Author: ChrisDMarshall
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SpaceX successfully launches SES-12 satellite
Early this morning SpaceX successfully launched the SES-12 satellite, the launch was originally scheduled for May 31st but was delayed to allow SpaceX additional time to check the rocket’s second stage to ensure mission success. The nine Merlin 1D engines came to life at 12:45 am EDT following a smooth countdown and propelled the payload…
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SpaceX launches Iridium and NASA Satellites
SpaceX continued their 2018 campaign with the successful launch of five more Iridium Next satellites as well as two for NASA. The NASA satellites consisted of two Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Follow-on (GRACE-FO) satellites which will measure variations in gravity over Earth’s surface. The two Grace satellites were deployed shortly after the second stage reached…
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Orbital ATK launches Cygnus J.R. Thompson
Orbital ATK successfully launched their Cygnus spacecraft towards the International Space Station this morning. The spacecraft named J.R. Thompon is carrying 7,385 lbs of cargo to the station and is scheduled to be captured on Thursday by the stations Canadarm 2. As with the previous Cygnus launches the spacecraft was given a name this time…
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SpaceX successfully launches Bangabandhu Satellite-1
SpaceX continued its 2018 launch campaign with the successful launch of the Bangabandhu Satellite-1 aboard its first Block 5 Falcon 9. The Block 5 variant of the Falcon 9 has been designated as the final version and incorporates a number of changes designed to allow multiple flights to be performed by each booster with minimal…
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SpaceX Dragon completes CRS-14 mission
SpaceX’s Dragon Capsule completed its CRS-14 mission today with the successful splashdown in the Pacific Ocean. The capsule which was launched on April 2nd and spent 31 days attached to the International Space Station before being loaded with critical experiments and cargo that will now be processed by NASA. Good splashdown of Dragon confirmed, completing…
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ULA launches Mars InSight
United Launch Alliance (ULA) successfully launched NASA’s Mars InSight lander today aboard their Atlas V rocket in the 401 configuration from Space Launch Complex-3 at Vandenberg Air Force Base. Following a smooth countdown, the rocket lifted off at 7:05 AM EDT and approximately 94 minutes later the spacecraft separated from the upper stage to begin its six-month…
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Blue Origin launches 8th New Shepard
Last Sunday Blue Origin successfully launched their 8th New Shepard mission as they continue their march towards sub-orbital crewed missions. This was the first launch of 2018 for Blue Origin and was announced several days before by Jeff Bezo’s via Twitter. Once launched the booster successfully deployed the crew capsule before coming back for a…
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SpaceX Launches TESS
This evening SpaceX successfully launched the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) telescope this evening. SpaceX’s eighth launch of the year and 53rd overall for Falcon 9 lifted off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS) Launch Complex (LC)-40 following a smooth countdown. The TESS telescope was delivered to orbit approximately 48 minutes later to begin on-orbit…
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ULA launches AFSPC-11 satellite
This evening United Launch Alliance (ULA) successfully launched the Air Force Space Command (AFSPC)-11 satellite on its Atlas V rocket in the 551 vehicle configuration with a five-meter fairing, five solid rocket boosters, and a single-engine Centaur upper stage. Following a smooth countdown, the rocket launched at 7:13 pm EST, further details of the mission…
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SpaceX launches Dragon on 14th CRS mission
This afternoon SpaceX launched their 14th Dragon mission to the International Space Station from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 40. Following a smooth countdown, the nine Merlin 1D engines powered the rocket and its payload to orbit. This was the 7th launch for SpaceX in 2018, the 52nd Falcon 9 launch and 11th…