At 03:50 UTC, or 22:50 EST, the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will lift off from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral, delivering two satellites to orbit.
The ABS-3A satellite, operated by Asia Broadcasting Satellite, will replace the ABS-3 satellite launched way back in 1997. With a mass of just under 2000 kg, the satellite will extend the C- and Ku-band services into the Atlantic Ocean region for ABS’s existing customers.
Joining the ABS-3A satellite on this flight is the Eutelsat 115 West B satellite. It will be located at 114.9° West, extending Eutelsat’s satellite coverage from Alaska and Canada down to South America, with particularly unique coverage over the Galapagos and Easter Island. Equipped with 12 C-band and 34 Ku-band transponders, the satellite will be used by ISPs, telecom operators, government agencies, media broadcasters and aeronautical and maritime interests.
The ABS-3A satellite, operated by Asia Broadcasting Satellite, will replace the ABS-3 satellite launched way back in 1997. With a mass of just under 2000 kg, the satellite will extend the C- and Ku-band services into the Atlantic Ocean region for ABS’s existing customers.
Joining the ABS-3A satellite on this flight is the Eutelsat 115 West B satellite. It will be located at 114.9° West, extending Eutelsat’s satellite coverage from Alaska and Canada down to South America, with particularly unique coverage over the Galapagos and Easter Island. Equipped with 12 C-band and 34 Ku-band transponders, the satellite will be used by ISPs, telecom operators, government agencies, media broadcasters and aeronautical and maritime interests.
This will be the first launch of Boeing’s new stacking system that they patented in December 2014. The two satellites will be launched as a pair and then separated in space. Not only will this be the first-ever stack in this manner, but also the first all-electric propulsion satellites. The Falcon 9 rocket will put the satellites into a transfer orbit. From there the satellites themselves will boost to geostationary orbit. ABS 3A will be the first satellite to depart from the Falcon 9’s second stage, with separation expected around 30 minutes into the flight. The Eutelsat 115 West B will follow suit around 5 minutes later.
Due to the enormous demands of getting the two satellites into space, no landing attempt will be made in this flight. The launch will be so close to the Falcon 9’s limit that SpaceX haven’t fitted the rocket with legs, and it is unlikely that any re-entry test will take place due to the need for every drop of fuel. The next barge landing attempt will be for the CRS-6 mission, expected to launch in early-to-mid April.
Due to the enormous demands of getting the two satellites into space, no landing attempt will be made in this flight. The launch will be so close to the Falcon 9’s limit that SpaceX haven’t fitted the rocket with legs, and it is unlikely that any re-entry test will take place due to the need for every drop of fuel. The next barge landing attempt will be for the CRS-6 mission, expected to launch in early-to-mid April.
With the static fire performed at 14:10 EST on Wednesday, all is set for another SpaceX launch. SpaceX use the static fire test in order to ensure the Falcon 9 rocket is ready for launch. Firing the rockets under flight simulation, but crucially with the core locked down onto the launchpad, engineers and scientists from SpaceX can check data and make sure that all systems are nominal ahead of the launch.
You will be able to follow the launch on the SpaceX webcast from 15 minutes before launch.
You will be able to follow the launch on the SpaceX webcast from 15 minutes before launch.