Jonathan McDowell @planet4589LAUNCH at 0048 UTC Apr 22 of the Bandwagon-3 mission on Falcon 9 from Canaveral, placing the South Korean DAPA defense agency's Gunjeongchai-wiseong 4 (Reconaissance Satellite 4) in a 570 km, 45 deg orbit.Stage 1 landed at Canaveral Landing Zone 2.
Bandwagon-3 Post-DeploymentDerived from individual Post-Deployment Bandwagon-3 state vectors for each object in the initial deployment, provided by SpaceX. Launch: 2025-04-22 00:48:34.138 UTC.Deployments: 2025-04-22 01:01:38.178 UTC to 2025-04-22 01:05:28.178 UTC.
SpaceX’s rideshare Bandwagon-3 mission marks the 300th orbital flight from Cape Canaveral’s pad 40 [Apr 21]QuoteAccording to a 2018 story in the SAR Journal, the South Korean Agency for Defense Development (ADD) awarded a KRW588 billion ($530 million) contract to Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to oversee the development and construction of a series of five surveillance satellites.The contract requires the satellites to be sent into orbit by 2025, which leaves just one more launch following the Monday night launch. The satellites are produced through a partnership between Korean firm Hanwha Systems Corporation (HSC) and Thales Alenia Space, the latter of which is the prime developer.“Our contribution extends to the supply of our high-performance Synthetic Aperture RADAR (SAR) that utilizes an innovative antenna consisting of a large deployable reflector with 24 deployable petals and an active phased array feed array in dual polarization,” Thales Alenia Space wrote following the December 2023 launch of the first Korea 425 Project satellite. “Another significant part of our contribution is the acquisition, storage, and data retransmission system on the ground.“The high agility of the ‘dancing satellite’ is guaranteed by the innovative avionics and Control Momentum Gyroscope, also provided by Thales Alenia Space. These advanced technologies enable high-performance observation and surveillance capabilities, critical to the success of the program.”The fifth and final SAR satellite may launch onboard the Bandwagon-4 mission, though that has not been formally announced.
According to a 2018 story in the SAR Journal, the South Korean Agency for Defense Development (ADD) awarded a KRW588 billion ($530 million) contract to Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to oversee the development and construction of a series of five surveillance satellites.The contract requires the satellites to be sent into orbit by 2025, which leaves just one more launch following the Monday night launch. The satellites are produced through a partnership between Korean firm Hanwha Systems Corporation (HSC) and Thales Alenia Space, the latter of which is the prime developer.“Our contribution extends to the supply of our high-performance Synthetic Aperture RADAR (SAR) that utilizes an innovative antenna consisting of a large deployable reflector with 24 deployable petals and an active phased array feed array in dual polarization,” Thales Alenia Space wrote following the December 2023 launch of the first Korea 425 Project satellite. “Another significant part of our contribution is the acquisition, storage, and data retransmission system on the ground.“The high agility of the ‘dancing satellite’ is guaranteed by the innovative avionics and Control Momentum Gyroscope, also provided by Thales Alenia Space. These advanced technologies enable high-performance observation and surveillance capabilities, critical to the success of the program.”The fifth and final SAR satellite may launch onboard the Bandwagon-4 mission, though that has not been formally announced.
https://twitter.com/GumushAerospace/status/1909358243304161639QuoteWe have signed the launch agreement for 4 of our picosatellites to launch onboard Bandwagon-4. They will be in orbit on NET June, 2025 — no slips, no delays.Each 0.25U picosatellite is part of our mission to build cost-effective space infrastructure for IoT applications.Fingers crossed for a smooth countdown. See you in space!GUMUSH AeroSpace Linkedin [Apr 9]QuoteOur 0.25U satellites are sold in minimum bundles of four, configured with a combination of the three different payload options. The IoT Configuration is offered with four different ISM frequency options, selectable by the customer.Each unit is sold in a minimum bundle of four satellites, with launch included, at a competitive price of €200,000.[...]Mass: 400 gGUMUSH AeroSpace Linkedin [Apr 16]QuoteWe have successfully completed our final random vibration test campaign as part of the launch acceptance requirements for SpaceX Falcon 9.This critical milestone validated the structural integrity of our satellite, meeting all test scenarios and mission requirements.
