This week marks a significant period in the realm of space exploration, with a total of ten orbital launches scheduled. The global space community is gearing up for an exciting week as various missions are set to take off, showcasing advancements in technology and international collaboration.
China is expected to maintain its active launch schedule, continuing from the previous week with three planned launches. Meanwhile, SpaceX is set for an ambitious week, planning to execute five Falcon 9 missions across five consecutive days. This impressive lineup includes four Starlink missions aimed at enhancing global internet coverage and one mission dedicated to a customer payload.
In addition to these launches, India’s PSLV-XL rocket is preparing to deliver two European spacecraft into orbit. These satellites will be tasked with solar observations to further our understanding of solar dynamics and their impact on Earth. Furthermore, the much-anticipated launch of the European radar satellite Sentinel-1C is on the horizon, as it is scheduled to finally lift off atop a Vega C rocket from French Guiana. This mission has faced several delays, making its upcoming launch a significant event for European space endeavors.
Russia is also in the mix, with plans to launch a military satellite aboard a Soyuz rocket from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome. This mission has also experienced delays, and its successful execution will contribute to Russia’s military satellite capabilities.
Amidst these launches, a noteworthy event is the upcoming departure of SpaceX’s CRS-31 Cargo Dragon from the International Space Station (ISS). Scheduled for Thursday, December 5, the Cargo Dragon will make its return to Earth via a splashdown in the ocean. Following its descent, the spacecraft will be recovered and refurbished, preparing it for future cargo resupply missions to the ISS.
Launch Details
CASC CZ-3B | Tongxin Jishu Shiyan-13
The first Chinese launch of the week took place on December 3 at 05:55 UTC. This mission utilized a Chang Zheng (Long March) 3B rocket, which has a storied history in Chinese spaceflight, marking its 100th launch in 28 years since its inaugural flight. The rocket, standing at 56.3 meters tall and featuring three stages, successfully delivered the Tongxin Jishu Shiyan-13 satellite into a geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO).
CASC Kuaizhou 1A | Haishao-1
The second Chinese mission launched on December 4 at 04:48 UTC, deploying the Haishao-1 radar satellite. This launch utilized the Kuaizhou 1A (KZ-1A) rocket, known for its rapid response capabilities. The KZ-1A features three solid-fueled stages and has been upgraded for enhanced performance, allowing it to carry payloads of up to 450 kg into low-Earth orbit (LEO).
SpaceX Falcon 9 | Starlink Group 6-70
On the same day, December 4, at 5:13 AM EST (10:13 UTC), SpaceX executed the Starlink Group 6-70 mission, launching 24 Starlink V2-Mini satellites into low-Earth orbit. The Falcon 9 rocket took off from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Notably, the booster used for this mission, designated B1067, achieved a remarkable milestone by flying for the 24th time, demonstrating the reusability of SpaceX’s rocket technology. After completing its mission, the booster successfully landed approximately 600 km downrange on one of SpaceX’s autonomous drone ships.
As the week unfolds, the global space community eagerly anticipates these launches, each contributing to advancements in satellite technology, scientific research, and international cooperation in space exploration. With a diverse range of missions, the coming days promise to be eventful and significant for the future of space travel and technology.
