Edhat Staff
Update by the edhat staff
August 11, 2024
At 7:02 p.m., SpaceX launched the Space Norway Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission mission (ASBM) to Molniya transfer orbit from Space Launch Complex 4E (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base.
This was the 22nd flight of the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched Crew-1, Crew-2, SXM-8, CRS-23, IXPE, Transporter-4, Transporter-5, Globalstar FM15, ISI EROS C-3, Korea 425, Maxar 1, and 10 Starlink missions.
Watch the full launch below:
Watch Falcon 9 launch the Space Norway ASBM mission to Molniya transfer orbit https://t.co/1mmLEpcKqj
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) August 12, 2024
SpaceX Set to Launch Historic Arctic Satellite Mission on Falcon 9 Rocket
By the edhat staff
August 9, 2024
In what promises to be a significant moment in space exploration and satellite technology, SpaceX is gearing up for the launch of the Falcon 9 rocket this Sunday.
The mission, part of the Space Norway Arctic Satellite Broadband project, aims to improve communications in the Arctic, marking a pivotal advancement in global connectivity.
Scheduled for liftoff at 7:02 p.m. from the Vandenberg Space Force Base, the mission signifies a notable milestone with the Falcon 9 rocket carrying essential payload to the Molyniya transfer orbit. In case weather conditions or technical issues arise, backup launch opportunities have been set starting August 12 at 6:58 p.m.
This launch will be the Falcon 9 first stage booster’s 22nd flight. The mission portfolio for this booster includes 10 previous Starlink missions, underlining the role SpaceX plays in expanding global internet coverage through its satellite constellation.
Following the stage separation, the first stage of the Falcon 9 will make its landing on the “Of Course I Still Love You” drone ship stationed in the Pacific Ocean, a testament to SpaceX’s innovative recovery techniques that minimize waste and lower the cost of access to space.
Space enthusiasts and the general public can witness this event live. SpaceX has announced that the launch will be streamed on its official website and social media pages, allowing viewers around the globe to partake in this historical moment.
The Arctic Satellite Broadband mission aims to showcase its mission to enhance communication capabilities in some of the most remote areas of the world.
I am glad that today there are no whiners about this launch.
Making popcorn whiles i wait
Yeah, this one was actually launching some useful satellites, and not polluting low Earth orbit with more Starlinks.
On a related note, China just launched the first of a planned 16,000 satellites to duplicate Starlink, and had their Long March 6 booster break up into at least 300 trackable fragments. Can you say Kessler Syndrome here we come?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kessler_syndrome
Yow.