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Isar Aerospace’s maiden satellite mission failed ending in Spectrum’s fiery explosion

The Orbital Launch Pad at the Andøya Space Center in Norway was a beautiful setting for Germany’s Isar Aerospace’s first attempt to launch Spectrum. The launch took place on Saturday, March 29, at 11:30 UTC after earlier efforts this week were scrubbed due to high winds.

Isar Aerospace was established in 2018 when it created the Spectrum to serve the small to medium-sized satellite market, and is marketing the launcher as a solution for orbiting constellations.

However, in less than a minute the initial test revealed smoke from its sides and Spectrum crashed in a fiery explosion.

The rocket was uncrewed and is part of an effort to have an orbital flight that was originated from Europe as others such as Sweden and Britain want to participate in the commercial space missions.

Isar Aerospace had warned the initial launch could end prematurely, however the test provided important and helpful data that its team could learn from. The company is not discouraged and described the mission as a learning experience.

Isar Aerospace scrubs Thursday and plans a Saturday first-ever launch of Spectrum

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Once again, due to “ongoing weather restrictions”, Germany’s Isar Aerospace now has scheduled their first attempt to launch Spectrum no earlier than on Saturday, March 29, at 11:30 UTC from the Orbital Launch Pad at the Andøya Space Center in Norway. Earlier efforts this week were scrubbed due to high winds.

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Isar Aerospace was established in 2018 when it created the Spectrum to serve the small to medium-sized satellite market, and is marketing the launcher as a solution for orbiting constellations.

The forecast calls for a temperature of 36°F, overcast clouds, 100% cloud cover and a wind speed of 24mph.

Isar Aerospace targets new launch window on March 27 for first test flight

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Satellite launch service company Isar Aerospace has announced that the second launch window for the first test flight of Spectrum opens not earlier than Thursday, 27 March, from 12:30pm to 03:30pm. The launch date remains subject to weather, safety and range infrastructure. 

A first launch attempt of Mission ‘Going full Spectrum’ on Monday, 24 March, was scrubbed due to unfavorable winds.

Mission ‘Going full Spectrum’ moved to new launch window due to unfavorable winds

01:03 GMT+1 ∙ 24 Mar, 2025

The first test flight of Spectrum is scrubbed due to unfavorable winds. The vehicle and range remain healthy, and the team is working to determine a new launch window together with Andøya Spaceport. Isar Aerospace will announce the new launch window when available. Well done, team for today’s attempt.

SpaceX’s Dragon to launch four astronauts in Fram2 mission observing Earth from Polar orbit

The four astronauts of the Fram2 mission stand atop the crew access tower at Launch Complex 39A during a pad visit in mid-February. From left to right: Eric Philips, Chun Wang, Rabea Rogge, Jannicke Mikkelsen. Image: Fram2

SpaceX is targeting Monday, March 31 at 9:46 p.m. ET for Falcon 9’s launch of Fram2 to a polar orbit from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. There are three additional launch opportunities within the approximate 4.5-hour window: 11:20 p.m. ET followed by 12:53 a.m. and 2:26 a.m. on Tuesday, April 1. If needed, backup opportunities are available on Tuesday, April 1 starting at the same time.

A live webcast of this mission will begin about one hour prior to liftoff, which you can watch on X @SpaceX. You can also watch the webcast on the new X TV app.

The Dragon spacecraft supporting this mission previously flew Crew-1 to and from the International Space Station, Inspiration4, the first all-civilian mission to orbit, and Polaris Dawn, the first commercial mission to conduct an extravehicular activity from Dragon.

THE CREW

This will be the sixth flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched Crew-9, RRT-1, Firefly Blue Ghost Mission 1, and two Starlink missions.

Chun Wang

Following stage separation, Falcon 9’s first stage will land on the A Shortfall of Gravitas droneship stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.

Jannicke Mikkelsen

MISSION OBJECTIVES

During their multi-day mission, Dragon and the crew will explore Earth from a polar orbit and fly over Earth’s polar regions for the first time.

They will also conduct 22 research studies designed to help advance humanity’s capabilities for long-duration space exploration and understanding of human health in space.

Eric Philips

This will be the first human spaceflight for Mission Commander Chun Wang, Vehicle Commander Jannicke Mikkelsen, Vehicle Pilot Rabea Rogge, and Mission Specialist and Medical Officer Eric Philips.

