The ASDS location listed in the FCC transmitter permit for this launch is only about 80 miles offshore, which is about a 16 hour trip at 5 knots. So why are they headed out 3 days before launch, and even before static fire, the results of which could delay the launch?



Maybe they are going out for a short sea trial of the ASDS with the repaired thruster, returning to port later today or tomorrow. They could head out as late as Friday afternoon for the launch and still have plenty of time to get to the LZ.