Spacex Is Launching Another Rocket In A Couple Days

Discussion in 'Science & Nature' started by Steven Stanick, Oct 18, 2020.

  1. Steven Stanick

    Steven Stanick Very Well-Known Member
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    This time with 60 satellites. The most recent I think carried 50. My question is how are theses bunches released in to their orbits? They must all be connected is my guess. I believe they are all related to expanding internet coverage to other parts of the world.
     
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  2. Frank Sanoica

    Frank Sanoica Supreme Member
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    @Steven Stanick

    My guess is that the launch achieves synchronous orbit, then releases satellites at predetermined locations.

    Frank
     
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  3. Hugh Manely

    Hugh Manely Very Well-Known Member
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    That's interesting:

    I read an article (from the Independent - a U.K. news source ) that SpaceX CEO Elon Musk said the firm plans deliver tens of thousands of Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit over the next few years, creating a network capable of beaming broadband to more than 99 per cent of the inhabited world.
     
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  4. Ed Wilson

    Ed Wilson Veteran Member
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    Nice to hear a story unrelated to politics. Just how many objects can be put into orbit without causing a problem and running into one another?
     
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  5. John Brunner

    John Brunner Senior Staff
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    That's been a topic of conversation...not running into each other, but causing issues for manned spacecraft.

    SpaceX satellites have already been the cause of consternation among astronomers. Story about it here.
     
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  6. Frank Sanoica

    Frank Sanoica Supreme Member
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    @Ed Wilson

    I've wondered that for a long time.

    "As of 2014, there were about 2,000 commercial and government satellites orbiting the earth. It is estimated that there are 600,000 pieces of space junk ranging from 1 to 10 cm (0.39 to 3.94 in), and on average one satellite is destroyed by collision with space junk each year."

     
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