We ’re not even midway through 2016 yet , and already SpaceX is preparing for its 5th launching of the year , a signal of how the company is ramp up its launch operations .
This former launching , from Cape Canaveral in Florida , will see an upgrade Falcon 9 take theThaicom-8telecommunications satellite to a geostationary transfer orbit ( GTO ) . This satellite is for Asiatic satellite hustler Thaicom , and will see the satellite deliver broadcast and data point services to Thailand , Southeast Asia , India , and Africa for more than 15 years .
Of naturally , as with most SpaceX launch , the attention will not be on the artificial satellite , but on the first stage of the rocket . SpaceX will attempt to set down this stage on afloating bargefor the third time , which would be the 4th landing in total ( the first was on the land inDecember 2015 ) .
The launch is schedule for 5.40 p.m. EDT ( 10.40 p.m. BST ) today , with atmospheric condition conditions said to be90 percent friendly . There ’s a 2 - hour windowpane for launching if it want to be delayed , and if it has to be scrubbed ( canceled ) , the next chance to launch is tomorrow .
you’re able to watch the launch live in SpaceX ’s officialwebcast , which we ’ll implant below when it goes live 20 minutes before launch .
As bring up , this is already the fifth launch this year for SpaceX. Its previous book for launches in a single class was set in 2015 , with six launch in sum . 2016 bet like it is going to smash that record , as the company rage up military operation .
The ultimate goal for Elon Musk ’s company is to start launchingevery hebdomad ; previous years have only seen a launching every few calendar month . With the companyrecently increasingthe routine of rockets it ’s construction , it is drive stuffy to this last goal .
And with the reusability aspect , too , SpaceX is by all odds stimulate up the garden rocket launch job . It already has plan to reuse some of the first stage boosters that have been returned , which will dramatically lower the cost of launching .
The company is also planning to set in motion its much bragging Falcon Heavy rocket later this year , although a firm engagement has not yet been determine . Recently , SpaceX pronounce it wanted to use this young rocket salad to launch a commission to Marsin 2018 .
All in all , it ’s been a pretty good yr so far for SpaceX. Tune in for this tardy launching today to see if they can tot up to their strand of successes .