We have signed the launch agreement for 4 of our picosatellites to launch onboard Bandwagon-4. They will be in orbit on NET June, 2025 — no slips, no delays.Each 0.25U picosatellite is part of our mission to build cost-effective space infrastructure for IoT applications.Fingers crossed for a smooth countdown. See you in space!
Our 0.25U satellites are sold in minimum bundles of four, configured with a combination of the three different payload options. The IoT Configuration is offered with four different ISM frequency options, selectable by the customer.Each unit is sold in a minimum bundle of four satellites, with launch included, at a competitive price of €200,000.[...]Mass: 400 g
We have successfully completed our final random vibration test campaign as part of the launch acceptance requirements for SpaceX Falcon 9.This critical milestone validated the structural integrity of our satellite, meeting all test scenarios and mission requirements.
221235Z APR 25NAVAREA IV 454/25(GEN).NORTH ATLANTIC.FLORIDA.1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING 251100Z TO 271438Z APR IN AREAS BOUND BY: A. 28-30.58N 080-33.08W, 28-28.00N 080-07.00W, 28-02.00N 077-54.00W, 27-47.00N 077-54.00W, 28-09.00N 079-15.00W, 28-25.19N 080-34.79W. B. 28-02.00N 077-54.00W, 27-42.00N 076-19.00W, 27-23.00N 076-24.00W, 27-47.00N 077-54.00W. C. 27-23.00N 076-24.00W, 27-42.00N 076-19.00W, 27-29.00N 076-02.00W, 27-26.00N 076-03.00W. D. 25-30.00N 069-00.00W, 29-20.00N 059-30.00W, 19-40.00N 059-30.00W, 23-48.00N 069-00.00W. E. 28-15.00N 054-00.00W, 30-15.00N 054-00.00W, 32-00.00N 042-30.00W, 30-00.00N 042-30.00W. F. 17-45.00N 054-00.00W, 19-45.00N 054-00.00W, 13-30.00N 041-00.00W, 11-30.00N 041-00.00W. G. 26-00.00N 055-30.00W, 26-30.00N 047-00.00W, 20-00.00N 047-00.00W, 20-48.00N 055-30.00W.2. CANCEL THIS MSG 271538Z APR 25.
Starlink G6-74 Pre-LaunchDerived from a pre-launch Starlink-G6-74 state vector, provided by SpaceX. SupGP data is provided for the entire stack, as well as one for a single satellite.Launch: 2025-04-25 01:32:00 UTC.Deploy: 2025-04-25 02:37:15.120 UTC.Launch window: 2025-04-25 01:32:00 UTC to 2025-04-25 05:32:00 UTC.
Well a Starlink launch has turned up...but not the ones I was thinking about!From https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/msi:QuoteSector Los Angeles, Territorial Sea - San Nicolas Island / General / Safety Zones / Space Launches & RecoveryDISTRICT: 11TITLE: Sector Los Angeles, Territorial Sea - San Nicolas Island / General / Safety Zones / Space Launches & RecoverySUB CATEGORY: Safety ZonesTYPE: Space Launches & RecoveryWATERWAY NAME: San Nicolas IslandDESCRIPTION: Hazardous operations will be conducted for Space X g15-3 from 11:08 am (PST) on 29 April, 2025 until 2:13 pm (PST) on 05 May, 2025. Hazardous operation areas are bounded by the following coordinates: Hazard Area A: 34.65000 N, -120.65000 W 34.53333 N, -120.61667 W 33.28333 N, -119.55000 W 32.75000 N, -119.26667 W 32.43333 N, -119.01667 W 32.43333 N, -118.98333 W 33.21667 N, -119.40000 W 34.70000 N, -120.33333 W 34.65000 N, -120.65000 W (TO BEGINNING) Hazard Area B: 29.06667 N, -117.45000 W 29.40000 N, -117.80000 W 30.41667 N, -117.93333 W 29.73333 N, -117.05000 W 29.25000 N, -116.98333 W 29.06667 N, -117.45000 W (TO BEGINNING) Mariners are advised to remain clear of these areas for the duration of operations. For more details or comments contact Space X at [email protected] or on VHF-FM Chan. 05, 06 or 16.DECIMAL LONGITUDE: nullDECIMAL LATITUDE: null
