A rare Florida doubleheader launch day is approaching, as both SpaceX and United Launch Alliance have rockets scheduled for liftoff Friday, May 29, as long as weather doesn’t become an issue.
First up is SpaceX with the Starlink 10-53 mission. The Falcon 9 rocket will target launch no earlier than 7:52 a.m. May 29 from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. If needed, SpaceX has until 11:52 a.m. to make the launch window.
Once it leaves the launch pad, the Falcon 9 will rumble on a northeast trajectory as it carries a batch of Starlink internet satellites to orbit.
Less than 12 hours later, ULA aims to send off a batch of Amazon Leo internet satellites, an upcoming competitor to Starlink. The Atlas V rocket will liftoff no earlier than 7:33 p.m. May 29 from Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. If needed, United Launch Alliance has until 8:02 p.m.
But with forecasts calling for scattered thunderstorms, it remains to be seen if weather will impact the timing of these launches.
Blue Origin New Glenn set for possible launch next week
After an upper stage mishap during its third flight prompted a Federal Aviation Administration investigation, Blue Origin’s New Glenn received clearance for its next launch. An FAA advisory now shows a possible launch date of Tuesday, June 2.
This would be the New Glenn rocket’s fourth flight. A possible launch target is no earlier than 2:04 p.m. June 2 from Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The mission will be yet another group of Amazon Leo internet satellite launching to orbit.
During the third launch on April 19, one of New Glenn’s upper stage BE-3U engines didn’t reach full power due to abnormal thermal conditions. As a result, the AST SpaceMobile satellite it was carrying did not make it to orbit and was lost.
Despite the mishap, the third flight did score a success. The booster, named “Never Tell Me the Odds,” flew a second time and landed again. It is now being refurbished for a third flight, however the upcoming June launch will feature the company’s latest booster, named “No, It’s Necessary.”
The FLORIDA TODAY Space Team will bring you live updates beginning 90 minutes before each liftoff at FloridaToday.com/Space.
Brooke Edwards is a Space Reporter for Florida Today. Contact her at bedwards@floridatoday.com or on X: @brookeofstars.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: SpaceX, ULA doubleheader rocket launch from Florida possible for Friday
Reporting by Brooke Edwards, Florida Today / Florida Today
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