Rabea Rogge

Throughout Fram2’s time on-orbit, the crew are planning to take the first x-ray in space, perform exercise studies to maintain muscle and skeletal mass, and grow mushrooms in microgravity.

Additionally, after safely returning to Earth, the crew plans to exit from the Dragon spacecraft without additional medical and operational assistance, helping researchers characterize the ability of astronauts to perform unassisted functional tasks after short and long durations in space.

Countdown

Hr/Min/SecEvent
00:45:00SpaceX Launch Director verifies go for propellant load
00:42:00Crew access arm retracts
00:39:00Dragon’s launch escape system is armed
00:35:00RP-1 (rocket grade kerosene) loading begins
00:35:001st stage LOX (liquid oxygen) loading begins
00:16:002nd stage LOX loading begins
00:07:00Falcon 9 begins engine chill prior to launch
00:05:00Dragon transitions to internal power
00:01:00Command flight computer to begin final prelaunch checks
00:01:00Propellant tank pressurization to flight pressure begins
00:00:45SpaceX Launch Director verifies go for launch
00:00:03Engine controller commands engine ignition sequence to start
00:00:00Falcon 9 liftoff

Rabea Rogge

Infographic detailing sequence of events for FRAM2 MISSION

LAUNCH, LANDING, AND DEPLOYMENT

All Times Approximate

Hr/Min/SecEvent
00:00:57Max Q (moment of peak mechanical stress on the rocket)
00:02:341st stage main engine cutoff (MECO)
00:02:381st and 2nd stages separate
00:02:462nd stage engine starts (SES-1)
00:02:51Boostback burn starts
00:03:23Boostback burn ends
00:06:261st stage entry burn starts
00:06:411st stage entry burn ends
00:07:471st stage landing burn
00:08:121st stage landing
00:08:572nd stage engine cutoff (SECO-1)
00:09:46Dragon separates from 2nd stage
00:10:34Dragon nosecone open sequence begins

Rocket Lab’s Neutron Rocket On-Ramped for the USSF’s $5.6 billion NSSL program

Artistic rendition of Rocket Lab’s Neutron in flight, post-launch.

Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) has been selected by the U.S. Space Force (USSF) to compete for the Department of Defense’s highest-priority national security missions for the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 Lane 1 program—the firm-fixed price, IDIQ contract has a five-year ordering period that will run through to June 2029 with a maximum value of $5.6 billion. 

Artistic rendition of Rocket Lab’s Neutron engaged in satellite deployment.

Rocket Lab’s launch vehicle for the program will be Neutron, its 13-ton, reusable, carbon composite, medium-lift launch vehicle that is being rapidly developed to meet the demand for high assurance national security missions, and for single and multi-satellite constellation deployment. Designed to deploy payloads up to 13,000 kg, Neutron is being brought to the market at an unprecedented development pace on the foundation of Rocket Lab’s industry leadership as one of the world’s most frequent and reliable launch providers, with 63 Electron launches to date and one of only two U.S. launch providers to have launched multiple payloads to orbit so far in 2025.

With Neutron’s first launch scheduled for the second half of the year, Rocket Lab met the program’s eligibility requirements to be selected to compete for the NSSL program, and upon a successful flight on Neutron, will be eligible to further compete for individual task orders awarded within the NSSL program. Neutron’s debut launch from Launch Complex 3 in Wallops Island, Virginia, will be the first launch vehicle to support the NSSL program from the region.

Wallops Flight Facility (WFF), located on Wallops Island, Virginia

As one of only five launch providers selected for the Department of Defense’s program, eligibility for NSSL Lane 1 includes stringent requirements that aim to develop a diversified, competitive and reliable domestic launch base to provide launch services for its highest-priority national security missions. The program plans to award a minimum of 30 missions within its contracting period through to 2029, with the potential for an extension through to 2034. As part of the on-ramp to the NSSL program, Rocket Lab receives a $5 million task order to perform a capabilities assessment that demonstrates the Company’s tailored approach to mission assurance for launches awarded through the NSSL program.

