We have two firsts for 2024 this week. First SpaceX is set to launch the Axiom-3 mission on Wednesday as the first human spaceflight mission of the year. Then, just a few hours later, Rocket Lab plans to make its 2024 debut with a Electron launch out of New Zealand.
This week’s launches:
- January 17 (Wednesday)
- CASC Long March 7 Tianzhou 7, 9:20 A.M. ET
- LC-201, Wenchang Space Launch Site, China
- SpaceX Falcon 9 Axiom-3, 5:11 P.M. ET
- LC-39A, Kennedy Space Center, Florida
- SpaceX Falcon 9 Starlink Group 7-11
- SLC-4E, Vandenberg Space Force Base, California
- CASC Long March 7 Tianzhou 7, 9:20 A.M. ET
- January 18 (Thursday)
- Rocket Lab Electron Four Of A Kind, 1:15 A.M. ET
- LC-1B, Māhia Peninsula, New Zealand
- Rocket Lab Electron Four Of A Kind, 1:15 A.M. ET
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SpaceX’s first human spaceflight of 2024
What was for a split second expected to be the first human spaceflight mission from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station since Apollo 7, Axiom-3 will lift off from the historic LC-39A at Kennedy Space Center Wednesday afternoon.
The four person crew, all of which are professional astronauts or pilots from their respective counties, will form the first all European crew to launch to space. Lead by former NASA astronaut and dual US/Spain citizen Michael López-Alegría, the four will spend about two weeks on the International Space Station to conduct scientific research and public outreach in space.
Similar to previous Axiom flights up to the ISS, these missions are managed by Axiom with approval from NASA. Eventually the goal will be for Axiom missions to dock and stay within the Axiom built and operated section of the ISS, which could start launching in 2026.
Rocket Lab’s first launch of 2024
Rocket Lab’s first launch of 2024 will be with its Electron rocket from LC-1B in New Zealand. This mission will deploy four Spire Global built satellites for North Star Earth and Space. The satellites goal will be to monitor objects also known as space situational awareness.
SSA is a new hot topic for commercial companies as the Space Force is looking to expand its capabilities and bring in more commercial providers. Another company, Steve Wozniak’s (Apple co-founded) Privateer is hoping to do the same thing and recently announced it launched its first satellite on SpaceX’s Transporter-9 mission.
Rocket Lab’s first 2024 mission will feature a recovery attempt of the booster. With parachutes, a heat shield, and water proofing, Electron’s booster will splashdown in the Pacific Ocean before being scooped up by Rocket Lab’s recovery boat.
Soon we could see Rocket Lab reuse an entire booster stage in a future mission as the company states this is one of several final tests before that takes place.
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