Launch Rats

24 hour launch slip to Sunday night/Monday morning. Everything else the same. Hope to see you there!

The next launch to take place from the Space Coast will be the Telstar 18 VANTAGE communications satellite for Telesat, which will provide communications services for parts of India, China, Mongolia, SE Asia and the Pacific Ocean. This satellite will be launching on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Space Launch Complex 40. The window for the launch opens at 11:28 PM EDT (local) time on 8 September 2018, and closes at 3:28 am on 9 September.

For those planning to view the launch in person, the best available viewing spots at this time of night will probably be on SR-401 in Port Canaveral: either the western curve or the eastern viewing stands. As always, you should plan to get there at least an hour prior to launch; remember to bring water to drink, snacks (if desired) and insect repellent, as you will be right on the edge of the water and Florida skeeters will find you to be a tasty snack.

For those unable to watch in person, tune in to SpaceX’s YouTube channel for the live webcast.

May your journeys be nominal and your missions successful!

*** NOTE for those finding their way to this post via Internet search: As of 12 April 2019, there are strong indications that Route 401 may not be open for future launch viewing, on the request of Brevard County officials. Pay close attention to official sources of information for further updates, and plan to use an alternate viewing location for launches after this time.

Howdy. This is your Wayward Plane speaking.

I’m getting A LOT of last-minute inquiries about the Parker Solar Probe launch, and since I expect to be largely unavailable to answer inquiries over the next two days (I’m attending the NASA Social!) here’s the most recent information of which I’m aware:

Parker Solar Probe will be launching on a ULA Delta IV Heavy from SLC-37B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Launch window opens on Saturday, August 11, 2018 3:33 AM EDT (local time) and will remain open for 65 minutes. Weather reports say that we are currently 70% go for launch. If the launch fails to happen at that time, the backup dates are Sunday, August 12 at 3:31 AM, and Monday, August 13 at 3:29 AM.

My best advice for launch viewing is the SR-401 Viewing Stands in Port Canaveral. Drive east on SR-401 toward the CCAFS gates; before you reach the gates, you will encounter uniformed officers who will direct you to parking. Plan on arriving at least a couple of hours early. Exploration Tower VIP Launch Viewing is also on sale is now SOLD OUT. SR-401 should provide you with an excellent view of the launch.

If you can’t make it to either of these places, any location in or around the Space Coast with a clear-ish view toward Cape Canaveral Air Force Station should allow you to view the launch as it ascends. Stay safe, obey any & all local law enforcement, and enjoy the show!

May your journey be nominal and your mission successful,

Wayward

*** NOTE for those finding their way to this post via Internet search: As of 12 April 2019, there are strong indications that Route 401 may not be open for future launch viewing, on the request of Brevard County officials. Pay close attention to official sources of information for further updates, and plan to use an alternate viewing location for launches after this time.

(Thanks to @AmericaSpace for the launch window info!)

Rule #1: Everything Slips.

UPDATE: #SpaceX Merah Putih (Telkom-4) launch from CCAFS rescheduled to Tuesday, 8/7. Similar window, so launch hazard area in effect from 2315 ET 8/6 to 0345 ET 8/7 (0315 to 0745 UTC). #Falcon9 will attempt ASDS landing. pic.twitter.com/pZqiofspiG

— Emre Kelly (@EmreKelly) July 31, 2018

The launch of the Merah Putih satellite atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 has now slipped to Saturday, August 4th, 2018, at 1:19 AM.

‘Tis a day for launch slips, it seems…

The launch of the Parker Solar Probe atop a ULA Delta IV Heavy has now slipped to Saturday, August 11th, 2018, with the launch window opening at 3:48 am. Full details here.