Rocket Lab Founder and CEO, Sir Peter Beck,said, “Supporting assured access to space for the nation’s most important missions has always been the goal with our Neutron rocket, and we’re incredibly proud to selected by the U.S. Space Force to demonstrate this commitment for the NSSL. Neutron is a powerful new launch option that will set a new standard for performance, affordability, and reliability in medium launch, and its selection to the program demonstrates a high degree of confidence by the Department of Defense in Neutron’s capabilities ahead of its first launch later this year. We can’t wait to showcase Neutron as the important platform it will become for the Department of Defense.” 

About Neutron
Rocket Lab’s new reusable medium-lift rocket Neutron is a next-generation challenger to deliver a cost-effective, reliable, and responsive launch service for commercial and government missions. The advanced design of Neutron includes carbon composite for all of the rocket’s major structures and an innovative upper stage that enables high-performance for complex satellite deployments, including the deployment of satellite mega-constellations. The Neutron launch vehicle is a reusable launch vehicle leveraging the technology and infrastructure pioneered by the Electron launch vehicle, which has launched 63 times to date and provides the US government and commercial customers frequent, affordable access to space. Neutron utilizes a unique design that brings the Stage 1 and payload fairings back to Earth as a single, integrated stage. This maximizes cadence in a 13-ton to orbit reusable performance capability. Neutron is powered by nine Archimedes engines on Stage 1, and one vacuum-optimized Archimedes engine on Stage 2. Neutron operates from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 3 (LC-3) located at Wallops Island, Virginia from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS).  

USSF certifies ULA Vulcan for NSSL missions

U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command’s (SSC) Assured Access to Space organization has announced the certification of United Launch Alliance’s (ULA) Vulcan launch system for National Security Space Launch (NSSL) missions—ULA is now eligible to launch NSSL missions as one of two certified providers.

NSSL certification is a rigorous process for launch service providers to demonstrate their ability to design, produce, and qualify a new launch system that will successfully deliver national security space satellites to orbit.

Vulcan’s certification is the culmination of several years of effort by the Space Force and ULA, which encompassed 52 certification criteria, including more than 180 discrete tasks, 2 certification flight demonstrations, 60 payload interface requirement verifications, 18 subsystem design and test reviews, and 114 hardware and software audits, all to establish the technical baseline from which the Space Force will make future flight worthiness determinations for launch.

Assured Access to Space executes the U.S. Space Force’s Core Competency of Space Mobility and Logistics. It secures reliable and responsive launch services to deploy the space-based capabilities needed by our Nation’s warfighters, intelligence professionals, decision makers, allies, and partners. Additionally, it operates and sustains resilient and ready launch and test infrastructure to project on-orbit warfighting capability through all phases of conflict and to expand US economic, technological, and scientific leadership. Further, Assured Access to Space delivers servicing, mobility, and logistics capabilities that operate in, from, and to the space domain.

Assured access to space is a core function of the Space Force and a critical element of national security,” said Brig. Gen. Panzenhagen, Program Executive Officer for Assured Access to Space. “Vulcan certification adds launch capacity, resiliency, and flexibility needed by our nation’s most critical space-based systems. The SSC and ULA teams have worked together extremely closely, and certification of this launch system is a direct result of their focus, dedication, and teamwork.”

We are proud to have launched 100 national security space missions and honored to continue serving the nation with our new Vulcan rocket,” said Tory Bruno, president and CEO of United Launch Alliance. “We thank the Space Force for their collaboration and confidence, and we are honored to support our national security needs for many years to come.”

Space Systems Command
Space Systems Command is the U.S. Space Force’s field command responsible for acquiring and delivering resilient warfighting capabilities to protect our nation’s strategic advantage in, from, and to space.  SSC manages a $15.6 billion space acquisition budget for the DoD and works in partnership with joint forces, industry, government agencies, and academic and allied organizations to accelerate innovation and outpace emerging threats. Our actions today are making the world a better space for tomorrow.

Rocket Lab’s launch of OroraTech’s ‘Finding Hot Wildfires Near You’ will help tackle wildfires around the world

Right on time at 11:30 a.m. EST (1530 GMT) on March 26, from Rocket Lab’s Pad B at Launch Complex 1, Mahia base in New Zealand, the 59-foot (18-meter), three-stage rocket, Electron, dropped its core booster about 2.5 minutes into flight. Next the second stage firing occurred to increase orbital speeds, and finally, Electron’s kick stage to ensure accuracy with the mission’s orbit. Photo by Satnews.

