SpaceX launches Maxar’s WorldView mission from California, and another SpaceX Starlink to launch from Florida hours later – SatNews (2024)

SpaceX launches Maxar’s WorldView mission from California, and another SpaceX Starlink to launch from Florida hours later – SatNews (1)

On Thursday, May 2 at 11:36 a.m. PT, Falcon 9 launched the Maxar 1 mission to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 4E (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

The next evolution of Maxar’s industry-leading constellation, WorldView Legionis a fleet of high-performance satellites that will dramatically expand the ability to revisit the most rapidly changing areas on Earth to better inform critical, time-sensitive decisions. From defense and intelligence to living maps for navigation, WorldView Legion satellite imagery will support valuable missions — at unmatched speed, quality and scale with:

— Up to 15 revisits per day
— 30 cm-class resolution
— <1.5 m RMSE accuracy
— 5 million sq km daily collection capacity

SpaceX launches Maxar’s WorldView mission from California, and another SpaceX Starlink to launch from Florida hours later – SatNews (2)

This was the 20th launch of this booster, which previously supported the launch of Crew-1, Crew-2, SXM-8, CRS-23, IXPE, Transporter-4, Transporter-5, Globalstar FM15, ISI EROS C-3, Korea 425, and nine Starlink missions.

This made a total of 302 successful landings and and this is the third Falcon 9 to make 20 landings thus retiring this one.

SpaceX launches Maxar’s WorldView mission from California, and another SpaceX Starlink to launch from Florida hours later – SatNews (3)

SpaceX is targeting Thursday, May 2 for a Falcon 9 launch of 23 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Liftoff is targeted for 10:13 p.m. ET, with backup opportunities available until 1:17 a.m. ET on Friday, May 3. If needed, additional opportunities are also available on Friday, May 3 starting at 9:03 p.m. ET.

SpaceX launches Maxar’s WorldView mission from California, and another SpaceX Starlink to launch from Florida hours later – SatNews (4)

SpaceX is targeting Thursday, May 2 for launch of the Maxar 1 mission to orbit from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The 14-minute window opens at 11:36 a.m. PT. If needed, a backup launch opportunity is available on Friday, May 3 at the same time.

SpaceX launches Maxar’s WorldView mission from California, and another SpaceX Starlink to launch from Florida hours later – SatNews (5)

A live webcast of this mission will begin on X @SpaceX about 15 minutes prior to liftoff. Watch live.

The satellites are meant to enhance and eventually replace Maxar Intelligence’s fleet of four satellites that collect pictures and data about the planet’s surface. The WorldView Legion satellites cost about $700 million to build. Maxar Intelligence provides a variety of access options in order for defense, intelligence and commercial customers to meet their mission requirements and collection timeframes.

SpaceX launches Maxar’s WorldView mission from California, and another SpaceX Starlink to launch from Florida hours later – SatNews (6)

The next evolution of Maxar’s industry-leading constellation, WorldView Legionis a fleet of high-performance satellites that will dramatically expand the ability to revisit the most rapidly changing areas on Earth to better inform critical, time-sensitive decisions. From defense and intelligence to living maps for navigation, WorldView Legion satellite imagery will support valuable missions — at unmatched speed, quality and scale with:

— Up to 15 revisits per day
— 30 cm-class resolution
— <1.5 m RMSE accuracy
— 5 million sq km daily collection capacity

SpaceX launches Maxar’s WorldView mission from California, and another SpaceX Starlink to launch from Florida hours later – SatNews (7)

This will be the 20th flight for the Falcon 9 first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched Crew-1, Crew-2, SXM-8, CRS-23, IXPE, Transporter-4, Transporter-5, Globalstar FM15, ISI EROS C-3, Korea 425, and nine Starlink missions. After stage separation, the first stage will land on Landing Zone 4 (LZ-4) at Vandenberg Space Force Base.

SpaceX launches Maxar’s WorldView mission from California, and another SpaceX Starlink to launch from Florida hours later – SatNews (8)

Reports indicate that SpaceX may launch Maxar’s Worldview Legion 1 & 2 mission on May 1 from Vandenberg SFB, California at 11:30 AM – 12:24 PM PDT. Prior to this there were several postponements of the launch.

The telescopes are intended to replace the capacities of the WorldView-1, WorldView-2, and GeoEye-1 satellites. SSL (formerly Space Systems/Loral), a subsidiary of Maxar, is building the satellites. Raytheon, a subsidiary of RTX Corporation, will provide the cameras.

SpaceX launches Maxar’s WorldView mission from California, and another SpaceX Starlink to launch from Florida hours later – SatNews (9)

The satellites will be able to record panchromatic resolutions of up to 0.29 meters. Images with resolutions of up to 1.16 m should be possible on a multispectral level. The satellites can photograph the exact locations up to 40 times a day. A total of two satellites will operate in a polar orbit and four satellites in a sun-synchronous orbit.

