Hey space fans! If you’re wondering what’s lighting up the sky this week, you’ve come to the right place. There’s a lot going on, from SpaceX’s constant stream of Starlink satellites to some pretty interesting international missions. We’ll also look at what NASA is up to and some other cool, smaller launches. So, grab your binoculars (or just your comfy chair) and let’s check out the space launch today lineup.
Key Takeaways
- SpaceX is launching multiple Starlink missions this week from both Florida and California, keeping their satellite constellation growing.
- China is set for the inaugural flight of its Long March 12A rocket, aiming for a reusable first stage.
- Japan’s H3 rocket is scheduled to carry a Quasi-Zenith satellite, and Europe is launching two Galileo navigation satellites.
- NASA’s Artemis 2 mission, the first crewed lunar flyby, is on the horizon, alongside the debut flight of the Dream Chaser vehicle on a Vulcan Centaur rocket.
- Smaller players like Rocket Lab and Brazil’s Hanbit-Nano are also making their mark with upcoming launches, alongside a Roscosmos weather satellite deployment.
Upcoming Space Launch Today: SpaceX Dominates The Week
It looks like SpaceX is really running the show this week when it comes to getting stuff into orbit. They’ve got a packed schedule, and if you’re a fan of watching rockets go up, you’re in luck. It’s pretty wild how many missions they’re managing.
Starlink V2 Mini Launch From Florida
First up, we’ve got a Starlink mission launching from Florida. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is set to lift off, carrying a batch of Starlink V2 Mini satellites. These satellites are part of their big plan to blanket the Earth with internet. The launch window opens bright and early, so you’ll need to be up with the birds to catch it. This mission is scheduled for December 17th, with the window opening at 7:19 a.m. EST. After the satellites are deployed, the Falcon 9’s first stage booster is expected to make a landing on a drone ship out in the Atlantic Ocean, which is always a cool part to watch. This particular booster is making its sixth flight, which just shows how much SpaceX reuses their hardware.
Starlink Mission From California
Not long after the Florida launch, SpaceX is at it again, this time from the West Coast. Another Falcon 9 rocket will blast off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. This mission is also deploying Starlink V2 Mini satellites, so it’s more internet in space, basically. The launch is slated for December 17th as well, with the window opening at 7:10 a.m. PST. The booster for this flight has quite a history, making its 30th trip to space. It’ll be aiming for a landing on a different drone ship in the Pacific Ocean. It’s pretty amazing to think about the logistics of launching rockets from opposite coasts on the same day.
Starlink Mission From Florida
And just when you thought that was it, SpaceX has another Starlink mission planned from Florida. This one is scheduled for launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Again, it’s a Falcon 9 rocket carrying more Starlink V2 Mini satellites. The launch is targeted for December 17th. The booster for this flight is believed to be brand new, making its very first flight. It’s scheduled to land on yet another drone ship in the Atlantic. It really highlights how SpaceX is constantly expanding its satellite constellation, and they’re doing it at a breakneck pace. You can find more details about these launches on the Space Coast Launches app.
International Missions Take Flight This Week
This week, the global space community is buzzing with activity, showcasing a diverse range of international efforts. From China’s historic rocket debut to Japan’s continued satellite deployment and Europe’s navigation system expansion, it’s a busy period for launches beyond U.S. soil.
China’s Long March 12A Inaugural Flight
China is set to make a significant mark with the very first flight of its Long March 12A rocket. This launch is particularly noteworthy because it’s designed with a reusable first stage, a big step for the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) as they aim for more sustainable space access. The plan is for the first stage to land vertically on a pad downrange, which is pretty cool to watch if you can catch it. This mission is scheduled for December 17th, with the window opening around 01:54 UTC.
Japan’s H3 Rocket Carries Quasi-Zenith Satellite
Japan’s space agency, JAXA, is continuing its work with the H3 rocket, a collaboration with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. This week sees the launch of the Quasi-Zenith Satellite (QZS-5), also known as Michibiki No. 5. This satellite is part of a system designed to improve navigation accuracy, especially in areas where signals can be tricky, like urban canyons or mountainous regions. The H3 rocket is set to lift off from the Tanegashima Space Center on December 17th, with the launch window opening at 02:10 UTC.
European Galileo Satellites Launch
Europe is also adding to its constellation of navigation satellites with a launch of two Galileo First Generation satellites. These will be sent up on an Arianespace Ariane 6 rocket from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. The mission aims to place the satellites into a medium Earth orbit, about 23,222 km up. This launch is planned for December 17th, with liftoff expected around 05:01 UTC. It’s all part of Europe’s effort to maintain and expand its independent global navigation system.
NASA’s Ambitious Missions and Future Launches
NASA isn’t just looking at what’s happening this week; they’ve got some pretty big plans for the near future too. It’s not all about the immediate launches, you know? They’re really pushing the envelope with some exciting stuff.