The eight payloads were dispensed two at a time as was reported to be under an hour after launch. Then reports indicated that the satellites began their synchronized orbital alignment and fire-detection mission.

Rocket Lab to launch Finding Hot Wildfires Near You (OroraTech OTC-P1) expanding their constellation

Ruidoso, NM, USA: Six-hour fire spread simulation during the South
Fork fire.

“Finding Hot Wildfires Near You” is a rapid turnaround mission for OroraTech, a Germany-based global provider of wildfire detection and monitoring solutions. Rocket Lab will launch a dedicated mission for OroraTech on NET March 27th (Wednesday, March 26th at 8:30 – 9:00 am PDT), from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand.

Scheduled to launch NET March 27th 2025, the mission will deliver eight OroraTech Constellation Phase 1 satellites to a 550km orbit to expand its constellation providing data from space to help tackle wildfire challenges globally. The mission is scheduled for lift-off just four months from launch contract signing in order to meet the time-sensitive requirements of OroraTech’s wildfire detection mission.

Artist’s impression of a OroraTech Constellation Phase 1 satellite.

“Finding Hot Wildfires Near You” will be Rocket Lab’s fifth mission of 2025 and 63rd Electron launch overall, and will bring the total number of satellites delivered to space Electron to 224.

OroraTech empowers everyday heroes by protecting our world and creating a safer future. Through our Wildfire Solution platform, we detect, track, and predict wildfires across the globe.

Using our network of over 25+ public and proprietary satellites, we give firefighters and emergency personnel near-real-time data on fire behavior and situational awareness for those battling the flames.

OroraTech operates the world’s largest network of wildfire detection satellites. With the launch OroraTech Constellation Phase One with Rocket Lab, we are adding detections and observations during the early afternoon. This period, known as the “Afternoon Gap,” is when fires start most often and rage the hottest, yet offer no satellite overpasses. We aim to fix that. Adding these critical observations allows firefighters to maintain situational awareness during a fire at all times of the day, regardless of weather or cloud cover.

Arianespace to launch ESA’s Biomass satellite on April 29, with Vega C

On Tuesday April 29th, 2025, at 6:15 a.m. local time (09:15 a.m. UTC, 11:15 a.m. CEST), Arianespace is to launch the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Earth Explorer Biomass satellite from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana. The mission called “VV26”, will place its passenger on board a Vega C launcher, into Sun-Synchronous Orbit at an altitude of around 666 km. Spacecraft separation will occur 57 minutes after lift-off.

ESA’s Earth Explorers satellites are recognized as being among the world’s leading research missions, delivering groundbreaking scientific insights about Earth’s complex systems. Forests, the ‘Earth’s green lungs’, absorb around 8 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere each year. Deforestation and degradation, particularly in tropical regions, are causing carbon stored in forests to be released back into the atmosphere. Quantifying the global carbon cycle is essential to understanding the subsequent implications for our climate.

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The Biomass satellite carries the first P-band synthetic aperture radar to observe Earth from space. Thanks to its long wavelength, around 70 cm, the radar signal can penetrate all the way through the forest canopy. This allows it to collect information on the height and structure of different forest types and measure the amount of carbon stored in the world’s forests and how it changes over time. In addition, the Biomass mission will map subsurface geology in deserts, the ice structure of ice sheets and the topography of forest floors.

Biomass, manufactured by Airbus Defense and Space, will spend at least five years making detailed observations and witnessing at least eight growth cycles in the world’s forests. Observations from this new mission will also lead to better insight into the rates of habitat loss and, as a result, the effect this may have on biodiversity in the forest environment.

The VV26 launch at a glance:

  • 353rd  launch by Arianespace
  • 4th  Vega C launch
  • 10%  of the satellites launched by Arianespace are Earth observation satellites
  • 52nd  mission for the European Space Agency
  • 146th  spacecraft built by Airbus Defence and Space launched by Arianespace

SpaceX launches “never hibernate” NROL-69’s classified mission

On Monday, March 24 at 1:48 p.m. ET, Falcon 9 launched the NROL-69 mission from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Photos captured by Satnews.

This was the second flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched a Starlink mission.

