24/7 Space News
ROCKET SCIENCE
SpaceX set for Falcon Heavy USSF-52 mission to launch X-37B military space plane
illustration only
SpaceX set for Falcon Heavy USSF-52 mission to launch X-37B military space plane
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Dec 28, 2023

Today, SpaceX is scheduled to launch the USSF-52 mission using the Falcon Heavy rocket, with liftoff planned for 8:07 p.m. ET from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. This mission is a collaborative effort between Space Systems Command (SSC) and SpaceX, aimed at advancing the U.S. Space Force's capabilities in space.

The mission has faced delays leading up to today's scheduled launch, reflecting the complex nature of space missions. However, SpaceX remains ready, with a backup launch window at 8:06 p.m. ET on December 29, if necessary.

This launch is notable as it marks the fifth flight for the Falcon Heavy's current set of side boosters. These boosters have been part of successful missions, including USSF-44, USSF-67, Hughes JUPTER 3, and NASA's Psyche mission. Following their separation from the main rocket, these side boosters are planned to land at SpaceX's Landing Zones 1 and 2 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

The USSF-52 mission involves deploying the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle on its seventh mission. This program is key for the U.S. Space Force, demonstrating the potential of a reusable, unmanned space test platform. Brig. Gen. Kristin Panzenhagen, Program Executive Officer for Assured Access to Space and Commander of Space Launch Delta 45, has confirmed the team's readiness for this National Security Space launch. This mission represents the third instance of Falcon Heavy being used for a national security payload, underscoring the rocket's importance for enhanced launch capabilities and secure access to space.

The ongoing partnership between SSC and SpaceX has been marked by a series of successful launches in 2023. The NSSL Falcon Heavy launched the USSF-67 mission earlier this year, followed by a Falcon 9 rocket deploying a GPS satellite into orbit from the Eastern Range. These launches have demonstrated the team's ability to respond swiftly and efficiently to critical space missions.

The collaboration is crucial for the U.S. Space Force, which faces a demanding launch schedule that includes the deployment of various satellite constellations. This partnership plays a significant role in maintaining a robust U.S. presence in space.

SSC, with its substantial $15 billion budget for space acquisition from the Department of Defense, is instrumental in securing resilient space capabilities and advanced technologies for the U.S. Space Force. Working with joint forces, industry partners, government agencies, academic institutions, and allies, SSC is a key driver of innovation in space-based security and exploration.

Related Links
SpaceX
Rocket Science News at Space-Travel.Com

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters
Tweet

RELATED CONTENT
The following news reports may link to other Space Media Network websites.
ROCKET SCIENCE
SpaceX launches Starlink, Sarah-2 missions
Washington DC (UPI) Dec 25, 2021
Elon Musk's SpaceX launched two rockets on Saturday and Sunday, one carrying Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit and another with two radar reconnaissance satellites for the German military. SpaceX on Sunday launched the Sarah-2 mission carrying the German satellites from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California at 8:11 a.m. EST. The flight had been delayed from Saturday to allow for additional preflight checks. The first stage landed on Landing Zone 4 less than eight minutes later ... read more

ROCKET SCIENCE
Russia, NASA agree to continue joint ISS flights until 2025

NASA Outlines Future Strategy for Post-ISS Microgravity Research Labs in LEO

Insect compasses, fire-fighting vines: 2023's nature-inspired tech

MSBAI and Princeton partner in SpaceWERX contract to enhance space flight training

ROCKET SCIENCE
China's 63rd rocket launch of year puts four satellites into orbit

GMV Leads In-Space Refueling Tech Development with UK Space Agency Funding

SpaceX launches Starlink, Sarah-2 missions

Japan sets third launch attempt of next-gen rocket for February

ROCKET SCIENCE
Still hanging in there: Sols 4043-4044:

Recent volcanism on Mars reveals a planet more active than previously thought

Sussex research takes us a step closer to sustaining human life on Mars

Rocker-Bogie Around the Marsmas Sea: Sols 4041-4042

ROCKET SCIENCE
Shenzhou XVII crew conducts 1st spacewalk

Spacewalk completes repairs, marks milestone for young astronaut

Rocket arrives at launch site for Tianzhou-7 cargo mission

Shenzhou XVII astronauts set for their first spacewalk

ROCKET SCIENCE
Russia space agency official held over multi-million euro fraud

Bayanat and Yahsat to Merge, Forming AI-Driven Space Technology Powerhouse, Space42

NASA Enhances Aerospace Innovation with New SBIR Ignite Phase I Awards

NASA and Blue Origin partner to propel space technology in latest suborbital flight

ROCKET SCIENCE
AWS Ground Station expands to Alaska, enhancing global satellite network

Above: Space revolutionary micro-g platform set for 2024 mission

Studying Combustion and Fire Safety

Shining a light on NASA's deep space laser communication test

ROCKET SCIENCE
Astrophysicists publish Kepler Giant Planet Search, an aid to 'figure out where to find life'

Some Icy Exoplanets May Have Habitable Oceans and Geysers

Earth may have had all the elements needed for life within it all along

Research unveils atmospheric dynamics of runaway greenhouse effect

ROCKET SCIENCE
The PI's Perspective: The Long Game

Jupiter was targeted by exoplanet hunter

Webb rings in the holidays with the ringed planet Uranus

Unwrapping Uranus and its icy moon secrets

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters




The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2024 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us.