SpaceX and ULA Prepare for Double Launch Night at Space Coast
SpaceX, which has conducted most launches this year, is joining forces with United Launch Alliance (ULA) for an evening of back-to-back missions that could tie the record for annual orbital launches from Florida’s Space Coast.
According to the editorial review by Sadie Harley and Andrew Zinin for Science X, both companies are coordinating launches from neighboring pads at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The two rockets, a SpaceX Falcon 9 and a ULA Atlas V, are positioned less than two miles apart and ready for takeoff.
SpaceX Starlink 6-81 Mission
The first launch of the night will be SpaceX’s Starlink 6-81 mission from Space Launch Complex 40. The window extends from 6:08 to 10:08 p.m., with the Falcon 9 carrying 29 Starlink satellites. The rocket’s first stage, on its fifth flight, will attempt to land on the droneship Just Read the Instructions located in the Atlantic Ocean.
ULA ViaSat-3 F2 Mission
Following SpaceX’s mission, ULA will proceed with the ViaSat-3 F2 launch from Space Launch Complex 41. Liftoff is targeted for 10:24 p.m. at the beginning of a 44-minute launch window.
"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."
Summary
SpaceX and ULA are synchronizing two nighttime launches from the Space Coast, potentially setting a record for the number of orbital missions from the region this year.
Author’s summary: A rare double launch by SpaceX and ULA could mark a milestone for the Space Coast’s busiest year in orbital missions.