The weather officials had projected a good day for a launch with a 90% chance of favorable weather conditions at the time of the launch. Officials had been monitoring weather conditions with concerns related to Thick Cloud Layers Rule. The forecast called for a temperature of 77°F, few clouds, 18% cloud cover and a wind speed of 9mph to ready, set, go NROL-69.

The NRO has launched more than 150 satellites into Earth’s orbit in the last two years “creating the largest and most capable government constellation on orbit in our nation’s history,” the agency said.

SpaceX plans Monday’s NROL-69 launch and the National Reconnaissance Office provides insight into the mission to “never hibernate”

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SpaceX is targeting Monday, March 24 for a Falcon 9 launch of the NROL-69 mission from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Liftoff is targeted for 1:48 p.m. ET. If needed, a backup opportunity is available on Tuesday, March 25 at 1:34 p.m. ET.

A live webcast of this mission will begin about ten minutes prior to liftoff on X @SpaceX. You can also watch the webcast on the new X TV app.

This is the second flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched a Starlink mission. Following stage separation, Falcon 9 will land on Landing Zone 1 (LZ-1) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

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NRO Mission
Since its inception more than 60 years ago, the National Reconnaissance Office has been on the leading edge of innovation — collecting and delivering critical information that can only be obtained from the vantage point of space.

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From warfighters to humanitarian responders, the NRO serves a wide range of customers. The Department of Defense and Intelligence Community depend on NRO capabilities for national security objectives. NRO systems are often the only tools able to access hostile territory or rugged terrain, and they can collect critical information without risking human lives or infringing on other nations’ territorial sovereignty. Civilian customers depend on the NRO’s space-based collections to assess damage from natural disasters, and help relief agencies determine how and where to deliver humanitarian aid.

The NRO is investing in the world’s most advanced tools, information technology, and communications
networks in order to meet customers’ needs today and anticipate and adapt to the emerging demands of tomorrow. NRO capabilities on the ground, on orbit, and everywhere in between ensure customers get the information they need, where they need it, faster than ever before

The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) and U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) are
partnering to launch NROL-69 on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket through the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program. This mission carries a national security payload designed, built, and operated
by NRO.

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One of NRO’s most critical relationships is with the Space Force. The partnership between NRO and SSC through the NSSL program plays a key role in delivering critical space-based capabilities for national security. NSSL, a government launch acquisition partnership program between SSC’s Assured Access to Space and NRO, is overseen and operated by SSC headquartered at Los Angeles Air Force Base in California. The program uses commercial-like contracts and pricing to save taxpayer dollars while ensuring high-quality service. This innovative approach ensures that the U.S. government benefits from the best value while meeting its national security needs.

The Hummingbird illustrates the speed and agility with which we provide an advantage to the nation and its allies. NUMQUAN HIBERNARE is Latin for “never hibernate.” Our bird is ever vigilant.

NROL-69 is the first NRO mission launched with SpaceX from the NSSL Phase 2 contract awarded
in August 2020. Previously, NRO and SSC launched two NSSL Phase 1A missions with SpaceX from
Vandenberg Space Force Base with NROL-87 and NROL-85 in 2022. NSSL continues to be NRO’s principal mechanism to procure launch services for major system acquisitions to maintain NRO’s assured and affordable access to space.




SpaceX welcomes and celebrates successfully rescuing NASA’s stranded astronauts

After 171 days in space, Dragon and Crew-9 NASA astronauts Nick Hague, Suni Williams, and Butch Wilmore, as well as Rocosmos cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin returned to Earth and splashed down off the coast of Florida at 5:57 p.m. ET on Tuesday, March 18.

Nasa astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have returned to Earth after their SpaceX capsule spectacularly splashed down off the coast of Florida. Wilmore and Williams, who had been stuck at the ISS for nine months after problems with Boeing’s new capsule Starliner, returned in the SpaceX capsule along with two other astronauts.

The Nasa control room erupted in cheers as the capsule touched down safely on the vast blue waters, accompanied by four parachutes.

Williams and Wilmore smiled and waved at the camera, both providing thumbs-up as the crew wheeled them off for a medical check alongside their colleagues.