Sector Los Angeles, Territorial Sea - San Nicolas Island / General / Safety Zones / Space Launches & RecoveryDISTRICT: 11TITLE: Sector Los Angeles, Territorial Sea - San Nicolas Island / General / Safety Zones / Space Launches & RecoverySUB CATEGORY: Safety ZonesTYPE: Space Launches & RecoveryWATERWAY NAME: San Nicolas IslandDESCRIPTION: Hazardous operations will be conducted for Space X g15-3 from 11:08 am (PST) on 29 April, 2025 until 2:13 pm (PST) on 05 May, 2025. Hazardous operation areas are bounded by the following coordinates: Hazard Area A: 34.65000 N, -120.65000 W 34.53333 N, -120.61667 W 33.28333 N, -119.55000 W 32.75000 N, -119.26667 W 32.43333 N, -119.01667 W 32.43333 N, -118.98333 W 33.21667 N, -119.40000 W 34.70000 N, -120.33333 W 34.65000 N, -120.65000 W (TO BEGINNING) Hazard Area B: 29.06667 N, -117.45000 W 29.40000 N, -117.80000 W 30.41667 N, -117.93333 W 29.73333 N, -117.05000 W 29.25000 N, -116.98333 W 29.06667 N, -117.45000 W (TO BEGINNING) Mariners are advised to remain clear of these areas for the duration of operations. For more details or comments contact Space X at [email protected] or on VHF-FM Chan. 05, 06 or 16.DECIMAL LONGITUDE: nullDECIMAL LATITUDE: null
Starlink Group 15-3Launch TimeTue Apr 29, 2025 19:08 GMT...SLC-4E, Vandenberg SFB, California, USA
Starlink G6-74 Pre-LaunchDerived from a pre-launch Starlink-G6-74 state vector, provided by SpaceX. SupGP data is provided for the entire stack, as well as one for a single satellite.Launch: 2025-04-25 01:52:40 UTC.Deploy: 2025-04-25 02:57:55.120 UTC.Launch window: 2025-04-25 01:52:40 UTC to 2025-04-25 01:54:09 UTC. Backup Launch Opportunity #1Launch: 2025-04-25 02:03:10 UTC.Deploy: 2025-04-25 03:08:25.120 UTC.Launch window: 2025-04-25 02:03:10 UTC to 2025-04-25 02:03:39 UTC. Backup Launch Opportunity #2Launch: 2025-04-25 02:03:40 UTC.Deploy: 2025-04-25 03:08:55.120 UTC.Launch window: 2025-04-25 02:03:40 UTC to 2025-04-25 02:04:49 UTC. Backup Launch Opportunity #3Launch: 2025-04-25 02:06:40 UTC.Deploy: 2025-04-25 03:11:55.120 UTC.Launch window: 2025-04-25 02:06:40 UTC to 2025-04-25 02:10:19 UTC. Backup Launch Opportunity #4Launch: 2025-04-25 02:23:00 UTC.Deploy: 2025-04-25 03:28:15.120 UTC.Launch window: 2025-04-25 02:23:00 UTC to 2025-04-25 02:27:29 UTC. Backup Launch Opportunity #5Launch: 2025-04-25 03:28:00 UTC.Deploy: 2025-04-25 04:33:15.120 UTC.Launch window: 2025-04-25 03:28:00 UTC to 2025-04-25 03:29:29 UTC. Backup Launch Opportunity #6Launch: 2025-04-25 03:29:30 UTC.Deploy: 2025-04-25 04:34:45.120 UTC.Launch window: 2025-04-25 03:29:30 UTC to 2025-04-25 03:31:49 UTC. Backup Launch Opportunity #7Launch: 2025-04-25 03:43:50 UTC.Deploy: 2025-04-25 04:49:05.120 UTC.Launch window: 2025-04-25 03:43:50 UTC to 2025-04-25 03:49:29 UTC. Backup Launch Opportunity #8Launch: 2025-04-25 05:02:40 UTC.Deploy: 2025-04-25 06:07:55.120 UTC.Launch window: 2025-04-25 05:02:40 UTC to 2025-04-25 05:08:49 UTC. Backup Launch Opportunity #9Launch: 2025-04-25 05:21:40 UTC.Deploy: 2025-04-25 06:26:55.120 UTC.Launch window: 2025-04-25 05:21:40 UTC to 2025-04-25 05:23:39 UTC. Backup Launch Opportunity #10Launch: 2025-04-25 05:23:40 UTC.Deploy: 2025-04-25 06:28:55.120 UTC.Launch window: 2025-04-25 05:23:40 UTC to 2025-04-25 05:28:59 UTC.
