Atlas-V

NASA has released a sweeping investigation report into the propulsion system failures that plagued Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner during its Crewed Flight Test (CFT) last year. The report finds a cascade of hardware failures, qualification gaps, organizational breakdowns, and a culture that prioritized schedule and provider success over engineering rigor in the program.

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One down, ten to go: United Launch Alliance launched an Atlas V 551 this morning from SLC-41 at Cape Canaveral in partly cloudy cool winter skies. Launch was at the top of the window, 3:28 AM ET.

Aboard the venerable rocket were 27 Amazon Leo satellites, which will now join the other 152 satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) as Amazon begins building its orbital-based Internet service offering. The company plans for over 3,200 in its full constellation, aiming for initial service by early 2026.

“One of our primary missions at ULA is to be a catalyst in connecting the world,” said Gary Wentz, ULA vice president of Atlas and Vulcan programs. “Partnering with Amazon contributes to their mission of bridging the global digital gap. We thank the Amazon Leo team for their continued collaboration.”

 Trajectory was northeastward, at roughly 44-45º, aiming for a final orbit inclination of around 51.9º at roughly 630 km (391 miles.)

Tonight’s launch leaves only ten Atlas V’s remaining: six for Starliner, four more for Amazon Leo. The rocket has been in service for over 23 years, since its inaugural launch on August 21, 2002. Originally designed and developed by Lockheed Martin for the U.S. Air Force’s EELV program, with manufacturing/operations later consolidated under ULA. It has launched over 100 missions to date, but will be replaced by the new ULA-designed Vulcan rocket.

Launch Replay

Next Launch

Next Launch: Falcon 9 Block 5 | Starlink Group 6-99

Go for Launch Kennedy Space Center • LC-39A

Mission Starlink Group 6-99 (29 satellites)
Organization SpaceX
Rocket Falcon 9
Launch Site Kennedy Space Center, Florida, USA
Pad Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A)
Window Opens Wednesday, 12/17/2025 • 7:19:00 AM (ET)
Window Closes Wednesday, 12/17/2025 • 11:19:00 AM (ET)
Destination Low Earth Orbit
Status Info Current T-0 confirmed by official or reliable sources.
Mission Description A batch of 29 satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation — SpaceX’s project for a space-based Internet communication system.
Countdown (to window open)
As of: (your local time)
Launch times are subject to change due to weather, range operations, and mission requirements.
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ULA Atlas V ViaSat-3 liftoff. Credit: United Launch Alliance

On an Atlas V 551 rocket, United Launch Alliance successfully launched the ViaSat-3 Flight 2 (F2) mission for Viasat, Inc. Liftoff was at 10:04 p.m. ET from SLC-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The mission was a success.

This launch concluded a rare day at The Cape: two different rockets from two different manufacturers launching on the same day, with none of them being a Falcon 9. SpaceX is well known for launching twice in one day from the Eastern Range, but this time was a bit different: Blue Origin was launching New Glenn for only the second time, and later, ULA was launching Atlas V on its last mission past low-earth orbit. There are only 11 launches left for Atlas V: six Starliner flights (if they happen) and five Project Kuiper (now Amazon LEO) missions.

In a post-flight press release, Gary Wentz, ULA vice president of Government and Commercial Program said, “At ULA, we pride ourselves in delivering our customer’s spacecraft precisely to orbit and serving as the catalyst for our customers to enable global connectivity. We partner in the shared goals of connecting the world and this successful launch aligns with this core mission. Thank you Viasat for your trust in our shared visions and successful partnership.”

For this mission, the Atlas V 551 configuration placed the ViaSat-3 F2 ultra-high-capacity broadband satellite into a geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO). Once operational, the spacecraft is expected to substantially boost both the capacity and adaptability of Viasat’s global, multi-orbit network, which serves consumer, commercial and government users. Engineered to add 1 Tbps of throughput to that network, ViaSat-3 F2 will help meet rising demand for secure, dependable, high-bandwidth connectivity services across the Americas.