Falcon 9 launched Dragon and Crew-9 to the orbiting laboratory on Saturday, September 28 at 1:17 p.m. ET from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

SpaceX sends NASA’s Crew-10 astronauts to ISS with two returning home after an unscheduled prolonged stay

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On Friday, March 14 at 7:03 p.m. ET, Falcon 9 launched Dragon’s tenth operational human spaceflight mission (Crew-10) to the International Space Station from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photos by Satnews.

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During their time on the orbiting laboratory, the crew will conduct new research to prepare for human exploration beyond low-Earth orbit and to benefit humanity on Earth.

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Following stage separation, Falcon 9’s first stage landed on Landing Zone 1 (LZ-1) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

Dragon will autonomously dock with the space station on Saturday, March 15 at approximately 11:30 p.m. ET. Follow Dragon and the crew’s flight below.

They also aim to rescue Wilmore and Williams — who were only slated to be at the ISS for about a week in June before an issue emerged with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, which returned to Earth unmanned in September.

The live webcast of this mission will resume about one hour prior to docking, which you can watch here and on X @SpaceX. You can also watch the webcast on the new X TV app.

SpaceX scrubs Crew-10 human spaceflight mission due to transporter-erector hydraulics issue

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SpaceX and NASA are targeting no earlier than Friday, March 14 for Falcon 9’s launch of Dragon’s 10th operational human spaceflight mission (Crew-10) to the International Space Station from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Launch is targeted for 7:03 p.m. ET, with a backup opportunity available on Saturday, March 15 at 6:41 p.m. ET. This new date is after an attempt to launch today was scrubbed due to a hydraulics issue with the transporter-erector, the structure that hauls the Falcon 9 to the pad and supports it once it’s there.

“Great working with you today,” Crew-10 commander Anne McClain of NASA told launch controllers after the scrub. “Kudos from the whole team, I know it was a lot of work to try to go, but like I said earlier, we’ll be ready when the equipment is.”

“This is a concern of basically just how the vehicle is held in place during release at liftoff,” said Mike Ravenscroft, launch vehicle office manager with NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.

There were no issues with Crew-10’s Falcon 9 or its Crew Dragon capsule, named Endurance.

SpaceX’s live webcast of this mission will begin about one hour and 20 minutes prior to liftoff, which you can watch on X @SpaceX. You can also watch the webcast on the new X TV app.

The Dragon spacecraft supporting this mission previously flew NASA’s Crew-3, Crew-5, and Crew-7 missions to and from the space station. This will be the second flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched the SES 03b mPOWER-e mission. Following stage separation, Falcon 9’s first stage will land on Landing Zone 1 (LZ-1) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

During their time on the orbiting laboratory, the crew will conduct new research to prepare for human exploration beyond low-Earth orbit and to benefit humanity on Earth.

SpaceX and NASA’s Dragon on Crew-10 mission to send astronauts to ISS no earlier than Wednesday

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SpaceX and NASA are targeting no earlier than Wednesday, March 12 for Falcon 9’s launch of Dragon’s 10th operational human spaceflight mission (Crew-10) to the International Space Station from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Launch is targeted for 7:48 p.m. ET, with a backup opportunity available on Thursday, March 13 at 7:26 p.m. ET.

SpaceX’s live webcast of this mission will begin about one hour and 20 minutes prior to liftoff, which you can watch on X @SpaceX. You can also watch the webcast on the new X TV app.

The Dragon spacecraft supporting this mission previously flew NASA’s Crew-3, Crew-5, and Crew-7 missions to and from the space station. Following stage separation, Falcon 9’s first stage will land on Landing Zone 1 (LZ-1) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

During their time on the orbiting laboratory, the crew will conduct new research to prepare for human exploration beyond low-Earth orbit and to benefit humanity on Earth.

KONGSBERG launches and is now operating their 1st satellite

Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KONGSBERG’) has entered the space industry as a satellite operator and service provider after the company launched their first microsatellite from California. The satellite, named ARVAKER 1 N3X, was launched from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California as part of the SpaceX Transporter 13 launch service.

In 2024, KONGSBERG was awarded a contract from the Norwegian Armed Forces on behalf of the Norwegian government to provide maritime surveillance data to cover Norwegian Areas of Interest. As part of the five-year contract, KONGSBERG will launch three satellites.

