Third Time Is The Charm For SpaceX and Astranis

After two previous delays, including an abort-at-ignition and a booster swap, SpaceX launched the ‘From One To Many’ payload for Astranis tonight from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral aboard Falcon 9. Liftoff was at 12:00 AM EST (05:00 UTC) under broken skies on the Space Coast.

SpaceX Falcon 9 carrying Astranis 'From One To Many' lifts off on December 29, 2024
Photo: Charles Boyer / FMN
SpaceX Falcon 9 carrying Astranis ‘From One To Many’ lifts off on December 29, 2024 Photo: Charles Boyer / FMN

Around 8.5 minutes later, Falcon 9 Booster B1083 completed its seventh mission successfully when it touched down on ASDS ‘A Shortfall Of Gravitas’ stationed downrange in the Atlantic Ocean. ASOG and B1083 will now return to Port Canaveral, where the booster will be offloaded and returned to SpaceX’s Hangar X at Kennedy Space Center for inspection and preparation for its eighth flight.

Payload

Four Astranis MicroGEO Block 2 communications satellite were delivered to a geosynchronous transfer orbit. Once they have been deployed, they will travel to their final orbital locations under their own power.

Astranis team with part of the ‘From One To Many’ payload.
Photo: Astranis
Launch Replay
Next Launch

SpaceX is planning to launch Starlink 12-6 from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center NET Monday, December 30, 2024. The launch window opens at 12:00 AM EST (0500 UTC) and closes at 3:28 AM the same day.

  • Date: NET December 30, 2024
  • Organization: SpaceX
  • Mission: Starlink 12-6
  • Rocket: Falcon 9
  • Launch Site: LC-39A, Kennedy Space Center
  • Launch Window: 12:00 – 03:28 AM EST
  • Payload: Starlink satellites for SpaceX’s ISP constellation.
Falcon 9 venting prior to the Astranis 'From One To Many' launch. Photo: Charles Boyer / FMN
Falcon 9 venting prior to the Astranis ‘From One To Many’ launch. Photo: Charles Boyer / FMN

Author

  • I'm a NASA kid originally from Cocoa Beach, FL, born of Project Apollo. My family worked for NASA and/or their contractors, and I watched it all as a kid. And what kid doesn't like rockets? Currently, I am an IT engineer, a recovered R&D scientist that spent time in laser metrology, fiber optic applications and also lightning protection. I'm also a photographer, a writer and a bad musician. My favorite things are space, boating, sports, music and traveling. You can find me on Twitter as @TheOldManPar.

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