SpaceX launches a pair of satellites for Europe’s MEO Galileo constellation. Originally planned to launch on Soyuz ST, but scrapped due to geopolitical factors. Then moved to Ariane 6, which was also scrapped due to delays. Europe contracted SpaceX to launch the two pairs aboard Falcon 9 for approximately €180 million ($192 million).
Launch April 27th at 8:34PM EDT (00:34 UTC on the 28th)
Mission: F9 launch of Galileo FM25 and FM27
Launch location: Launch Complex 39A, Kennedy Space Center, Earth.
Target orbit: Medium Earth Orbit
Booster: B1060-20; 35d 55min turnaround
Booster history: GPS-III SV03, SL v1.0-11, SL v1.0-14, Turksat 5A, SL v1.0-18, SL v1.0-22, SL v1.0-24, Transporter-2, SL 4-3, SL 4-6, SL 4-9, SL 4-19, Galaxy 33&34, Transporter-6, SL 5-15, SL 6-18, IM-1, SL 6-42
Booster recovery: None
Fairing recovery: Bob
Rocket trajectory: Northeast
Payload mass: About 1.7 tonnes
Stubby nozzle: Most likely NO
Stats:
· SpaceX’s 43rd launch of the year and the 11th launch of the month.
· 307th Falcon orbital launch since Amos 6, F9’s 326th orbital flight.
· SpaceX’s 82nd launch from LC-39A.
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