Fast Facts
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Record Launch: SpaceX is set to launch its 139th mission of 2023 today, a new milestone for the company.
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Spainsat NG Satellite: The mission will deploy the second Spainsat Next Generation satellite for secure military communications for the Spanish Armed Forces.
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Expended Booster: The Falcon 9’s first stage will not return to Earth, marking a rare instance of expendable mode due to payload requirements.
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Live Coverage: The launch will be streamed live starting 15 minutes before the scheduled lift-off at 9:30 p.m. EDT from Cape Canaveral.
SpaceX Sets Record with 139th Launch Today
SpaceX will make history today, Oct. 23, with its record-setting 139th mission of the year. A Falcon 9 rocket is set to launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The liftoff window opens at 9:30 p.m. EDT (01:30 GMT on Oct. 24). You can watch the event live on SpaceX’s website and X account. Streaming will begin about 15 minutes before takeoff.
This mission carries the Spainsat Next Generation (NG) satellite, which aims to enhance secure communications for the Spanish Armed Forces. The mission follows the successful launch of the first Spainsat NG satellite back in January. If all goes according to plan, the Falcon 9’s upper stage will deliver the Spainsat NG-2 to a geosynchronous transfer orbit approximately 36 minutes after liftoff.
Interestingly, the rocket’s first stage will not return to Earth for a landing this time. This decision comes because of the extra performance needed to launch this payload successfully. SpaceX described this as an “expendable” mode, which is less common for its Falcon 9 missions. This flight marks the 22nd mission for this particular booster.
Today’s launch breaks new ground. So far in 2023, SpaceX has completed 133 Falcon 9 missions, setting another record, alongside five test flights of its Starship megarocket. In comparison, 2022 saw 132 Falcon 9 flights, four Starship test launches, and two Falcon Heavy liftoffs.
As technology progresses, each successful launch contributes to advancements in aerospace capabilities. Innovations like secure military communications can dramatically improve national security and international cooperation. Watching SpaceX push these boundaries offers a glimpse into a future where technology continues to enhance our lives across various sectors.
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