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Launch Spotlight: ViaSat-3 – SpaceX set to launch the first fully expendable Falcon Heavy

SpaceX is set to launch a Falcon Heavy from LC-39A at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on April 28, 2022, at 7:29 p.m. EDT. This launch will carry the ViaSat-3 Americas communication satellite alongside Astranis Arcturus telecommunications satellite and the G-Space 1 CubeSat.

Launch Overview

Launch Date: April 28, 2023, 7:29 p.m. EDT

Payloads: ViaSat-3 Americas. Arcturus, and G-Space 1

Rocket: Falcon Heavy (B-1052, 1053, and 1068)

Launch Pad: LC-39A, Kennedy Space Center, Florida

Destination: Geostationary Earth Orbit

Landing Site: None, fully expendable mission


The Mission

SpaceX is set to launch the ViaSat-3 Americas Ka-band satellite, the Astranis Arcturus telecommunications satellite, and the G-Space 1 CubeSat to Geostationary Earth Orbit. This is the first Falcon Heavy to launch in a fully expendable configuration as the mission demands every ounce of performance the rocket can provide.


The Boosters

The three boosters being used for the ViaSat-3 mission include B-1052, 1053, and 1068. Head below for their flight manifests.

B-1052

  • ArabSat-6A (FH Side)
  • STP-2 (FH Side)
  • CSG-2
  • Starlink Group 4-10
  • Starlink Group 4-18
  • KPLO
  • Starlink Group 4-20

B-1053

  • ArabSat-6A (FH Side)
  • STP-2 (FH Side)

B-1068

  • No prior flights

The Weather

April 28, 2022

  • 30% GO
  • Primary Concern(s):
    • Anvil Clouds
    • Debris Clouds
    • Cumulus Clouds
  • Risk(s):
    • All Risks Low

24-hour Delay

  • 30% GO
  • Primary Concern(s):
    • Anvil Clouds
    • Cumulus Clouds
    • Electric Field Rule
  • Risk(s):
    • All Risks Low

Last Updated: April 28, 2022, 1:00 p.m. EDT


Where to watch?

You can find coverage of Tuesday’s launch on SpaceX’s YouTube channel. The live stream will usually go live about 15 minutes before liftoff and will offer the best views of the launch.

https://youtu.be/joqNT2amTpQ

Featured Image: USSF-67 – Jared Locke for Space Explored

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Author

Avatar for Jared Locke Jared Locke

Jared is a Photographer and Writer for Space Explored based out of Orlando, FL


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