Artemis 2: First Crewed Lunar Flyby
This is a big one. Artemis 2 is set to be the first time humans fly around the Moon since the Apollo missions. We’re talking about a crew of four astronauts – Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency’s Jeremy Hansen – who will take the Orion spacecraft for a spin. The mission is planned for a roughly 10-day journey, culminating in a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean. It’s a major step in NASA’s plan to eventually land astronauts back on the lunar surface. The Space Launch System rocket is the powerhouse behind this endeavor, launching from Kennedy Space Center.
Dream Chaser’s Maiden Voyage on Vulcan Centaur
Get ready for something a little different with the Dream Chaser. This isn’t your typical rocket; it’s a lifting body spacecraft, kind of like a mini-shuttle. It’s designed to resupply the International Space Station and then land on a runway, which is pretty neat. Its first trip to space will be aboard a United Launch Alliance Vulcan Centaur rocket. This flight has been in the works for a while, with a few delays, but it’s a significant test for both the Dream Chaser and the new Vulcan rocket. It’s scheduled to launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
Starliner’s Uncrewed Test Flight to ISS
Boeing’s Starliner capsule is also getting ready for another important test. After some challenges, this mission will be an uncrewed flight to the International Space Station. It’s a chance to check out some updates made to the spacecraft following its earlier crewed test flight. This flight is important for certifying Starliner for regular crewed missions. It’ll be launching on a ULA Atlas 5 rocket from Cape Canaveral. You can find more details about upcoming launches like this on the Space Coast Launches app.
Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up:
- Artemis 2: First crewed lunar flyby mission.
- Dream Chaser: Maiden voyage to the ISS for cargo resupply.
- Starliner: Uncrewed test flight to the ISS for system checks.
These missions show NASA’s commitment to exploring beyond low Earth orbit and continuing our presence on the space station.
Exploring New Frontiers: Notable Launches
Rocket Lab’s Electron Mission
Rocket Lab is at it again, with another Electron launch planned. This workhorse rocket has been busy sending payloads to orbit for a while now. They’re known for their quick turnaround times and ability to deploy small satellites efficiently. This particular mission is set to carry a mix of commercial and government payloads, highlighting the growing demand for dedicated small satellite launches. Keep an eye out for the launch window; these can sometimes shift with little notice.
Brazil’s Hanbit-Nano Rocket Debut
This week also marks a significant moment for Brazil’s space program with the planned debut of the Hanbit-Nano rocket. Developed by the company Innospace, this small launch vehicle aims to provide more accessible launch options from South America. It’s a big step for the country’s ambitions in the space sector, and many will be watching to see how this new rocket performs on its first flight. Success here could open doors for more Brazilian-led space initiatives.
Roscosmos Weather Satellite Deployment
Russia’s space agency, Roscosmos, is scheduled to launch a new weather satellite. These satellites are really important for tracking weather patterns, climate change, and providing vital data for forecasting. This launch is part of an ongoing effort to maintain and upgrade their meteorological observation capabilities. Having reliable weather data is something we all benefit from, whether we realize it or not.
What’s Next?
So, that’s a look at what’s heading skyward this week. It’s pretty wild to think about all the stuff going up there, from internet satellites to missions heading further out. Things can change fast in the launch world, so always double-check those times if you’re planning to watch. It’s a busy time for space, and it looks like it’s only going to get busier. Keep an eye on the skies!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Starlink?
Starlink is a project by SpaceX to create a network of satellites in space. These satellites help provide internet access to people all over the world, especially in places where regular internet is hard to get. SpaceX launches many of these satellites using their Falcon 9 rockets.
What is the Long March 12A rocket?
The Long March 12A is a new rocket being launched by China. It’s special because it’s designed to be reusable, meaning parts of it can be used again after a launch. This is China’s first try with a rocket like this that can land itself.
What is the Artemis 2 mission?
Artemis 2 is a big mission by NASA. It’s going to send astronauts around the Moon and back. This will be the first time people have flown to the Moon in a very long time. The mission is named after the Greek goddess of the hunt.
What is the Dream Chaser?
The Dream Chaser is a unique spacecraft that looks a bit like an airplane. It’s designed to carry cargo to the International Space Station and then land on a runway, kind of like a regular plane. Its first trip to space will be on a powerful Vulcan Centaur rocket.
What are Galileo satellites?
Galileo satellites are part of Europe’s own navigation system, similar to GPS. They help people figure out where they are on Earth. The European Space Agency is launching new ones to make the system even better.
What does ‘NET’ mean in launch schedules?
‘NET’ stands for ‘No Earlier Than.’ It means the launch is planned for that date or any date after it. Sometimes launches get delayed, so this gives a starting point for when a mission might take off.