Space Launch Complex 4E has witnessed the launch of 141 rockets, including 141 orbital launch attempts, while Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA, has been the site for 752 rocket launches.

SpaceX launch of Maxar’s WorldView Legion mission a No-Go

SpaceX launches Maxar’s WorldView mission from California, and another SpaceX Starlink to launch from Florida hours later – SatNews (10)

The WorldView Legion mission was postponed the day before launch and, with support ship Go Beyond now returned to the Port of Long Beach and the listing removed from the FAA Operations Plan Advisory, could be delayed for some time.

The booster, which had yet to be confirmed, was expected to return to land on the pad at Landing Zone 4 located around 400 meters away from the launch mount.

After stage separation, the Falcon 9 booster will make a land landing (land-to-land-landing) at the Landing Zone 4 (LZ-4) at the Vandenberg Space Force Base. WorldView Legion is a planned series of high-resolution earth observation satellites from the US company Maxar Technologies.

SpaceX launches Maxar’s WorldView mission from California, and another SpaceX Starlink to launch from Florida hours later – SatNews (11)

They are intended to replace the capacities of the WorldView-1, WorldView-2, and GeoEye-1 satellites. SSL (formerly Space Systems/Loral), a subsidiary of Maxar, is building the satellites. Raytheon, a subsidiary of RTX Corporation, will provide the cameras.

The satellites will be able to record panchromatic resolutions of up to 0.29 meters. Images with resolutions of up to 1.16 m should be possible on a multispectral level. The satellites can photograph the exact locations up to 40 times a day. A total of two satellites will operate in a polar orbit and four satellites in a sun-synchronous orbit.

A Falcon 9 was originally scheduled to launch from SLC-4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base on Wednesday, April 17, at 11:30 AM PDT (18:30 UTC), taking two satellites massing a total of 1,500 kilograms into a Sun-synchronous orbit.

SpaceX to launch Maxar WorldView Legion 1 & 2 mission for leading resolution and accuracy

SpaceX launches Maxar’s WorldView mission from California, and another SpaceX Starlink to launch from Florida hours later – SatNews (12)

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch the WorldView Legion 1 & 2 mission on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at 6:30 PM (UTC). WorldView Legion is a constellation of Earth observation satellites built and operated by Maxar. Constellation is planned to consist of 6 satellites in both polar and mid-inclination orbits, providing 30 cm-class resolution.

These are the first two of six planned WorldView Legion satellites, which will enhance Maxar Intelligence’s constellation by delivering industry-leading resolution and accuracy. When all six WorldView Legion satellites are launched, it will triple Maxar Intelligence’s capacity to collect 30 cm-class and multispectral imagery. The full Maxar constellation of 10 electro-optical satellites will image the most rapidly changing areas on Earth as frequently as every 20 to 30 minutes, from sunup to sundown.

“WorldView Legion will extend the quality and capability of our industry-leading constellation, redefining Earth observation constellation performance and providing customers with unprecedented access to timely, actionable insights that help drive mission success,” said Dan Smoot, Maxar Intelligence CEO.

SpaceX launches Maxar’s WorldView mission from California, and another SpaceX Starlink to launch from Florida hours later – SatNews (13)

These Maxar Space Systems-built satellites are the first Maxar 500™ series buses to complete production at the company’s satellite manufacturing locations in Palo Alto and San Jose, California. The Maxar 500 series bus is a mid-size platform that can be tailored for multiple missions and orbits. As part of the WorldView Legion program, Maxar invested to create a bus with better stability, agility and pointing accuracy; future Maxar 500 customers can benefit from this technology for their missions.

SpaceX launches Maxar’s WorldView mission from California, and another SpaceX Starlink to launch from Florida hours later – SatNews (14)

“WorldView Legion and the Maxar 500 series platform is the culmination of decades of experience in building satellites for customer missions,” said Chris Johnson, Maxar Space Systems CEO. “We are excited to reach this important program milestone and look forward to continued partnership on the program.”

The launch of the first two WorldView Legion satellites will be broadcast on spacex.com and on x.com/spacex.

Space Launch Complex 4E has witnessed the launch of 141 rockets, including 141 orbital launch attempts, while Vandenberg SFB, California, has been the site for 752 rocket launches. The launch cost is $52 Million.

SpaceX launches Maxar’s WorldView mission from California, and another SpaceX Starlink to launch from Florida hours later – SatNews (2024)

FAQs

What time did Starlink launch tonight? ›

Liftoff of the Starlink 6-58 mission from Space Launch Complex 40 happened at 8:53 p.m. EDT (0053 UTC).