Launch Replay

Next Launch

SpaceX Falcon 9 — Starlink Launch (Cape Canaveral SFS)
OrganizationSpaceX
LocationCape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA
RocketFalcon 9
PadSpace Launch Complex 40
StatusGo for Launch
Status InfoCurrent T-0 confirmed by official or reliable sources.
Window OpensFriday, 11/14/2025 10:01:00 PM
Window ClosesSaturday, 11/15/2025 2:01:00 AM
Streaming Official SpaceX mission webcast
Spaceflight Now YouTube live streams
DestinationLow Earth Orbit
Mission Description A batch of 29 satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation – SpaceX’s project for space-based Internet communication system.
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It’s not often that this happens, but solar activity has forced Blue Origin to scrub today’s launch attempt of New Glenn from Cape Canaveral.

Solar activity has been quite high in the past few days as sunspot 4274 has created coronal mass ejection events this week. Last night, aurorae were visible as far south as Central Florida, and that electrical activity is not good for rockets and payloads. According to NOAA, that activity is set to continue today:

The culprit is sunspot 4274 (circled in the solar disk photo above), which is nearing the solar horizon and will rotate with the sun to its side facing away from Earth. Today, however, is going be a busy one insofar as solar activity, according to NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center. That necessitated a launch delay.

When Will Blue Origin Try Again?

As their post on X states, Blue Origin is looking at dates and working with officials at the Eastern Range to determine a new launch date for New Glenn. Space Weather is of course a current concern, but their launch date may be affected by United Launch Alliance’s next attempt to launch Atlas V and the ViaSat-3 mission, currently scheduled for tomorrow night.

That’s where it gets sticky: ULA might also be forced to cancel their launch attempt for the same reason Blue Origin scrubbed today: solar storms affecting Earth’s atmosphere. Forecasters at Spaceweather.com posted today that, “Last night’s severe (G4) geomagnetic storm is subsiding, but the action is not over. Earth’s magnetic field is still reverberating from a double-strike of CMEs on Nov. 11th. A third CME is expected to hit Earth on Nov. 12th, elevating storm levels back to G3/G4.” How long that lasts will determine ULA’s plan and whether they have to push their launch.

Should that happen, there will be some congestion on the Range, and at that point, priorities will need to be assigned. Stay tuned,

Why Does Solar Weather Matter To Rockets?

Solar activity can disrupt the communications and navigation systems that ascending rockets rely on. Radio bursts from solar flares add noise to tracking radars and telemetry links, while geomagnetic storms disturb the ionosphere, degrading GPS accuracy used by guidance and range safety. These events also heat the upper atmosphere, increasing drag and altering ascent conditions, complicating performance predictions.

Launch operators monitor space-weather alerts and compare conditions to launch commit criteria; when space weather indices are elevated, they may delay to keep comms, navigation, and environmental margins within acceptable limits. In other words, it’s electrical activity that can scramble vital communications and control.

Blue Origin and NASA did just that, wisely not taking these risks lightly and choosing to wait for the storms to fade and the atmosphere to calm before launching New Glenn.

As the old saying goes: “It’s better to be on the ground wishing you were in the air, than in the air wishing you were on the ground.” 

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United Launch Alliance is set to fly their last commercial payload on an Atlas V (* other than Project Kuiper) this week from Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The payload is ViaSat-3 — or VS-3 F2 in ViaSat parlance — is a telecommunications satellite that the company expects to more than double the bandwidth capacity of their entire existing fleet. The launch is currently scheduled for 10:24 PM EST on Wednesday, November 5th.

Spaceport Canaveral Is Quite Busy

SpaceX also has a Starlink launch scheduled for Wednesday, but will likely yield the Eastern Range to ULA for their launch if ULA is ready to proceed. Stay tuned — it sounds like Wednesday will have a rocket launch of some kind, whether it be a Falcon 9 or an Atlas V.

Meanwhile, south of ULA and SpaceX’s launch complexes, Blue Origin continues to prepare New Glenn for its planned launch next week. It’s hard to recall a time when this many different rockets from different companies are all heading to the pad to launch in the space of only a few days.

