SpaceX and ULA Prepare for Double Launch Night on Space Coast
SpaceX, which has dominated launch activity this year, is partnering with United Launch Alliance for a rare evening featuring two consecutive rocket missions from Florida’s Space Coast. Together, these launches are expected to tie the annual record for orbital flights from the region.
“Both a SpaceX Falcon 9 and ULA Atlas V stand less than two miles from one another at a pair of launch pads at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station ready to lift off in the evening.”
SpaceX Starlink 6-81 Mission
The first launch of the evening will be SpaceX’s Falcon 9 carrying 29 Starlink satellites from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral. The launch window runs from 6:08 to 10:08 p.m. The booster, making its fifth flight, will attempt a recovery landing on the droneship Just Read the Instructions stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.
ULA ViaSat-3 F2 Mission
Shortly after, ULA’s Atlas V will lift off from Launch Complex 41 at 10:24 p.m., marking the opening of a 44-minute launch window. This second mission will deploy the ViaSat-3 F2 satellite, contributing to ULA’s continued role in advancing large-scale communications infrastructure.
Edited by Sadie Harley and reviewed by Andrew Zinin. The article has been verified in accordance with Science X’s editorial policies to ensure accuracy and credibility.
Summary
Two evening launches by SpaceX and ULA from adjacent pads at Cape Canaveral may tie the record for Space Coast orbital missions this year.