Where is SpaceX launching Starlink satellites? ›

SpaceX launched 20 Starlink internet satellites from California early Friday morning (May 10), including 13 with direct-to-cell capability. A Falcon 9 rocket topped with the Starlink craft lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base on Friday at 12:30 a.m. EDT (0430 GMT; 9:30 p.m. on May 9 local California time).

How can I watch tonight's Space Launch? ›

You can access NASA TV through your local provider, as well as through third-party distribution platforms such as Apple TV, Roku, Hulu, Pluto TV, DirectTV, DISH Network, Google Fiber, and Amazon Fire TV.

Where does SpaceX launch from Cape Canaveral? ›

Sunday night's Starlink launch will occur from Cape Canaveral, Space Force Station Launch Complex 40. This area is located south of the Kennedy Space Center launch pads.

What time is SpaceX launching tonight in Florida? ›

Liftoff occurred at 8:53 p.m. ET on Sunday (May 12).

What speeds does Starlink have now? ›

PERFORMANCE. Starlink users typically experience download speeds between 25 and 220 Mbps, with a majority of users experiencing speeds over 100 Mbps. Upload speeds are typically between 5 and 20 Mbps.

Where is SpaceX launching from tonight in California? ›

SpaceX successfully launched a rocket from Southern California into orbit Thursday. The launch of 20 more Starlink satellites happened around 9:30 p.m. out of Vandenberg Space Force Base north of Los Angeles County.

Where does Elon Musk launch Starlink from? ›

Twenty Starlink satellites, comprising some with direct-to-cell capability, were launched from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) to low-Earth orbit (LEO). Elon Musk's SpaceX successfully launched its 75th Falcon 9 rocket, carrying the Starlink craft, from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on May 9.

Where in the world does Starlink work? ›

Starlink offers high-speed internet almost anywhere across the world. Starlink connects within minutes and packs up quickly when it's time to move to your next destination. Pause and un-pause service at any time. Billing is in one-month increments, allowing you to customize your service to your individual travel needs.

How much do astronauts get paid? ›

What is the average NASA astronaut's salary? According to NASA, civilian astronaut salaries are determined by the US Government's pay scales – or more specifically grades GS-13 to GS-14. As of 2022, the GS-13 pay scale ranges from $81,216 to $105,579 per annum. This is up to $8,798.25 per month or $50.59 an hour.

Who owns SpaceX? ›

Owned by Elon Musk, SpaceX is one of the world's most valuable start-ups. The space company provides launch services and owns the valuable satellite internet start-up Starlink.

Where is the best place to watch the SpaceX launch for free? ›

Playalinda Beach or Canaveral National Seashore is the closest spot to view liftoff because it is almost parallel to Launch Pad 39A. On the beach, look south along the coastline, (you can even see the pad from some spots). Some hotspots to check out: Jetty Park Beach and Pier, 400 Jetty Park Road, Port Canaveral.

Where does SpaceX launch from in Florida? ›

Into the night: SpaceX launches Starlink satellites Sunday from Cape Canaveral, Florida.

What states does SpaceX launch from? ›

SpaceX Facilities
  • California. BUILD FACILITY. ...
  • Texas. TESTING FACILITY. ...
  • FLORIDA. CAPE CANAVERAL SPACE FORCE STATION, SPACE LAUNCH COMPLEX 40. ...
  • Florida. KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, LAUNCH COMPLEX 39A. ...
  • California. VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, SPACE LAUNCH COMPLEX 4 EAST. ...
  • TEXAS. STARBASE.

Can you visit the SpaceX launch site? ›

While there are no in-person attractions or buildings to visit at SpaceX, you can easily see the launch tests from multiple areas, like South Padre Island, which is right across the bay from the site. You cannot tour SpaceX in Texas, and you cannot visit the SpaceX site directly.

How many Starlink satellites were launched tonight? ›

The bright night launch delighted onlookers. Rising into the Florida night sky, the rocket's payload included the next batch of 23 Starlink satellites: Starlink 6-58. The Starlink satellites are a part of an ever-growing internet constellation.

When did the Starlink launch? ›

Initially scheduled for Wednesday, SpaceX pushed back the Falcon 9 launch to May 9 at 9:30 p.m. PT. According to SpaceX's website, 20 Starlink satellites shot up to low-Earth orbit from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

Is Starlink faster at night? ›

Starlink Residential: Can reach up to 90-110Mbps from time to time, but typically hovers closer to the 50-65Mbps mark. During the night peak speeds will slow down closer to the 25-50Mbps range.

When did Starlink start launching? ›

SpaceX in May 2019 launched the first 60 Starlink satellites on the company's Falcon 9 rocket. Fast forward to today, and Starlink boasts a constellation of nearly 6,000 satellites, with over 5,200 operational and beaming internet access to 2.7 million subscribers across 75 countries.

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