At A Glance

Atlas V 551 | ViaSat-3 F2 (ViaSat-3 EMEA)
OrganizationUnited Launch Alliance
LocationCape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA
RocketAtlas V 551
PadSpace Launch Complex 41
StatusGo for Launch
Status InfoCurrent T-0 confirmed by official or reliable sources.
Window OpensWednesday, 11 / 05 / 2025 10:24 PM
Window ClosesWednesday, 11 / 05 / 2025 11:08 PM
DestinationGeostationary Transfer Orbit
Mission Description The ViaSat-3 is a series of three Ka-band satellites expected to deliver >1 Tbps of network capacity with flexible, dynamically directed service to where customers are located.

As of 10:30 AM ET Monday November 3, 2025. Launch assignments and times are subject to change or cancellation at any time. Consult ULA for updates.

Weather

The 45th Weather Squadron of Space Launch Delta 45 has released their official Launch Mission Execution Forecast: 95% GO throughout the launch window:

Trajectory

The target orbit for the ViaSat-3 mission is believed to be ~11,700 × 23,600 km, with an inclination of ~6.0 °. After payload separation, the satellite will move to its final operational position in a sun-synchronous orbit under its own power.

Launch Viewing: In Person

Given that this is a launch from Cape Canaveral’s SLC-41, Jetty ParkThe Banana River Bridge and southern Titusville Parks are your best bets.

Cocoa Beach and the northern Titusville parks will have an excellent view as well.

For official updates regarding launch times, the ULA mission page is the best source of information: ViaSat-3 Launch times change from time to time, and the company generally updates their website within minutes of the decision to change the launch time. This is very handy if none of the streaming options on YouTube have started their broadcasts.

Speaking of streaming, if possible, watch one of the YouTube streams for the latest/greatest information. Things change pretty fast as the countdown heads towards zero, and the dulcet tones of Will Robinson-Smith on Spaceflight Now or the announcers on ULA’s live stream will keep you up to date.

Remember that there is a delay between a launch stream and the actual countdown clock. That is simply because of physics: it takes time for the signal to travel from the launch site, through the Internet, and back down to your phone, resulting in a five to fifteen-second delay.

Next Space Flight an app for iOS and Android phones, has a real-time countdown clock that is accurate to a second, give or take. The app is free. Search the App Store or Google Play. They are also on the web: nextspaceflight.com.

Best Public Viewing Spots for SpaceX Launches from SLC-40 (Cape Canaveral)
Area Spot Distance to SLC-40 Notes
Port Canaveral SR-528 Bennett Causeway pull-offs ~11–12 mi Free roadside shoulder; arrive early; bring chairs.
Port Canaveral SR-401 / Port waterfront ~11–13 mi Free public areas; sightlines toward pads; occasional security closures. Port launch viewing info.
Port Canaveral Jetty Park (pier & beach) ~12–13 mi Park fee; restrooms & concessions; popular & crowded. Jetty Park fees/passes.
Cape Canaveral (city) Cherie Down Park ~13–14 mi Free public beach access; small parking lot.
Cocoa Beach Cocoa Beach Pier ~17–20 mi Public beach; shops & restrooms; tourist crowds. Parking fees (city).
Cocoa Beach Alan Shepard Park ~18–19 mi Paid parking; restrooms; easy beach access. Parking fees (city).
Cocoa Beach Lori Wilson Park ~19–20 mi Free parking; restrooms & boardwalks; large lot.
Titusville / US-1 Max Brewer Bridge & Parrish Park ~12–14 mi Free public area; elevated views; fills quickly.
Titusville / US-1 Space View Park ~13–15 mi Free public park; historical displays; occasional audio feeds.
Titusville / US-1 Rotary Riverfront Park ~13–15 mi Free public park; open river views; moderate parking.
Titusville / US-1 Kennedy Point Park ~13–15 mi Free public park; long riverfront; good tripod space.
Titusville / US-1 Space Bar (Rooftop) ~12–14 mi Rooftop bar at Courtyard by Marriott with launch views; seating fills quickly. official hours.
Note: Distances are approximate straight-line measures. Access, hours, fees, security zones, and closures change by mission—verify on launch day.

