LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches GPS III mission | REUTERS

Falcon 9 GPS 39 Launch – Detailed Summary

Key Concepts:

• TE (Transporter Erector): A large structure used to support the rocket during assembly, transport, and initial stages of launch preparation. Includes the Strongback component.
• Strongback: A component of the TE, responsible for heavy lifting, raising the rocket to vertical, and providing connections for fuel, power, and telemetry.
• RP-1 (Rocket Propellant-1): A highly refined kerosene used as rocket fuel.
• LOX (Liquid Oxygen): Oxidizer used in conjunction with RP-1 for rocket propulsion, chilled to extremely low temperatures.
• Max Q: The point of maximum aerodynamic stress on the rocket during ascent.
• MCO (Main Engine Cutoff): The shutdown of the first stage’s nine Merlin 1D engines.
• SCS1 (Second Stage Engine Start 1): The ignition of the MVAC engine on the second stage.
• SECO1 (Second Engine Cutoff 1): The shutdown of the MVAC engine on the second stage after the first burn.
• MVAC (Merlin Vacuum Engine): The engine used on the second stage, optimized for operation in the vacuum of space.
• SCS2 (Second Stage Engine Start 2): The second ignition of the MVAC engine on the second stage.
• SECO2 (Second Engine Cutoff 2): The shutdown of the MVAC engine on the second stage after the second burn.
• Grid Fins: Hypersonic control surfaces used for steering the first stage during reentry.
• FTS (Flight Termination System): Safety system ensuring the rocket can be safely terminated if issues arise.

1. Pre-Launch Preparations & Stage Loading

The broadcast begins with preparations for launch, focusing on the retraction of the Transporter Erector (TE) and Strongback. The TE, hinged at the base and connected to the launch mount, was being moved away from the Falcon 9 rocket. Clamp arms around the second stage were opened to stabilize it during fueling and prevent movement in high winds. The Strongback, a key component of the TE, provides essential support throughout the launch process, including fuel, power, telemetry, and command connections.

The rocket was nearing full propellant loading, with approximately one million pounds of RP-1 and liquid oxygen (LOX) being loaded into both stages. Stage one LOX loading was completed, with stage one RP-1 loading finishing around T-minus 3 minutes. Stage two propellant loading concluded approximately one minute later.

2. Autonomous Countdown & Engine Ignition

At T-minus 60 seconds, Falcon 9 entered “startup,” transferring control to the onboard flight computers, making the countdown fully autonomous. Just before T-minus 2 seconds, the nine Merlin 1D engines were ignited. The launch director gave the final “go” for launch at T-minus 30 seconds. Liftoff occurred at 11:53 PM Eastern Time.

3. Ascent & Max Q

Following liftoff, the vehicle began pitching downrange, initiating a “gravity turn” maneuver achieved by slightly gimbling the engines. Telemetry was reported as nominal. At approximately T+30 seconds, the rocket passed through Max Q, the point of maximum aerodynamic pressure. The vehicle reached supersonic speeds.

4. Stage Separation & Second Stage Ignition

A series of critical events occurred in rapid succession: Main Engine Cutoff (MCO), stage separation (where the first and second stages detached), and Second Stage Engine Start 1 (SCS1), igniting the MVAC engine on the second stage. All events were confirmed by mission control.

5. Fairing Separation & Payload Environment

Once the vehicle reached the vacuum of space, the payload fairings were jettisoned. SpaceX intends to retrieve these fairing halves for reuse, as both halves were on their second flight. The payload, GPS 3-9, was then exposed to the space environment.

6. First Stage Re-entry & Landing

The first stage began its descent back to Earth, initiating the entry burn (Stage one FTS is safe, Stage one entry burn startup) to slow down before encountering the denser parts of the atmosphere. This burn lasted approximately 30 seconds. The booster then used its four hypersonic grid fins for steering and cold nitrogen gas bursts for attitude control. The landing burn was initiated, and the booster successfully landed on the drone ship “A Shortfall of Gravitas” in the Atlantic Ocean. This marked the fifth flight for this particular booster.

7. Second Stage Burn & Payload Deployment

Following first stage landing, the second stage continued its burn (SCS2) to achieve the correct orbit for payload deployment. The second engine cutoff (SECO2) occurred after approximately one minute. At T+1 hour 29 minutes and 19 seconds, payload deployment of the GPS 3-9 satellite was confirmed.

8. Mission Dedication & Conclusion

The GPS 3-9 satellite was dedicated to Colonel Ellison Onizuka, a fallen astronaut who perished in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster. The mission was deemed a complete success, with nine of the ten GPS 3 satellites now launched by Falcon 9. The broadcast concluded with thanks to the United States Space Force, the Range, and the FAA, and directed viewers to spacex.com/launches for future mission information.

Notable Quotes:

• “We sat there 25th century AD. We sat there and looked at our rockets on Mars and she just boggled the mind and mind and mind and mind. The technology caught up.” – (Source: Audio track during a break in the live coverage, likely a pre-recorded segment).

Data & Statistics:

• Propellant Load: Approximately 1 million pounds of RP-1 and LOX.
• Max Q Velocity: Rocket needs to reach 17,500 mph horizontally to maintain orbit.
• First Stage Landing: Fifth flight for this particular booster.
• GPS 3 Satellites Launched by Falcon 9: 9 out of 10.
• Liftoff Time: 11:53 PM Eastern Time.

This summary provides a detailed account of the Falcon 9 GPS 39 launch, covering all key stages and technical aspects as presented in the YouTube transcript. It aims to be comprehensive and precise, preserving the original language and technical terminology.