SpaceX made history yesterday with a doubleheader launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida. The first launch took place at 5:30 p.m., when SpaceX successfully launched the Space Force’s classified USSF-124 mission. The Falcon 9 rocket carried two satellites for the Missile Defense Agency and four satellites for the Space Development Agency into orbit.
Shortly after the successful launch, SpaceX announced that they would attempt another launch at 1:05 a.m. EST on Thursday. This time, they would be sending Intuitive Machines’ first Nova-C lunar lander, named Odysseus, on a mission to reach the moon’s surface. The mission, known as IM-1, aims to deliver a variety of payloads to the Moon’s south pole region, including scientific instruments and technology demonstrations.
The initial launch of the Odysseus mission was scheduled for earlier in the day but was scrubbed due to off-nominal methane temperatures. However, the 45th Weather Squadron predicts a 90% chance of favorable meteorological conditions for the second attempt.
SpaceX’s live coverage of the launch provided insight into the USSF-124 mission. They revealed that two prototype satellites were being delivered to orbit as part of the Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor program. These satellites will detect hypersonic and ballistic threats earlier than terrestrial radars, providing crucial data for the U.S. ballistic missile defense system. Additionally, L3Harris Technologies delivered four tracking satellites that will complete a 27-satellite missile-defense constellation.
The successful landing of the Falcon 9 first-stage booster was also captured by FLORIDA TODAY Senior Photographer Malcolm Denemark. This marked the seventh mission for the booster, which has previously launched Crew-6, SES O3b mPOWER, and four Starlink missions.
The USSF-124 mission is the 11th national security launch supported by a SpaceX Falcon 9 and the eighth since December 2018. The Space Force officials emphasized the importance of these launches in strengthening America’s capabilities and deterrence against growing threats.
Looking ahead, SpaceX is preparing for the second launch of the evening, where they will attempt to send the Odysseus lunar lander on its mission to the moon’s surface. The lander will orbit the Moon about a dozen times before descending to the surface.
SpaceX’s doubleheader launch from Cape Canaveral showcases their continued commitment to advancing space exploration and technology. With each successful mission, they are paving the way for future human and robotic exploration of the Moon and beyond.