Launch Viewing Online

Links to streaming sources for the launch are below.

Launch Streaming Links
Streaming Source Availability
Spaceflight Now One hour prior to liftoff
ULA YouTube One half hour prior to liftoff
ULA Mission Page One half hour prior to liftoff
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The ever-dwindling supply of Atlas V rockets will shrink by one more in a couple of weeks if all goes to plan for United Launch Alliance. The company announced today that they plan to launch the ViaSat 3 mission in early November aboard the venerable rocket.

(Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fla., Oct. 28, 2025) – Due to the continuation of severe weather impacting launch processing, the launch of a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V 551 rocket carrying the ViaSat-3 Flight 2 (F2) mission for Viasat is now planned for no earlier than Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025, pending range approval.

The launch is scheduled for 10:24 p.m. EST at the opening of a 44-minute window, from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida.

Viasat-3 is a three-satellite, geostationary Ka-band constellation planned to deliver global coverage. Operated by Viasat, Inc., the first satellite was launched in 2023. The system is designed to provide 100+ Mbps broadband service to homes, businesses and enterprises, as well as connectivity for commercial aircraft and government users.

This will be a replacement satellite for ViaSat-3 F1, which launched on 1 May 1st 2023 aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy. While the payload was delivered successfully by SpaceX, the deployment of the satellite’s antennae was subnominal, and its performance was so poor that it triggered a $420+ insurance claim for payload loss.

Launch schedules being what they are, the potential for this new launch date to move is ever-present, so it will be worth keeping an eye on.

At A Glance

Details
Mission Atlas V 551 | ViaSat-3 — Go for Launch!
Organization United Launch Alliance (ULA)
Location Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA
Rocket Atlas V 551
Pad Space Launch Complex 41
Status Go for Launch
Status Info Current T-0 confirmed by official or reliable sources.
Window Opens Wednesday, 11/05/2025 10:24 PM
Window Closes Wednesday, 11/05/2025 11:08 PM
Destination Geostationary Transfer Orbit
Mission Description The ViaSat-3 series of Ka-band satellites is designed to deliver more than 1 terabit per second of network capacity per satellite, with flexible, dynamically steerable bandwidth to serve customers where demand is highest.
Broadcast Start Time Coverage typically begins ~15 minutes before liftoff.
ULA Streaming Coverage Watch Live on ULA’s Mission Page  |  ULA YouTube Channel
Spaceflight Now YouTube Coverage Watch on YouTube – Spaceflight Now Live Stream

As of 3:57 PM Tuesday October 28, 2025. Launch times are subject to change or cancellation at any time. Consult ULA’s mission page for the most current information.

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Atlas V with the Kuiper 2 payload at LC-41. Photo: United Launch Alliance
Atlas V with the Kuiper 2 payload at LC-41.
Photo: United Launch Alliance

Amazon’s satellite internet project, Kuiper, will continue its deployment today with the planned launch of the Kuiper K-02 mission at 1:25 PM ET aboard an United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V 551 rocket. This mission will deliver 27 operational satellites into low Earth orbit, adding to the 27 satellites deployed earlier this year in April.

The Kuiper project is Amazon’s initiative to provide broadband internet service through a constellation of satellites. Today’s launch is the second of a series that aims to meet the conditions set by the Federal Communications Commission, which require half of the planned 3,236 satellites to be in orbit by mid-2026. The full network is expected to be completed by mid-2029.

The Atlas V 551 rocket, used for this launch, is among ULA’s more powerful configurations. It includes five solid rocket boosters and a medium payload fairing.

Following deployment, the satellites will be elevated from their initial orbit of approximately 450 kilometers to an operational altitude of around 630 kilometers. From this position, they will begin supporting future broadband service coverage as part of Amazon’s long-term strategy to enter the satellite internet market.

Operational Strategy and Technology Capabilities

Each satellite in the Kuiper constellation is equipped with propulsion and communication technologies to maintain orbit and link with both ground stations and other satellites. The system includes inter-satellite laser links, which allow the satellites to pass data directly between one another. These optical links are designed to support high-throughput connections, improving the flexibility and resilience of the network.

