While the reused first stage Falcon 9v1.2 FT-RR (Block 3) launch of Bulgariasat 1 from Florida grabbed the headlines, two days later, on the other side of America, it was business as usual for SpaceX and its Falcon 9V1.2 FT-R (Block 3) rocket. It launched ten Iridium-Next spacecraft into low Earth orbit, lifting of at 2025 GMT on 25 June 2017 from the Vandenberg launch site in California. The mission was the second Iridium launch mission performed by SpaceX, following a flight, again from Vandenberg, in January this year.
SpaceX TV still showing new Titanium grids deployed for first stage re-entry and landing as Merlin-engine powers second stage upwards. Courtesy: SpaceX
The launch used Falcon 9 first stage serial number 1036, with new larger titanium grid fins that are less prone to thermal damage during re-entry. At 2034 GMT, the first stage made a successful landing on the drone ship “Just Read The Instructions” off the coast of California. The second stage went on to successfully deploy all ten communications spacecraft: Iridium Next 113, 115, 117, 118, 120, 121, 123, 124, 126, 128. The spacecraft will be raised to their intended constellation locations over the next few months.
