SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket launched from Pad 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 5:56 p.m. ET, carrying two satellites to geostationary orbit. It was his second successful launch in two months, after a three-year hiatus.
The double landing of the Falcon Heavy’s two side boosters back at Cape Canaveral about 8 minutes into launch was a special treat for spectators on Florida’s Space Coast who had already witnessed the launch, which is especially impressive after twilight due to atmospheric effects.
When the boosters landed, they sent shock waves into the air. Falcon Heavy’s central core has been dumped into the ocean and the two recovered boosters will be overhauled and reused. Essentially, three SpaceX Falcon rockets were put together to create the huge rocket, which is ideal for carrying large payloads.
The USSF-67 mission, which launched two satellites by the Falcon Heavy using its 27 Merlin 1D engines, was only partially classified. To finance this flight in 2020, SpaceX received $ 316 million. This was the first national security launch of the year.
This was Falcon Heavy’s sixth launch since its maiden voyage in 2018, as well as its second national security mission in space following the USSF-44 flight in November 2018. Some technology demonstrations and military communications will be facilitated by the two satellites on board .
The continuous broadcast magnification SATCOM (CBAS 2) satellite is the second of its kind to enter orbit. In 2018, the first flew into space on a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket.
Due to the classified nature of its mission, the Space Force is tight-lipped about the CBAS 2 satellite, though they have said it would operate in geosynchronous orbit and serve as communications relays for the military.
SpaceX lights up Florida skies with Falcon Heavy launch https://t.co/KJVWK9F2zU pic.twitter.com/VGqBbDCCy8
— The Hill (@thehill) January 16, 2023
Northrop Grumman’s Long Duration Propulsive ESPA conducts a series of technology demonstration missions. In the spirit of a “rideshare” expedition, this starship is equipped with a number of experiments to lower the price of space travel.
Northrop Grumman has stated that this spacecraft carries five different payloads. Space System Command is funding two of these payloads: the prototype sensor Catcher, which will provide information about regional space domain awareness, and the search-and-rescue satellite WASSAT, which will search for other satellites and orbital debris.
The Army’s Space Rapid Capabilities Office has developed three other payloads with the same overarching goals: facilitating secure space-to-ground communications and improving space situational awareness.
After a three-year break, this was the second Falcon Heavy mission to launch in as many months. SpaceX claims this is because the satellites have taken longer to build than expected, and also because the Falcon Heavy is better suited for heavier payloads than the smaller Falcon 9.
This summer, Falcon Heavy is sending a spacecraft into space to investigate a metallic asteroid called Psyche. The technical problems with the cargo have postponed the launch of that mission to 2022. In addition to these two major projects, the heavy lift truck is planned to Grace Roman telescope in 2026 and the Europa Clipper mission for NASA in 2024.
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