Rocket Lab's CAPSTONE Update
Rocket Lab launched its first mission outisde of Earth's orbit just a few days ago. The "Cislunar Autonomous Positioning System Technology Operations and Navigation Experiment" (CAPSTONE) mission is going better than expected and only one final injection burn is requred for the spacraft to enter its rectilinear halo orbit around the Moon.
The Moon just got a little closer! We've successfully ignited Photon's HyperCurie engine a 6th time, raising #CAPSTONE's apogee to 69,680 km. Since we combined 2 burns into 1 for this maneuver, only 1 final burn remains to set CAPSTONE on a ballistic lunar transfer to the Moon pic.twitter.com/Etnu5EMOXi
— Rocket Lab (@RocketLab) July 1, 2022
ULA USSF 12
The United Launch Alliance (ULA) is launching two satellites from Space Launch Complex 41, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida.
One for the U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) and the other for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD).
Combined payload mass is 4'100 kg.
Target is a geosynchronous orbit.
The Atlas V is flying in a 541 configuration: 5 meter diameter fairing, 4 solid rocket boosters and 1 Centaur second stage engine.
Scott Manley: How The Atlas Rocket Evolved Over 60 Years
Where to watch:
Check your local time of launch at: www.timeanddate.com
Take a Tour: Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida
Scott Manley: What Makes Lagrange Points Special Locations In Space
Useful links to stay up to date on launches:
Spaceflightnow.com: Launch Schedule
Nextspaceflight: Launches
Everyday Astronaut: Prelaunch Previews
Space News:
NASA Spaceflight nasaspaceflight.com