posted 06-18-2017 10:36 AM               

SpaceX to launch BulgariaSat-1

SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket will deliver the BulgariaSat-1 satellite into a geostationary transfer orbit.

SpaceX will launch BulgariaSat-1 from Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida during a two-hour launch window.

The satellite will be deployed approximately 35 minutes after launch.

BulgariaSat-1 is the first geostationary commercial communications satellite in Bulgaria's history.

The Falcon 9's first stage for BulgariaSat-1 previously supported the Iridium-1 mission from Vandenberg Air Force Base in January 2017.

Following separation, the Falcon 9 first stage will attempt a landing on the droneship "Of Course I Still Love You" in the Atlantic Ocean.

posted 06-18-2017 02:36 PM               

Standing down on BulgariaSat-1 to replace a fairing valve, next launch opportunities are 6/23 and 6/24.

Postponing launch to replace fairing pneumatic valve. It is dual redundant, but not worth taking a chance.

posted 06-23-2017 12:04 PM               

Falcon 9 and BulgariaSat-1 vertical on Pad 39A. Today's two-hour launch window opens at 2:10 p.m. EDT, 18:10 UTC.

posted 06-23-2017 01:08 PM               

Team is running additional ground system checks; Falcon 9 and payload are in good health. New liftoff time set for 3:10 p.m. EDT.

Falcon 9 will experience its highest ever reentry force and heat in today's launch. Good chance rocket booster doesn't make it back.

posted 06-23-2017 02:23 PM               

Second stage and satellite now in coast phase.

Falcon 9 first stage has landed on "Of Course I Still Love You" — second successful launch and landing of a flight-proven booster.

posted 06-23-2017 03:15 PM               

Successful deployment of BulgariaSat-1 to a Geostationary Transfer Orbit confirmed.

posted 06-23-2017 09:45 PM               

Rocket is extra toasty and hit the deck hard (used almost all of the emergency crush core), but otherwise good.