posted 08-11-2016 11:48 AM               

SpaceX Falcon 9 with JCSAT-16 satellite

SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket will deliver the JCSAT-16 communications satellite for the Japanese SKY Perfect JSAT Corp. to a geostationary transfer orbit.

SpaceX is targeting an early morning launch of JCSAT-16 from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. The two-hour launch window opens Sunday (Aug. 14) at 1:26 a.m. EDT (0526 GMT). The satellite will be deployed approximately 30 minutes after liftoff.

Following stage separation, the first stage of the Falcon 9 will attempt a landing on the "Of Course I Still Love You" droneship. Given this mission's GTO destination, the first-stage will be subject to extreme velocities and re-entry heating, making a successful landing difficult.

posted 08-14-2016 12:42 AM               

First stage landing confirmed on the droneship. Second stage and JCSAT-16 continuing to orbit.

posted 08-14-2016 01:01 AM               

JCSAT-16 comms sat deployed into planned Geostationary Transfer Orbit with 36,000 km apogee (high point in orbit).