Replace 8:37 p.m. EST (0137 UTC): SpaceX cited excessive winds as the explanation for the scrub of the launch of the RRT-1 mission.
SpaceX scrubbed the deliberate launch of a payload that has not been formally recognized.
The mission, in accordance with SpaceX and the FAA is being known as “RRT-1.” Liftoff from Area Launch Complicated 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Area Drive Station was set for 8:05 p.m. EST (0105 UTC). In a press release posted to X, previously Twitter, mentioned “Groups will proceed to maintain an in depth eye on the climate as we work towards the subsequent greatest launch alternative.”
“A brand new goal launch date will likely be shared as soon as out there,” SpaceX wrote.
On Thursday, the forty fifth Climate Squadron issued a launch climate forecast suggesting an 80 % likelihood of acceptable climate for liftoff on Friday. Meteorologists listed liftoff winds and cumulus clouds as the first issues.
It additionally said that the booster restoration climate was a “reasonable” danger on a scale of low-moderate-high. If the launch slips to Saturday, the subsequent out there launch alternative, the booster restoration climate turns into a “excessive” danger and the prospect of favorable climate slips to 60 %.
“Robust onshore move with coastal showers would be the climate sample for the launch and backup days after a chilly entrance handed by way of yesterday,” launch climate officers wrote. “Behind the entrance, a really robust space of excessive strain is constructing into the jap US, creating a really tight strain gradient by way of the tip of the week and into the weekend.
“This can convey elevated east-northeasterly winds together with remoted coastal showers tomorrow night.”
The Falcon 9 first stage booster supporting this mission, tail quantity B1085 within the SpaceX fleet, will launch for a fourth time. It beforehand supported the launches of Crew-9 in addition to Starlink 10-5 and Starlink 6-77.
Roughly 8.5 minutes after liftoff, B1085 will landing on the SpaceX droneship, ‘A Shortfall of Gravitas.’ If profitable, it can mark the ninetieth booster touchdown on ASOG and the 383rd booster touchdown to this point.
Thriller payload
Previous to the launch, neither SpaceX nor the mission’s buyer made a public assertion about what payload was onboard the Friday evening Falcon 9 flight.
Some speculated on-line that it was a third-generation International Positioning System (GPS) satellite tv for pc manufactured by Lockheed Martin. A degree of rationale is the mission timeline for RRT-1 is strikingly much like that of the final GPS 3 Area Car to launch, GPS 3 SV06, which launched on Jan. 18, 2023.
One other knowledge level is that the hazard warnings are additionally paying homage to the SV06 launch.
And a contemporary proof supporting this concept is the launch timeline – it’s nearly precisely the identical as effectively (GPS III SV06 on the left, “RRT-1” on the suitable). pic.twitter.com/FqPVIdME7V
— Cosmic Penguin (@Cosmic_Penguin) December 13, 2024
Nevertheless, the Falcon 9 second stage on this mission has a gray band round it, which is used to assist regulate the temperature of the propellant on the higher stage. Usually, that’s used for missions with considerably lengthy coast phases, like these launching on a direct to geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) or a highly-elliptical Earth orbit (HEO).
If the payload is a GPS satellite tv for pc it will be destined for a medium Earth orbit (MEO) about 12,500 miles in altitude.
In response to the checklist of Nationwide Safety Area Launch (NSSL) Part 2 contract launches assigned to SpaceX, the one ones named as GPS missions are GPS 3 SV10 and GPS 3 F-1, the latter of which is the subsequent technology of GPS satellite tv for pc and can launch on a Falcon Heavy.
If that is in actual fact a mission on behalf of the U.S. Area Drive, SpaceX does have various different missions listed below this procurement course of that haven’t launched. These embody USSF-36, USSF-31 and USSF-70.
The RRT-1 mission wasn’t introduced up as a subject of debate in the course of the three-day Area Drive Affiliation’s Spacepower Convention, which wrapped up on Thursday.
GPS powers every part from energy grids to emergency companies. We’re evolving GPS to remain forward—fortifying civilian infrastructure and army operations with superior alerts, jam resistance and extra. Click on to find out how GPS shapes our world: 🔗
— Lockheed Martin (@LockheedMartin) December 10, 2024