The data will be used by the Norwegian Armed Forces, as well as other Norwegian government institutions involved in maritime security such as the Coastal Administration, the Directorate of Fisheries, and the Norwegian Customs.

The MP42H satellites are produced by Kongsberg NanoAvionics and equipped with Automatic Identification System (AIS) receivers and detector systems, delivered by Kongsberg Discovery. It includes a navigation radar detector developed by the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI). Kongsberg NanoAvionics has manufactured and launched 40 satellites to date.

The satellites are operated by Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT), which will use their international network of downloading stations to provide high frequency and low latency surveillance data for both the Norwegian Government as well as international customers.

“KONGSBERG has been active in the space segment for decades, delivering high-end technology and solutions, but this successful launch marks a milestone for us as we will own and operate the satellites for the first time,” said Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.

KONGSBERG companies and subsidiaries cover the full value chain to offer next-generation satellite services, from delivering our own micro satellites and ground stations to market-leading data processing and analytics. KONGSBERG is uniquely positioned tcmplete system solutions combing space segment with the ground systems to enhance data delivery and reduce latency.  A central part of KONGSBERG’s capability is the ability to assemble, integrate and test satellites with sensitive and national controlled payloads in our facilities.

Startical launches their first satellite—IOD-1

Startical, a company created by ENAIRE and Indra to optimize air traffic management from space, has launched its first satellite, the IOD-1 (In-Orbit Demonstrator-1), via launch integrator Exolaunch as part of the Transporter-13 rideshare mission with SpaceX.

Startical entrusted GomSpace with the satellite’s manufacturing, while its specification and validation have been carried out by Indra with support from ENAIRE. Additionally, Exolaunch handled the satellite’s integration into the rocket and subsequent deployment into orbit. The launch occurred at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

Equipped with a powerful VHF antenna and an ADS-B surveillance system, IOD-1 aims to demonstrate the feasibility of real-time communications between air traffic controllers and aircraft using signals transmitted from space. The satellite is part of ECHOES project, which aims to gather evidence on how this satellite-based solution can enhance ATM services and generate positive environmental effects.

The project is co-funded by the European Union through the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) and managed by the European Climate, Infrastructure, and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA), with support from the SESAR Joint Undertaking.

The demonstrator will explore the limits of implementing these technologies on CubeSats, which are characterized by their standardized miniaturized format, low cost, and high efficiency. Placing it into orbit will validate a space-based solution designed specifically for air traffic management, fully compliant with existing aeronautical communication standards.

Currently, in transoceanic flights or over remote areas, aircraft traverse regions without real-time voice communication coverage. This requires them to maintain large separation distances to ensure safety, reducing airspace efficiency and limiting traffic volume management.

With Startical’s solution, aircraft positions will be continuously monitored via satellite, while real-time, high-quality voice and data communications between controllers and pilots will be possible even in areas currently lacking coverage. This technology will enable more efficient and safer air traffic management, particularly useful in critical situations such as route changes due to storms or onboard medical emergencies. Additionally, it will contribute to more sustainable aviation by allowing aircraft to select optimal routes, thereby reducing fuel consumption.

In February 2025, Startical introduced its second satellite, IOD-2, which has undergone testing at Spain’s National Institute for Aerospace Technology (INTA) in Madrid. Like its predecessor, IOD-2 is part of the ECHOES project.

Following the deployment of the IOD-1 and IOD-2 demonstrators, Startical will conduct various proof-of-concept tests to confirm the technological viability. These studies will take place in the South Atlantic corridor, covering airspaces (FIR) over the Canary Islands, Azores-Santa Maria, Dakar Oceanic, Cape Verde, and the Atlantic region of Brazil. The initiative will involve air navigation service providers such as ENAIRE, NAV Portugal, ASA, ASECNA, and DECEA, highlighting international collaboration and interest in Startical’s vision.

“We are proud to become a space-based company with the launch of IOD-1, a demonstrator that paves the way for the Startical constellation. With over 200 satellites in low Earth orbit, this constellation will provide global coverage, transforming air traffic management,” said Juan Enrique González Laguna, General Manager of Startical.

Carsten Drachmann, CEO of GomSpace, said, “We appreciate Startical’s trust in our 16U CubeSat for this mission, which will have a positive impact on the efficiency and sustainability of air traffic management. We look forward to seeing the performance of IOD-1 in orbit.”