SpaceX Aims for Weekend Launches of European GPS Satellites
SpaceX is poised for a significant launch on Saturday, April 27, deploying the European Commission's Galileo satellites into medium Earth orbit. This event is notable as it will be the first time these European satellites are sent aloft aboard an American rocket from U.S. territory. The Falcon 9 rocket is slated to lift off at 8:34 p.m. ET from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The mission's first-stage booster, B1060, will be making its 20th and final flight, retiring as SpaceX's most flight-proven booster after a series of diverse missions, including GPS, satellite deployment, and cargo transport.
Weather forecasts from the 45th Weather Squadron predict a 75% chance of favorable conditions for the launch, despite potential for brief coastal showers and concerns regarding liftoff winds and cloud coverage. Should any issues arise, a backup launch opportunity is scheduled for Sunday at 8:30 p.m. ET. Notably, the Falcon 9's first stage will not be recovered for this mission, due to the specific performance needs required to position the satellites correctly in their designated orbit.
The Galileo satellite constellation, which is Europe's own global navigation satellite system, currently comprises 28 satellites orbiting at an altitude of approximately 23,000 kilometers. This launch, alongside another planned SpaceX mission for July 2024, underscores the increasing collaboration between international space agencies and private aerospace companies.
