SpaceX Falcon 9 lifts off from Space Launch Complex 40 carrying NG-21 in January.
Photo: Charles Boyer / Florida Media Now
An ill-timed line of thunderstorms forces a scrub Saturday
Update: 12 PM EDT Saturday
A wave of thunderstorms passed through the Cape Canaveral area around 90 minutes before liftoff Saturday, forcing SpaceX to stand down from its launch attempt today.
Due to unfavorable weather, we are standing down from today's launch of @northropgrumman's NG-21 mission. Next launch opportunity is Sunday, August 4 → https://t.co/bsNx0Xb6I3
The company said in a latter post on X.com that they would try again tomorrow, but with a 90% Probability of Violation and an approaching tropical system off of Florida’s west coast, the chances of that don’t seem very high. Monday’s forecast is equally squirrelly as the system is forecast to arc through northern Florida, creating storm squalls and windy conditions across the state.
On the other hand, it’s Florida and the weather here can be unpredictable. So, we’ll see when SpaceX can get this launch off of the pad.
We at FMN are always looking for something unique and fun to do, and this place fits the bill. Do you want to experience the excitement of a safari but don’t want to travel to Africa? Wild Florida may be the answer you’ve been looking for. Located in east central Florida’s Osceola County near Orlando, the Wild Florida park offers Drive Thru Safaris, Airboat Adventures, walking tours, a gator park, and much more.
Timelapse of Falcon 9’s flight on August 2, 2024 Photo: Richard P. Gallagher, Florida Media Now
SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 carrying the Starlink 10-6 mission from Pad LC-39A at Kennedy Space Center aboard a Falcon 9 Rocket. Liftoff was at 01:01 AM EDT.
Three Sisters Spring Photo: Three Sisters Spring website
When one thinks of Florida, images of sun-soaked beaches and theme parks often come to mind. However, nestled within the state’s lush landscapes are a series of natural wonders that offer a refreshing escape from the bustling city life. Florida’s springs, with their crystal-clear waters and serene environments, provide a perfect retreat for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Located just a short drive from Orlando, these springs promise a rejuvenating experience. Here’s a guide to some of the most captivating springs you can visit, each with its own unique charm.
Cygnus spacecraft for NG-21 resupply mission. Credit: NASA
The International Space Station (ISS) is an island of international cooperation and scientific research. As of July 2024, the ISS has been hosting a variety of spacecraft, including the Boeing Starliner, SpaceX Dragon Endeavour, Soyuz MS-25, and the Russian Progress 87 and 88 resupply ships. The current mix of 5 vehicles and 12 astronauts ensures that the ISS is a bustling beehive of activity, supporting a diverse range of scientific experiments and international visitors. But soon, in the days and weeks to come two more spacecraft and four more astronauts will join the activities.
A Cygnus Resupply Mission launches to the ISS atop an Ukranian-American built Antares Rocket in 2022. Photo: nkau.gov.ua
If Northrop Grumman and Space X are supposed to be competitors, why is Space X launching the upcoming NG-21 mission for Northrop Grumman? The answer lies in recent history and the rapidly changing world of geo-politics.
A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket launching the USSF-51 mission rises majestically against a backdrop of a serene, early morning sky tinged with hues of pink and purple. Image by Richard P Gallagher
This year’s winning entry shows a Florida Highway Patrol Cruiser with ULA’s Delta IV Heavy (April 18) launching in the background. Photo: FHP
The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) has once again clinched the title in the American Association of State Troopers (AAST) 2024 Best Looking Cruiser Competition, marking their second consecutive win. The announcement came Monday afternoon, and with it, FHP’s cruiser will grace the cover of the AAST 2025 calendar.
Disney is on a winning streak. While earlier this year Disney had several box office duds, others, such as Inside Out 2, have done well. Now, in its initial weekend release the latest installment of the Marvel franchise continues to attract movie-goers.
Payload fairing on the second stage of a ULA Atlas V rocket carrying a classified satellite for the Space Force. Image by Richard P Gallagher
Cape Canaveral, FL — On July 30, 2024, United Launch Alliance (ULA) will reach a milestone of sorts with the launch of the USSF-51 mission aboard an Atlas V rocket. The launch will be from Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station , and is scheduled for 6:45AM. This mission is not only important for the United States Space Force’s Space Systems Command (SSC) but also the last national security mission that the ULA will execute using the workhorse Atlas V rocket. Future national security launches will be utilize the new ULA Vulcan booster.
NG-21 Cygnus resupply module will be named in honor of Challenger Commander Dick Scobee Photo: NASA
It is Northrop Grumman’s tradition to name each Cygnus spacecraft in honor of individuals who have made substantial contributions to human spaceflight. NG-21, the upcoming Cygnus resupply mission to the International Space Station (ISS), is now officially named the S.S. Francis R. “Dick” Scobee. Scobee is a former NASA astronaut whose contributions to aeronautics and space exploration have left a lasting legacy. The mission will launch no earlier than Saturday, August 3rd from Cape Canaveral.
A long exposure streak image from last night successful SpaceX Falcon 9 return to flight rocket launch. Image by Richard P Gallagher
Cape Canaveral, FL – After a brief grounding by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), SpaceX successfully launched its Falcon 9 rocket and deployed its Starlink Group 10-9 satellites early in the morning on July 28, 2024. This launch marked the company’s return to flight status following an anomaly during a mission earlier in the month.
