Elon Musk’s private space company, SpaceX, is planning to launch a GPS III-9 satellite into mid-Earth orbit at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Designed by Lockheed Martin, the satellite will become part of the Global Positioning System (GPS) operated by the U.S Space Force and utilized by the military, apps, and consumer technologies.
INTRODUCTION (100-150 words)
SpaceX Says the Weather Looks Favorable for the Launch- 8:39 PM ET
SpaceX shared that The Falcon 9 launch is on for tonight, as the weather is looking favorable and the propellant load is about to begin.
Watch the Launch — 8:40 PM ET
Click here to watch the Falcon 9 launch from pad 40 in Florida.
Launch Operations Support Team is Ready — 8:42 PM ET
SpaceX says the launch operations support team is activated, in preparation for the launch. The launch is expected to take place between 11:30 PM and 12:05 AM.
SpaceX Shares a “How it Works” Graphic–8:50 PM ET
Above is a map, shared by SpaceX, detailing the launch and the stages of the rocket as it prepares to enter into orbit. It displays the exact moment when the GPS III-9 will detach from the Falcon 9 rocket.
Liftoff!– 8:52 PM ET
The launch began at the Space Force Station in Florida. Check out a photo of the initial launch here.
The Falcon 9 Explodes after Launch–8:54 PM ET
A video shows the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket exploding shortly after its launch. You can watch the video here.
A Piece of the Rocket Returns– 8:57 PM ET
Despite the explosion post launch, SpaceX shares a look at the Flacon 9’s first stage as it lands on the A Shortfall of Gravitas droneship. Check out the full video below.
The Mission Reaches Step Two– 9:00 PM ET
The deployment of GPS III-9 is confirmed by SpaceX and completes step two of the mission.
Mission Complete — 9:04 PM ET
SpaceX sucessfully compeltes its third accelerated mission for the U.S. Space Force after GPS III-9 was launched into orbit. Check out the post by SpaceX below.
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