UPDATED APRIL 23, 2025...FALCON 9The next SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch a Starlink batch from pad 40 on April 24 at 9:32 p.m. - 1:32 a.m. EDT. A Falcon 9 will launch a Starlink batch from pad 40 on April 27 at 10:04 p.m. - 2:04 a.m. EDT. A Falcon 9 will launch a Starlink batch from pad 39A on April 28 earliest at 9:37 p.m. - 1:37 a.m. EDT. A Falcon 9 will launch a Starlink batch from pad 40 on April 30 at 10:17 p.m. - 2:17 a.m. EDT. Upcoming launches include more Starlink batches. A Falcon 9 will launch the Axiom-4 spaceflight participant mission to the International Space Station from pad 39A on May 29 around 1 p.m. EDT. The first stage will land back at the Cape about eight minutes after launch. A Falcon 9 will launch the next GPS satellite for the U.S. Space Force from pad 40 on late May.VULCAN & ATLAS VThe next United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket will launch the first batch of satellites for the Amazon Kuiper constellation on April 28 at 7:00-9:00 p.m. EDT.
This launch is showing to have been delayed to NET April 27 per CADENA OIS:Primary Launch Day 27 APR 2055Z-0126Z Backup Launch Day (1) 28 APR 2033Z-0104Z Backup Launch Day (2) 29 APR 2011Z-0042Z Backup Launch Day (3) 30 APR 1949Z-0020Z Backup Launch Day (4) 01 MAY 1927Z-2358Z Backup Launch Day (5) 02 MAY 1905Z-2336Z Backup Launch Day (6) 03 MAY 1843Z-2314Z
After disappearing for 1 month, this launch has reappeared on CADENA OIS:Primary Launch Day 29 APR 0137Z-0608Z Backup Launch Day (1) 30 APR 0109Z-2308Z Backup Launch Day (2) 01 MAY 0041Z-0512Z Backup Launch Day (3) 02 MAY 0014Z-0445Z Backup Launch Day (4) 02 MAY 2346Z-0417Z Backup Launch Day (5) 03 MAY 2319Z-0350Z Backup Launch Day (6) 04 MAY 2251Z-0322Z Edit: Ben Cooper shows the launch as switching to pad 39A.QuoteA Falcon 9 will launch a Starlink batch from pad 39A on April 28 earliest at 9:37 p.m. - 1:37 a.m. EDT.
A Falcon 9 will launch a Starlink batch from pad 39A on April 28 earliest at 9:37 p.m. - 1:37 a.m. EDT.
Starlink Group 6-75 has shown up on CADENA OIS:Primary Launch Day 01 MAY 0217Z-0648Z Backup Launch Day (1) 02 MAY 0151Z-0622Z Backup Launch Day (2) 03 MAY 0125Z-0556Z Backup Launch Day (3) 04 MAY 0059Z-0530Z Backup Launch Day (4) 05 MAY 0033Z-0504Z Backup Launch Day (5) 06 MAY 0007Z-0438Z Backup Launch Day (6) 06 MAY 2341Z-0412Z
This launch has now shown up on CADENA OIS, but with a NET 1 May date:Primary Launch Day 01 MAY 1840Z-2308Z Backup Launch Day (1) 02 MAY 1827Z-2255Z Backup Launch Day (2) 03 MAY 1813Z-2241Z Backup Launch Day (3) 04 MAY 1759Z-2227Z Backup Launch Day (4) 05 MAY 1745Z-2213Z Backup Launch Day (5) 06 MAY 1731Z-2159Z Backup Launch Day (6) 07 MAY 1717Z-2145Z
SpaceX is targeting Thursday, April 24 for a Falcon 9 launch of 28 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Launch is targeted for 9:52 p.m. ET, with backup opportunities available until 1:28 a.m. ET on Friday, April 25. If needed, additional opportunities are also available on Friday, April 25 starting at 9:55 p.m. ET.A live webcast of this mission will begin about five minutes prior to liftoff, which you can watch here and on X @SpaceX. You can also watch the webcast on the new X TV app.This is the 23rd flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched CRS-24, Eutelsat HOTBIRD 13F, OneWeb 1, SES-18 and SES-19, and 18 Starlink missions. Following stage separation, the first stage will land on the A Shortfall of Gravitas droneship, which will be stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.
