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SpaceX has announced a revised schedule for the Falcon Heavy's launch of the USSF-52 mission. Initially planned for December 10, the mission is now set for Monday, December 11 at 8:14 p.m. ET. This change is due to weather conditions affecting the planned lift-off from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. A backup opportunity is available at the same time on Tue by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Dec 11, 2023
SpaceX has announced a revised schedule for the Falcon Heavy's launch of the USSF-52 mission. Initially planned for December 10, the mission is now set for Monday, December 11 at 8:14 p.m. ET. This change is due to weather conditions affecting the planned lift-off from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. A backup opportunity is available at the same time on Tuesday, December 12, ensuring flexibility in the mission schedule.
The live webcast of this mission will begin approximately 15 minutes prior to liftoff, and can be viewed on SpaceX's official channel. This launch marks a significant milestone for SpaceX's Falcon Heavy, as it will be the fifth mission for these specific side boosters. Previously, these boosters were utilized in the USSF-44, USSF-67, Hughes JUPTER 3, and NASA's Psyche mission. Post-separation, the two side boosters are expected to land at SpaceX's Landing Zones 1 and 2 (LZ-1 and LZ-2) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
The USSF-52 mission, under the oversight of Space Systems Command (SSC) and SpaceX, carries the critical task of deploying the seventh mission of the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle. This experimental program is integral to demonstrating the potential of a reliable, reusable, unmanned space test platform for the U.S. Space Force. Brig. Gen. Kristin Panzenhagen, Program Executive Officer for Assured Access to Space and Commander of Space Launch Delta 45, highlighted the completion of pre-launch work for this National Security Space launch. This is the third Falcon Heavy used to launch a national security payload, emphasizing the team's commitment to enhancing launch capabilities for national security needs and fortifying spaceports to ensure uninterrupted access to orbit.
2023 has been a notable year for the collaboration between SSC and SpaceX. Earlier in January, the NSSL Falcon Heavy successfully executed the USSF-67 mission. Remarkably, just 61 hours later, a Falcon 9 rocket was launched from the Eastern Range, carrying a GPS satellite into orbit. These launches, managed by the Space Systems Command crew, underscore the enhanced agility and resilience in crucial space launches.
The synergy between the Assured Access to Space team and SpaceX has proven essential in meeting the growing demands of the U.S. Space Force. With an ambitious launch schedule ahead and the deployment of numerous proliferated constellations on the horizon, this collaboration is key to maintaining a strong presence in space.
Space Systems Command, a vital element of the U.S. Space Force, is responsible for the acquisition and delivery of resilient space capabilities and advanced technologies. With a substantial space acquisition budget of $15 billion for the Department of Defense, SSC works closely with joint forces, industry partners, government agencies, academic institutions, and allied organizations. This collaborative approach is crucial in driving innovation and ensuring the U.S. stays ahead of emerging threats in space.
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