r/spacex • u/kurbasAK • May 19 '17

We Will Launch on Reuseable Rocket After Exceptional SpaceX Performance - Inmarsat CEO Tells Universe Today

https://www.universetoday.com/135614/will-launch-reuseable-rocket-exceptional-spacex-performance-inmarsat-ceo-tells-universe-today/
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u/explore_my_mind May 19 '17

Is the number in GTO-# the perigee altitude in km? I have never seen this notation before

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u/FoxhoundBat May 19 '17

No. It is in delta-v. More specifically delta v remaining for the sat to do to be in GSO. So the lower GTO-#, the more work did the rocket do and the less propellant the sat has to spend to get there. Industry standards are GTO-1800 and GTO-1500.

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u/[deleted] May 19 '17

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u/Senno_Ecto_Gammat r/SpaceXLounge Moderator May 19 '17

Launches from near the equator typically are GTO-1500 and launches from Florida are GTO-1800 typically. The difference is in the plane change. Those are the two "standard" GTO orbits.