ESCAPADELaunch TimeNET 2nd Quarter, 2025
My current hypothesis (speculative & open to revision) is that this is not a constellation filing, but rather a lower MEO mission profile for Neutron's first test flight (NET September❗)Thread where I flesh out my reasoning:
On Thursday, April 24 at 9:52 p.m. ET, Falcon 9 launched 28 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.This was the 23rd flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched CRS-24, Eutelsat HOTBIRD 13F, OneWeb 1, SES-18 and SES-19, and now 19 Starlink missions.
Starlink G6-74 Pre-LaunchDerived from a pre-launch Starlink-G6-74 state vector, provided by SpaceX. SupGP data is provided for the entire stack, as well as one for a single satellite. Launch: 2025-04-25 01:52:40 UTC.Deploy: 2025-04-25 02:57:55.120 UTC.
Starlink G12-23 Pre-LaunchDerived from a pre-launch Starlink-G12-23 state vector, provided by SpaceX. SupGP data is provided for the entire stack, as well as one for a single satellite.Launch: 2025-04-28 02:04:00 UTC.Deploy: 2025-04-28 03:09:15.680 UTC.Launch window: 2025-04-28 02:04:00 UTC to 2025-04-28 06:04:00 UTC.Starlink G11-9 Pre-LaunchDerived from a pre-launch Starlink-G11-9 state vector, provided by SpaceX. SupGP data is provided for the entire stack, as well as one for a single satellite.Launch: 2025-04-27 20:55:00 UTC.Deploy: 2025-04-27 21:55:04.040 UTC.Launch window: 2025-04-27 20:55:00 UTC to 2025-04-28 00:55:00 UTC.
https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1915141917173805450Rocket Lab Awarded New HASTE Launch Contract for the DOD by Kratos [Apr 23]QuoteRocket Lab USA, Inc. today announced it has been selected by Kratos to launch a full-scale hypersonic test flight for the Department of Defense (DOD) under the Multi-Service Advanced Capability Hypersonic Test Bed (MACH-TB) 2.0 program. The mission will launch on Rocket Lab’s HASTE rocket from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 2 on Wallops Island, Virginia no earlier than Q1, 2026.The launch agreement is the first full-scale flight test to be awarded by Kratos under the MACH-TB 2.0 contract, a $1.45 billion program designed to rapidly expand the number and frequency of opportunities to test hypersonic technologies for the nation. Rocket Lab was selected to join the Kratos-led team of subcontractors for MACH-TB 2.0 in January this year after previously delivering multiple successful hypersonic test launches for the first iteration of the MACH-TB program from 2023. Successful missions to date include three launches for the DOD – including twice within just 21 days – from Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex 2 in Virginia.
Rocket Lab USA, Inc. today announced it has been selected by Kratos to launch a full-scale hypersonic test flight for the Department of Defense (DOD) under the Multi-Service Advanced Capability Hypersonic Test Bed (MACH-TB) 2.0 program. The mission will launch on Rocket Lab’s HASTE rocket from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 2 on Wallops Island, Virginia no earlier than Q1, 2026.The launch agreement is the first full-scale flight test to be awarded by Kratos under the MACH-TB 2.0 contract, a $1.45 billion program designed to rapidly expand the number and frequency of opportunities to test hypersonic technologies for the nation. Rocket Lab was selected to join the Kratos-led team of subcontractors for MACH-TB 2.0 in January this year after previously delivering multiple successful hypersonic test launches for the first iteration of the MACH-TB program from 2023. Successful missions to date include three launches for the DOD – including twice within just 21 days – from Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex 2 in Virginia.
Firefly Aerospace @Firefly_SpaceWe've got a new 5-day launch window for our Message in a Booster! Our crew is working with @LockheedMartin & @SLDelta30 to liftoff Alpha #FLTA006 as early as Sunday, April 27. Launch window is from 6:37 am - 7:29 am PDT each day. Stay tuned as we continue to evaluate wind conditions. https://fireflyspace.com/missions/alpha-flta006/
