Update 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 response to SpaceX and the FAA is being known as “RRT-1.” Liftoff from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station was set for 8:05 p.m. EST (0105 UTC). In a press release posted to X, previously Twitter, stated “Teams will proceed to maintain an in depth eye on the climate as we work towards the following greatest launch alternative.”
“A brand new goal launch date might be shared as soon as accessible,” SpaceX wrote.
On Thursday, the forty fifth Weather Squadron issued a launch climate forecast suggesting an 80 p.c probability of acceptable climate for liftoff on Friday. Meteorologists listed liftoff winds and cumulus clouds as the first issues.
It additionally acknowledged that the booster restoration climate was a “reasonable” danger on a scale of low-moderate-high. If the launch slips to Saturday, the following accessible launch alternative, the booster restoration climate turns into a “excessive” danger and the prospect of favorable climate slips to 60 p.c.
“Strong onshore circulation with coastal showers would be the climate sample for the launch and backup days after a chilly entrance handed by yesterday,” launch climate officers wrote. “Behind the entrance, a really sturdy space of excessive stress is constructing into the jap US, creating a really tight stress gradient by the top of the week and into the weekend.
“This will 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’s going to mark the ninetieth booster touchdown on ASOG and the 383rd booster touchdown up to now.
Mystery payload
Prior 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 Global 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 Space Vehicle to launch, GPS 3 SV06, which launched on Jan. 18, 2023.
Another 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 virtually precisely the identical as nicely (GPS III SV06 on the left, “RRT-1” on the best). pic.twitter.com/FqPVIdME7V
— Cosmic Penguin (@Cosmic_Penguin) December 13, 2024
However, 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. Typically, 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.
According to the listing of National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 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 following technology of GPS satellite tv for pc and can launch on a Falcon Heavy.
If that is in reality a mission on behalf of the U.S. Space Force, SpaceX does have various different missions listed below this procurement course of that haven’t launched. Those embody USSF-36, USSF-31 and USSF-70.
The RRT-1 mission wasn’t introduced up as a subject of debate throughout the three-day Space Force Association’s Spacepower Conference, which wrapped up on Thursday.
GPS powers all the things from energy grids to emergency providers. We’re evolving GPS to remain forward—fortifying civilian infrastructure and navy operations with superior indicators, jam resistance and extra. Click to find out how GPS shapes our world: 🔗
— Lockheed Martin (@LockheedMartin) December 10, 2024
