SpaceX Targets 5:15 p.m. Falcon 9 Launch of Northrop Servicing Satellite as Weather Odds Reach 75%
Updated
Updated · Florida Today · Jul 21
SpaceX Targets 5:15 p.m. Falcon 9 Launch of Northrop Servicing Satellite as Weather Odds Reach 75%
3 articles · Updated · Florida Today · Jul 21
Summary
A Falcon 9 is set to lift off from Cape Canaveral’s Launch Complex 40 in a 5:15 p.m. to 9:04 p.m. window carrying Northrop Grumman’s MRV-MEP satellite-servicing mission.
The spacecraft is designed to inspect, repair and upgrade satellites in orbit, extending Northrop’s in-space servicing work with a vehicle built to support client spacecraft after launch.
The 45th Weather Squadron gave the mission a 75% chance of acceptable conditions, citing cumulus and anvil clouds as the main risks even as drier air moves across Florida.
Unlike many Falcon 9 flights, the first-stage booster will not attempt a drone-ship landing and is expected to burn up during reentry after heading east from the Space Coast.