The K-02 mission represents the continued transition from prototype to full-scale operations. The first launch in April tested Amazon’s satellite bus and operational model. With K-02, Amazon is moving forward with production models that are expected to serve as a foundational layer of the broader constellation. The mission is part of a deployment strategy that includes multiple launch providers and vehicle types, including upcoming launches on ULA’s Vulcan Centaur, SpaceX Falcon 9, and the European Ariane 6.

Amazon has publicly committed more than $10 billion to the development and deployment of the Kuiper constellation. The company is building out supporting infrastructure in tandem with the satellites, including user terminals and ground communication sites. The terminals, developed in-house, are designed to be compact and cost-effective. Amazon has said these terminals will support download speeds up to 400 Mbps and will be priced under $400, though full commercial service has not yet begun.

In the near term, newly launched satellites will undergo a series of health and status checks, after which their thrusters will be used to reach final orbit. Amazon’s Kuiper operations team, based in Redmond, Washington, is managing the process, which includes positioning, testing communication links, and preparing the satellites to eventually join the active broadband network.

Trajectory

Northeast.

Kuiper 2 trajectory

Weather

launch mission execution forecast
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Atlas V Kuiper KA-01-

Summer is nearly back on the Space Coast, with warm temperatures and a persistent threat of rain in the afternoon and evenings — typical weather here, and it will stay this way for several months. That being said, Atlas V was able to beat the weather last night and launched at the opening of its window, with liftoff at 7:01 PM ET after an apparently quiet countdown, save for some concerns about the energy potential of a nearby anvil cloud (Cumulonimbus incus) lingering near the launch pad before dissipating.

Atlas V Kuiper KA-01 lifting off from SLC-41 at Cape Canaveral on April 28, 2025
Photo: Charles Boyer / Talk of Titusville

The launch carried 27 Amazon Kuiper satellites to orbit. These were the first operational units of Amazon’s planned Internet service constellation, which is planned to feature some 3,236 units when fully built out.

For more information about Project Kuiper, click here.

Atlas V was outfitted in its 551 configuration, meaning it had five GEM 63 solid rockets strapped onto the booster for additional lift. It also had a five-meter fairing, the largest used on the venerable member of ULA’s stable. Tory Bruno, CEO of ULA, calls this setup “The Bruiser” and that’s an apt name: it’s a big rocket and has a lot of power. Good thing, because yesterday, Atlas V carried the most weight to orbit in 155 missions so far.

Atlas V Kuiper KA-01 in flight
Photo: Charles Boyer / Talk of Titusville

The launch was nominal, as was the flight to orbit. At 7:18 Tory Bruno announced on X.com that the payload was in orbit, and later, after deployment, Project Kuiper posted that it had established communications with all 27 Kuiper satellites. With that, the mission was a full success.

Launch Replay

Next Launch

Falcon 9 Block 5 | Starlink Group 6-75 Mission Details
Mission Falcon 9 Block 5 | Starlink Group 6-75
Organization SpaceX
Location Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA
Rocket Falcon 9 Block 5
Pad Space Launch Complex 40
Status To Be Confirmed
Status Info Awaiting official confirmation – current date is known with some certainty.
Window Opens Wednesday, 04/30/2025 10:17:00 PM EDT
Window Closes Thursday, 05/01/2025 2:48:00 AM EDT
Destination Low Earth Orbit
Mission Description A batch of satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation – SpaceX’s project for a space-based Internet communication system.

Please note that the launch window times are provided in Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).

For the most current information regarding the launch schedule and status, please refer to official updates from SpaceX.com

Atlas V’s ascent path was illustrated clearly by a plume trail from the rocket’s SRBs
Photo: Charles Boyer / Talk of Titusville
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Atlas V at SLC-41 on April 28, 2025
Atlas V at SLC-41 on April 28, 2025
Atlas V at SLC-41 on April 28, 2025
Photo: Charles Boyer / Talk of Titusville

United Launch Alliance is set to launch and Atlas V 551 this evening from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The launch window opens at 7:00 PM ET and closes again at 9:00 PM the same day.

