We have a commercial cargo launch and landing today. #SpaceX will launch the #Falcon9 from LC-40. The payload is the Northrop Grumman Cygnus cargo craft going to #ISS.
NG has its own rocket, the Antares, but that uses engines built in Ukraine and, well ...
The launch time is 12:07 PM EST. The booster will come back to land at the Cape.
The launch will be on #NASA TV at the link.
Today's Cygnus launch on a #SpaceX #Falcon9 is a bit of a historic first. Cygnus normally launches on the NG Antares, but it's also launched on the ULA Atlas V in the past. Today will be its third launch vehicle.
The military's #X37B recently pulled off its own trifecta. It had launched on the Atlas V and Falcon 9 before its last launch atop a #FalconHeavy.
With the right adapter, a payload can launch atop pretty much any booster.
💙
Wow Wasn't expecting the rumble after the booms. Very cool. 🚀
@KazzyH From seven miles away, it takes about 30 seconds for the sound to reach us.
#Space #SpaceCoast
Amateur smartphone video of today's #SpaceX Cygnus launch as seen from north Merritt Island. At 2:00 minutes, you'll see a #Falcon9 landing burn. Just after 3:00 minutes, you'll hear the double sonic booms.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXYLaVIQBFc