Ten Orbital Launches Scheduled This Week Highlighting Global Space Advancements
This week, the global space community is abuzz with excitement as ten orbital launches are scheduled, including significant missions from SpaceX, China, and India. SpaceX plans five Falcon 9 launches, enhancing global internet coverage with Starlink satellites. China’s active launch schedule continues with three missions, while India’s PSLV-XL prepares to deliver European spacecraft for solar observations. Anticipation builds for the launch of the European radar satellite Sentinel-1C, marking a pivotal moment in European space endeavors.
ULA Prepares for Second Test Flight of Vulcan Centaur Rocket
United Launch Alliance (ULA) is set to launch its Vulcan Centaur rocket on October 4, 2024, for the Cert-2 mission from Cape Canaveral. Following a successful first flight, ULA aims to achieve certification for national security missions. CEO Tory Bruno expresses confidence in the preparations, highlighting the importance of this launch for ULA’s future in the space industry.
ULA Prepares for Historic Final Launch of Atlas 5 Rocket
United Launch Alliance (ULA) is set to launch its final Atlas 5 rocket, USSF-51, on July 30, 2024, marking a historic milestone as the 100th national security mission. This pivotal event highlights ULA’s contributions to aerospace and national security, while also paving the way for future innovations in space exploration.
Florida’s Space Coast Gears Up for Potential Record-Breaking Year in Rocket Launches
Florida’s Space Coast is gearing up for a potentially record-breaking year in orbital rocket launches, with 48 launches already completed in the first half of the year. SpaceX has been a dominant player, with upcoming missions including the Türksat 6A satellite launch, United Launch Alliance USSF-51 mission, and SpaceX ISS Resupply Mission. Stay tuned for more updates on these exciting launches!
U.S. Space Force selects Blue Origin, SpaceX, and United Launch Alliance for National Security Space Launch Phase 3 program
Blue Origin, SpaceX, and United Launch Alliance have been chosen by the U.S. Space Force for the National Security Space Launch Phase 3 program, with contracts potentially valued at $5.6 billion over the next five years. This milestone marks the first time Blue Origin will launch sensitive national security satellites, while SpaceX and United Launch Alliance have previously held Phase 2 contracts. The NSSL Phase 3 program includes two lanes for different types of missions, with Lane 1 focusing on less demanding launches to low Earth orbit. The selection of these three companies confirms their capabilities met the specified criteria, as revealed by the Department of Defense’s announcement.
Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser Spacecraft Prepares for Debut Mission
Sierra Space’s futuristic Dream Chaser spacecraft, reminiscent of ‘Star Wars,’ is set to launch in September, aiming to test cargo capabilities before carrying human astronauts. With a unique design allowing for runway landings, the spacecraft represents a major advancement in private spaceflight. Stay tuned as Dream Chaser prepares for its inaugural mission, symbolizing a new era in space exploration.
Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft set for historic human crew mission to ISS
Boeing’s spacecraft, Starliner, is set to launch to the International Space Station with a human crew for the first time. Despite setbacks and delays, the mission is crucial for Boeing’s reputation and the future of US space exploration. Competition with SpaceX adds further significance to this historic launch.
SpaceX Launches Doubleheader Falcon 9 Rocket Mission
SpaceX successfully launched a doubleheader Falcon 9 rocket mission to deploy satellites and expand its Starlink constellation, with one launch carrying the Eutelsat 36D satellite and the other launching 23 Starlink satellites. Weather conditions forced the postponement of a third SpaceX launch in California. Despite the challenges, SpaceX’s ambitious launch schedule and successful missions demonstrate the company’s commitment to advancing satellite deployment and space exploration.
Space Coast Sets New Record for Orbital Missions in 2023
The Space Coast in Florida has set a new record for orbital missions in 2023, with a total of 72 launches from both Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The pace of launches is expected to increase significantly by the end of 2024, potentially reaching a rate of nearly twice weekly, with as many as 111 missions being possible. As of March 30, 2024, there have been 22 Space Coast launches, with 15 from Cape Canaveral and 7 from KSC. Of these, 21 were conducted by SpaceX (comprising 21 Falcon 9s) and 1 by ULA (utilizing 1 Vulcan). Additionally, there have been 2 human spaceflight missions: Ax-3 and Crew-8.
End of an era: Last ULA Delta IV Heavy triple-core rocket to lift off from Cape Canaveral
The last ULA Delta IV Heavy rocket is set to launch from Cape Canaveral, marking the end of an era in American spaceflight. The retiring rocket will be replaced by the next-generation Vulcan, reflecting a shift towards reusability and new ways of doing business in the industry.