Watch SpaceX re-use a Falcon 9 first stage for today’s GovSat-1 launch

SpaceX is launching a rocket at present – no, not the Falcon Heavy, that’s nonetheless concentrating on February 6, however a Falcon 9 carrying a satellite tv for pc certain for Geostationary Switch Orbit (GTO). The mission, GovSat-1, is about to happen throughout a launch window which opens at present at four:25 PM EST (1:25 PM PST) and closes at 6:46 PM EST (three:46 PM PST).

The payload is a authorities satellite tv for pc comissioned for launch by the Authorities of Luxembourg, provided by Orbital ATK, and operated by satellite tv for pc firm SES (a previous SpaceX shopper). It’ll serve to offer mixture for “tactical operations” and to help humanitarian crises help efforts.

To this point, the climate is trying solely 40 % favorable at Cape Canaveral Air Power primarily based in Florida, from which the launch will happen. Situations may enhance all through the window, nevertheless, and a backup launch alternative is about for four:25 PM EST on Wednesday, January 31.

The Falcon 9 used for this launch features a flight-proven booster which was utilized in a mission final could, and the mission parameters don't embrace a restoration try for the rocket this time round. The stream above ought to kick off round 15 minutes previous to the opening of the launch window.