SpaceX: Starlink Missions and Rapid Launch Turnaround

SpaceX is leading the charge with three planned Starlink missions aboard its Falcon 9 rockets this week. As part of its aggressive expansion strategy, the company aims to boost its launch cadence to meet critical year-end targets. Falcon 9 has become a workhorse for SpaceX, capable of launching almost every day as turnaround times improve for its boosters and recovery vessels.

The most notable launch this week is the Starlink Group 6-66 mission, scheduled for Thursday, November 21, at 10:52 AM EST (15:52 UTC) from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. This mission marks the 400th flight of the Falcon 9 rocket, a remarkable milestone in the history of commercial spaceflight.

Rocket Lab: Pioneering Hypersonic and Satellite Technology

Rocket Lab has exciting plans of its own, beginning with the Leidos Mission 2, slated for launch from the Wallops Flight Facility on Thursday at 7:45 PM EST (00:45 UTC). This mission is part of the Multi-Service Advanced Capability Hypersonics Test Bed (MACH-TB) program created by the U.S. Department of Defense. The experimental payload aims to test hypersonic glide technologies. The mission is notable for utilizing a modified Electron rocket, designed specifically to propel payloads toward hypersonic speeds—over five times the speed of sound.

Following this, Rocket Lab will also launch the five Kinéis IoT satellites to low Earth orbit, adding to its growing portfolio of satellite deployment missions.

Russia: Cargo Resupply to the International Space Station

Meanwhile, Roscosmos is preparing to launch the Progress MS-29 mission on a Soyuz 2.1a rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome on Thursday at 12:22 UTC. This mission signifies another vital step in resupplying the International Space Station (ISS) with 2,500 kg of essential cargo, including fuel, water, food, and scientific equipment. If all goes according to plan, the spacecraft will arrive at the ISS just over two hours post-launch.

Upcoming Global Launches: Blue Origin and China

Adding to the excitement, Blue Origin’s New Shepard is expected to conduct its ninth crewed launch on Friday, November 22, from its facility in Texas. This mission features a diverse crew, including first-time space travelers, marking another chapter in the democratization of space access.

Lastly, China prepares for a mysterious launch on November 24, with a Chang Zheng 2C rocket rumored to carry an undisclosed payload from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, broadening the global competitive landscape in aerospace.

As these launches unfold, space enthusiasts are in for a thrilling week of advancements and discoveries. Stay tuned for updates on these spectacular developments!