53 additional Satellites for their own Starlink Constellation.
This is the fourteenth batch of satellites for the 4th layer of the constellation. Shell 4 is in a 540km circular low-Earth orbit. These satellites are equiped with laser links.
The booster is a Block 5 and will land on a drone ship. This is the second time a booster will be reflown for the 12th time.
The mission to low earth orbit will launch from Kennedy Space Canter, Florida.
Weather is 90% go according to the 45th Weather Squadron.
Cargo:
- Payload mass is approximately 16 tonnes
- 53 Starlink Satellites
Check your local time of launch at: www.timeanddate.com
Where to watch:
- 15 minutes before launch: SpaceX Livestream
Background information about previous SpaceX launches: Wikipedia
Scott Manley: SpaceX's 'Wet' Fleet 2021
Why SpaceX is Making Starlink - Real Engineering: Youtube
Ellie in Space: Does SpaceX's Starlink have a first mover advantage against competitors like Amazon?
MikeOnSpace: OFFICIAL Starlink SPEED TEST results and SPACE LASERS - details on the Private Beta and Public Beta
Mark Handley: Using ground relays with Starlink
MikeOnSpace: Amazon KUIPER vs SpaceX STARLINK - Another heavyweight enters the race for Global Satellite Internet
Ben Sullins: Starlink Could Change EVERYTHING!
LTT: Gaming on STARLINK!!
Now You Know: We Test Elon’s $99 Mobile Internet | In Depth
Mediocre Coffee: Starlink vs. Telus: My Experience in Rural Alberta
Scott Manley: Graveyard Orbits Where Old Satellites Are Forgotten
Useful links to stay up to date on launches:
Spaceflightnow.com: Launch Schedule
Everyday Astronaut: Prelaunch Previews
Space News:
NASA Spaceflight nasaspacefight.com
TMRO: YouTube
Track Starlink satellites: https://satellitemap.space/
Subreddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/Starlink