New Generation of Military Satellites to Launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base
SpaceX, the private American space exploration company, is planning to launch a new generation of military satellites from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The satellites will be carried by a Falcon 9 rocket, and the launch is scheduled between Thursday and Saturday. However, the exact time has not yet been released.
According to reports, several notices have been issued to both pilots and boaters to keep away from the launch area. The rocket will carry a payload for the Space Development Agency (SDA), which includes multiple satellites under the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA).
Tranche 0 Mission to Carry First Set of Satellites
The Tranche 0 mission will carry the first set of satellites for a new missile tracking and data relay system. The SDA works with lower costs and faster acquisition processes to quickly deliver space-based capabilities to warfighters.
Another notable aspect of this launch is that the rocket will bring back the first-stage booster to its landing site, which may cause sonic booms that can be heard in nearby counties.
SpaceX’s Schedule This Week
SpaceX is also planning to send more Starlink satellites into orbit from Florida. The company’s Falcon 9 rocket will launch 56 more Internet satellites into its constellation on Wednesday. This marks another step towards SpaceX’s goal of providing high-speed internet connectivity across the globe.
The launch will continue deploying older-generation Starlink V1.5 satellites after pausing launches of new higher-capacity second-generation Starlinks this month. Troubleshooting unspecified problems with the first batch of new Starlink V2 Mini satellites has been ongoing.
H2:Starship Mega-Rocket Plans
SpaceX currently has more than 3,800 functioning Starlink satellites in space, with roughly 3,300 operational and over 400 moving into their operational orbits. The Starlink V2 Mini satellites represent an intermediate step between smaller Starlink V1.5 spacecraft and the even larger full-size Starlink V2s, which SpaceX plans to deploy in orbit using the company’s new Starship mega-rocket.
In addition to its military and telecommunications satellite launches, SpaceX has also been involved in various missions, including NASA’s recent launch of astronauts to the International Space Station, as well as commercial supply missions to the station.
Mission Broadcasted Live on SpaceX’s Website and YouTube Channel
Several locations around Lompoc Valley offer views of launch and landing sites. However, they are restricted from public access. Providence Landing Park and West Ocean Avenue are popular gathering spots for onlookers.
For those who cannot be present during the event, SpaceX will broadcast the mission live on its website and YouTube channel.
In conclusion, SpaceX’s upcoming launches demonstrate the company’s continued efforts to expand space exploration and innovation. The launches of military satellites for the Space Development Agency and Starlink internet satellites further contribute to SpaceX’s diverse portfolio of missions aimed at enhancing space-based capabilities.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
