SpaceX launched its 42nd Starlink delivery mission of the year on Monday, August 28, 2023. A Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from the West Coast carrying a batch of 21 V2 Mini satellites.
The Falcon 9 headed in a south-easterly direction from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California targeting a 185×178 mile (297×286 km) orbit, inclined at 53 degrees to the equator.
The first stage booster, making its sixth flight, previously launched the first Tranche 0 mission for the U.S. military’s Space Development Agency and flew four previous Starlink delivery missions. After completing its burn, the first stage landed on the drone ship ‘Of Course I Still Love You’ stationed about 400 miles downrange (644km) in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Baja California.
Deployment of the 21 V2 Mini Starlink satellites occurred just over an hour after launch. The V2 Mini model was introduced earlier this year and is much larger than the V1.5 satellites. Equipped with upgraded antennae and larger solar panels, the latest models can deliver four times the bandwidth of the previous satellites.
SpaceX recently announced it had signed up over two million subscribers in more than 60 countries for its Starlink internet service. Since 2019 it has launched 5,178 satellites according to statistics compiled by Jonathan McDowell, an astronomer at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, who maintains a space flight database. Of those satellites 4,828 remain in orbit and prior to today’s launch 4,776 appear to be working normally.
The launch of the V2 Mini satellites is a significant step forward for Starlink, as it will allow SpaceX to provide even faster and more reliable internet service to its customers.
The U.S. Space Force has awarded SpaceX a contract worth $733 million for eight launches, reinforcing the organization’s efforts to increase competition among space launch providers. This deal is part of the ongoing “National Security Space Launch Phase 3 Lane 1” program, overseen by Space Systems Command (SSC), which focuses on less complex missions involving near-Earth orbits.
Under the contract, SpaceX will handle seven launches for the Space Development Agency and one for the National Reconnaissance Office, all using Falcon 9 rockets. These missions are expected to take place no earlier than 2026.
Space Force launch contract
In 2023, the Space Force divided Phase 3 contracts into two categories: Lane 1 for less risky missions and Lane 2 for heavier payloads and more challenging orbits. Although SpaceX was chosen for Lane 1 launches, competitors like United Launch Alliance and Blue Origin were also in the running. The Space Force aims to foster more competition by allowing new companies to bid for future Lane 1 opportunities, with the next bidding round set for 2024. The overall Lane 1 contract is estimated to be worth $5.6 billion over five years.
Lt. Col. Douglas Downs, SSC’s leader for space launch procurement, emphasized the Space Force’s expectation of more competitors and greater variety in launch providers moving forward. The Phase 3 Lane 1 contracts cover fiscal years 2025 to 2029, with the option to extend for five more years, and the Space Force plans to award at least 30 missions over this period.
While SpaceX has a strong position now, emerging launch providers and new technologies could intensify the competition in the near future.
Electronic signature tools have transformed the way we handle documents, allowing you to sign, send, and manage paperwork digitally without the need for printing or scanning. With these tools, you can sign documents from anywhere, simplifying the process.
While DocuSign is a widely recognized eSignature tool with many useful features, it may not be affordable for everyone, especially for those who need it occasionally. Fortunately, there are plenty of 5 free eSignature alternatives available. After testing several, we’ve compiled a list of the top five free options to help you sign your documents with ease.
DocuSeal
DocuSeal is a highly versatile, open-source tool that lets you create electronic signatures for a wide variety of file types, such as PDFs and Word documents. Its easy-to-use interface makes it simple for anyone to sign documents, and the best part is, it’s completely free.
DocuSeal offers customization options like choosing from different signature styles, adding text, or even uploading images. It also provides secure document storage and encryption, ensuring that your sensitive information stays protected. This makes DocuSeal a strong free alternative to DocuSign for users who need both flexibility and security.
OpenSign
OpenSign is another excellent free eSignature solution that allows you to sign and send documents without any cost. It offers unlimited signatures, making it ideal for individuals or small businesses needing a budget-friendly tool.
One of OpenSign’s standout features is the ability to track your documents in real time. This way, you know exactly when a document is signed. Additionally, every signed document includes a completion certificate, which provides added security. OpenSign supports various file formats, including PDFs and Word docs, offering the flexibility to handle different types of documents.
Smallpdf
Best known for its PDF tools, Smallpdf also provides a robust eSignature feature. You can upload documents, sign them digitally, and send them for signatures in just a few steps. It supports a range of file formats, such as PDFs, Word, and Excel files.
One of Smallpdf’s key advantages is its integration with popular cloud services like Dropbox and Google Drive, making it easier to access and sign your documents directly from the cloud. Available on both desktop and mobile, Smallpdf is a convenient choice for users who need a reliable, multi-functional tool.
Adobe Acrobat Reader
Adobe Acrobat Reader is widely used for viewing PDFs, but it also includes eSignature functionality. You can use it to sign documents yourself or send them to others for signing.
Adobe Acrobat Reader also features document tracking, allowing you to monitor when a document has been viewed or signed. While some advanced features require a subscription, the free version provides sufficient eSignature capabilities, making it a good option for occasional users who want a secure and trusted tool.
Canva PDF Editor
Canva is best known for its design capabilities, but it also has a handy PDF Editor that includes eSignature functions. You can upload PDFs and add signature fields as needed, making it a versatile tool for signing contracts, agreements, and other documents.
In addition to signing, Canva allows you to customize your documents by adding logos, text, and design elements. Canva’s PDF Editor also supports real-time collaboration, making it an ideal choice for teams or individuals working together on documents. It’s accessible on both desktop and mobile, making it convenient for signing documents anytime, anywhere.