This will be ULA’s first launch this year. The company is winding down Atlas V launches, with only fifteen remaining, tonight’s launch included. ULA also recently retired Delta IV Heavy, and launched the last one a year ago today. The company is moving towards its Vulcan rocket, which it has launched twice. Vulcan recently received USSL certification for its new Vulcan rocket, which is now awaiting payloads prior to its next flight.

As is customary with Atlas V, all stages are expendable, so there will be no landing and retrieval of the booster. After its job is done for the day, it will crash into the ocean and sleep with the fishes.

For More Coverage of Amazon Kuiper Project, click here.

Weather

The 45th Weather Squadron of Space Delta 45 has posted their Launch Mission Execution Forecast, and they are rating the chances of a weather violation at 25% on Monday, April 28, with chances dropping drastically to only a 10% chance of weather being an issue on Tuesday, April, 29th.

Trajectory

Northeast. Depending on when Atlas V launches, it may put on quite a show. Local sunset is 7:45 PM ET, so if the launch is at the opening of the window, we will see a beautiful sunset launch. If it is delayed an hour, the sun will have set on the ground, but Civil Twilight last until 8:09 PM and that means that Atlas V’s plumes will still be in sunlight up high. It might be interesting, but forecasting a jellyfish plume is tricky.

What Is Project Kuiper?

Similar to SpaceX’s Starlink, Project Kuiper is Amazon’s initiative to provide global broadband access through a constellation of over 3,000 satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO).

Announced in 2019, the project’s goal is to deliver fast, affordable internet connectivity to unserved and underserved communities worldwide. Like Starlink, by leveraging LEO satellites, Project Kuiper aims to provide low-latency broadband services to a diverse range of customers, including individual households, schools, hospitals, businesses, and government agencies.

ready on the launch mount at SLC-41.
Photo: Charles Boyer / Talk Of Titusville
Atlas V, with Kuiper K-01, stands at the ready on the launch mount at SLC-41. Photo: Charles Boyer / Talk Of Titusville

To achieve this, Amazon plans to deploy some 3,236 satellites at altitudes ranging from 590 to 630 kilometers. The company has secured agreements for up to 83 launches over a five-year period, utilizing various launch providers such as Arianespace’s Ariane 6, Blue Origin’s New Glenn, and United Launch Alliance’s Atlas V and later, Vulcan Centaur.

Launch Viewing: Online

Spaceflight Now will have coverage of the launch starting about one hour before liftoff on Youtube: link

For official updates regarding launch times, United Launch Alliance’s website is the best source of information. Launch times change from time to time, and the company generally updates their website within minutes of the decision to change the launch time. This is very handy if none of the streaming options on YouTube have started their broadcasts.

Remember that there is a delay between a launch stream and the actual countdown clock. That is simply because of physics: it takes time for the signal to travel from the launch site, through the Internet, and back down to your phone, resulting in a five to fifteen-second delay.

Next Space Flight an app for iOS and Android phones, has a real-time countdown clock that is accurate to a second, give or take. The app is free. Search the App Store or Google Play. They are also on the web: nextspaceflight.com.

Launch Viewing: In Person

The southern viewing spots are the best for this launch, but none are particularly close except for Playalinda Beach. Problem is, Playalinda closes at 8PM, so unless the launch is right on time, it won’t be an option.

The best free options are available for spectators: 528 West at the Banana River Bridge, Jetty Park and Cherie Down Park in Cape Canaveral. Southern Titusville parks on Washington Avenu / US-1 are also good: Kennedy Point and Rotary Riverfront Park are your best bets.

Distance to SLC-41 from Kennedy Point Park
Distance to SLC-41 from Kennedy Point Park

Local recommendations also say the Cafe Paradiso and Ven pa’ Ca Café are excellent choices for before, after and even during launches. Grab a bite to eat, walk over to the Indian River and watch the launch.

