Watch a time-lapse video as the Falcon Heavy is moved into position for prelaunch testing at the Kennedy Space Center’s pad 39A on January 12, 2018. The video runs at 40 times normal speed. This video is made possible by the generous support of Spaceflight Now members. Join today. We appreciate your support.
Falcon 9
SpaceX launches swarm of satellites, flies rocket for third time
Setting new commercial launch and satellite industry records, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket propelled by a first stage booster launched and recovered two times before soared into a clear morning sky over California’s Central Coast on Monday with 64 small satellites, then returned to a pinpoint landing on a vessel parked offshore in the Pacific Ocean, potentially to be flown again.
Ariane 5
Ariane 5 returns to service with dual-satellite launch
Boosted by two solid-fueled motors and a hydrogen-burning main engine, a European Ariane 5 rocket took off Thursday from French Guiana with a Japanese military communications payload and a U.S.-built, British-owned broadband satellite, returning to service after a January mission placed two spacecraft in the wrong orbit.
