With its first Falcon-Heavy launch of the year, Elon Musk’s SpaceX carried out a covert mission for the US Space Force (USSF). Monday morning saw the launch of SpaceX’s most powerful rocket from Florida’s Kennedy Space Center (KSC).
Enhancing ongoing broadcasts SATCOM 2 (CBAS-2), the main satellite for the programme, was launched into a geostationary orbit more than 35,000 kilometers above the surface of the planet. The satellite has communications relay capabilities to support our senior officials and military commanders, a spokeswoman said.
The purpose of CBAS-2, according to representatives from the Space Force in a statement to space.com, is to enhance the military’s current satellite communication capabilities and continuously transmit military data utilizing space-based satellite relay systems.
Also Read Second Earth-sized world in planetary system discovered by NASA mission
Three upgraded Falcon-9 first stages are used to power the Falcon-Heavy, the company’s most powerful rocket. The central booster, which is attached to the other two launchers, propels the cargo into the predetermined orbit around the planet.
The Falcon-Heavy has so far completed five launches and eleven landings. The Falcon Heavy, one of the most potent operational rockets in the world, has the capacity to lift 64 metric tonnes into space. More than 18 747 aero planes’ worth of thrust, or more than 5 million pounds, are generated by the rocket’s 27 Merlin engines upon launch.
According to a SpaceX update, this was the second launch and landing of these side boosters for the Falcon Heavy, which had previously supported USSF-44. The twin boosters were photographed by the drone at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station as they were returning to the launch pad and touching down in Landing Zones 1 and 2, respectively.
The Long Duration Propulsive ESPA (LDPE)-3A payload adaptor, which has room for up to six tiny satellites, was also carried during the aircraft, according to EverydayAstronaut.com. Five of these slots were occupied during the mission.
Also Read South Korean quest to land on Moon, Lunar Orbiter sends stunning pictures of Earth, Moon
