Recent Launch Updates: SpaceX Maintains Rapid Launch Pace as Delta IV Heavy Prepares for Follow-up Launch after Scrub

SpaceX is set to continue its impressive launch cadence in April, following a record-breaking 12 Falcon 9 launches in March. The company has several missions planned for the upcoming week, including a Starlink flight, a mysterious launch from China, and three more Falcon 9 launches. The high frequency of SpaceX missions makes them vulnerable to schedule changes when delays occur. For example, a weather delay for the Starlink Group 7-18 mission is expected to impact the Starlink 8-1 launch.

On April 1st, SpaceX successfully launched its first mission of April from Vandenberg Space Force Base (VSFB) in California. The Falcon 9 rocket carried 22 Starlink v2 Mini satellites into orbit inclined at 53 degrees to the equator. The booster used for this mission had previously flown on the Starlink Group 7-13 mission in February. After stage separation, the booster landed on the autonomous spaceport drone ship (ASDS) Of Course I Still Love You, marking the 217th consecutive successful landing for the Falcon booster.

With 32 Falcon 9 launches already in 2024, SpaceX has matched its total number of launches from 2021. The company is on pace to exceed its previous annual launch records.

In China, a launch is scheduled for April 2nd from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center. Limited information is available about the launch vehicle and payload.

On April 5th, SpaceX plans to launch another batch of Starlink v2 Mini satellites from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS) in Florida. This mission will be SpaceX’s 333rd overall and its 33rd launch of the year.

Later that day, SpaceX will attempt its next Starlink launch from VSFB. This mission was rescheduled due to the delay of the Starlink Group 7-18 mission. The Falcon 9 rocket will deploy a new group of Starlink v2 Mini satellites into orbit.

SpaceX is also introducing a new rideshare service called Bandwagon-1. The first mission for this service is expected to launch on April 7th from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Falcon 9 rocket will launch multiple satellites into mid-inclination orbits, providing a new option for small satellite operators who typically rely on smaller launchers.

The Bandwagon-1 mission will carry at least ten payloads, including satellites for South Korea’s 425 Project and the Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space, Inc. Additionally, Capella Space’s Acadia-4 satellite, which previously launched on Rocket Lab’s Electron, will also be part of this mission.

Furthermore, India’s first privately-produced military satellite, TSAT 1A, built in collaboration with Satellogic, is scheduled to launch on April 8th. This satellite will provide India with high-resolution imaging capabilities.

Finally, the highly anticipated second launch attempt of the final Delta IV Heavy carrying NROL-70 is scheduled for the end of the week. This classified mission for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) was delayed due to ground equipment issues.

The Delta IV Heavy rocket, the heaviest-lifting variant of the Delta IV family, will launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and deliver its payload into a geostationary orbit. This flight will be the last for the Delta IV Heavy and marks the end of the Delta family’s service, with an overall 389 rockets launched since 1960.

Overall, SpaceX continues to demonstrate its ability to maintain a high launch cadence while expanding its services and partnerships. The company’s success in commercial spaceflight has positioned it as a key player in the industry. With numerous exciting missions planned for April, SpaceX is sure to maintain its momentum and drive advancements in space exploration and satellite deployment.