Distance to SLC-41 from the Banana River Bridge on FL 528 W

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A file photo of an Atlas V lifting off from SLC-41 at Cape Canaveral
Atlas V in flight. Unlike a SpaceX Falcon 9, Atlas V leaves a contrail from liftoff to solid rocket booster separation. File photo.
Charles Boyer / Talk of Titusville

UPDATE: the launch was scrubbed due to offshore weather and also heavy winds throughout the launch window. The next attempt is penciled in for Monday, April 14, between 7:00PM and 11:34 PM EDT.

United Launch Alliance is set to launch and Atlas V 551 this evening from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The launch window opens at 7:00 PM ET and closes again at 9:00 PM the same day.

This will be ULA’s first launch this year. The company is winding down Atlas V launches, with only fifteen remaining, tonight’s launch included. ULA also recently retired Delta IV Heavy, and launched the last one a year ago today. The company is moving towards its Vulcan rocket, which it has launched twice. Vulcan recently received USSL certification for its new Vulcan rocket, which is now awaiting payloads prior to its next flight.

As is customary with Atlas V, all stages are expendable, so there will be no landing and retrieval of the booster. After its job is done for the day, it will crash into the ocean and sleep with the fishes.

For More Coverage of Amazon Kuiper Project, click here.

Weather

The 45th Weather Squadron of Space Delta 45 has posted their Launch Mission Execution Forecast, and they are rating the chances of a weather violation at 45% on Wednesday April 9, with chances dropping drastically to only a 10% chance of weather being an issue on Thursday.

Trajectory

Northeast. Depending on when Atlas V launches, it may put on quite a show. Local sunset is 7:45 PM ET, so if the launch is at the opening of the window, we will see a beautiful sunset launch. If it is delayed an hour, the sun will have set on the ground, but Civil Twilight last until 8:09 PM and that means that Atlas V’s plumes will still be in sunlight up high. It might be interesting, but forecasting a jellyfish plume is tricky.

What Is Project Kuiper?

Similar to SpaceX’s Starlink, Project Kuiper is Amazon’s initiative to provide global broadband access through a constellation of over 3,000 satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO).

Announced in 2019, the project’s goal is to deliver fast, affordable internet connectivity to unserved and underserved communities worldwide. Like Starlink, by leveraging LEO satellites, Project Kuiper aims to provide low-latency broadband services to a diverse range of customers, including individual households, schools, hospitals, businesses, and government agencies.

To achieve this, Amazon plans to deploy some 3,236 satellites at altitudes ranging from 590 to 630 kilometers. The company has secured agreements for up to 83 launches over a five-year period, utilizing various launch providers such as Arianespace’s Ariane 6, Blue Origin’s New Glenn, and United Launch Alliance’s Atlas V and later, Vulcan Centaur.

Launch Viewing: Online

Spaceflight Now will have coverage of the launch starting about one hour before liftoff on Youtube: link

For official updates regarding launch times, United Launch Alliance’s website is the best source of information. Launch times change from time to time, and the company generally updates their website within minutes of the decision to change the launch time. This is very handy if none of the streaming options on YouTube have started their broadcasts.

Remember that there is a delay between a launch stream and the actual countdown clock. That is simply because of physics: it takes time for the signal to travel from the launch site, through the Internet, and back down to your phone, resulting in a five to fifteen-second delay.

Next Space Flight an app for iOS and Android phones, has a real-time countdown clock that is accurate to a second, give or take. The app is free. Search the App Store or Google Play. They are also on the web: nextspaceflight.com.

Launch Viewing: In Person

The southern viewing spots are the best for this launch, but none are particularly close except for Playalinda Beach. Problem is, Playalinda closes at 8PM, so unless the launch is right on time, it won’t be an option.

The best free options are available for spectators: 528 West at the Banana River Bridge, Jetty Park and Cherie Down Park in Cape Canaveral. Southern Titusville parks on Washington Avenu / US-1 are also good: Kennedy Point and Rotary Riverfront Park are your best bets.

Distance to SLC-41 from Kennedy Point Park
Distance to SLC-41 from Kennedy Point Park

Local recommendations also say the Cafe Paradiso and Ven pa’ Ca Café are excellent choices for before, after and even during launches. Grab a bite to eat, walk over to the Indian River and watch the launch.

Distance to SLC-41 from the Banana River Bridge on FL 528 W
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