SpaceX’s scheduled launch of four small communications satellites to a high Earth orbit was abruptly halted as the countdown hit T-0 seconds on Saturday, December 1.
A Falcon 9 rocket, tasked with transporting four “MicroGEO” satellites developed by the San Francisco-based company Astranis, was set to launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at midnight EST (0500 GMT). An unidentified problem led to an abort at the moment the Falcon’s Merlin engines were firing up.
SpaceX announced via an update on the X social media platform that it will be standing down from tonight’s Falcon 9 launch. “The new target date for liftoff is set for Sunday, December 22.”
“Scrubs happen!” stated Christian Keil, vice president of Astranis, in a post on X. “Despite the challenges faced, there is a determination to make another attempt in the near future.”
To date, one Astranis satellite has successfully reached orbit, which is reflected in the name assigned to this launch — “Astranis: From One to Many.”
Two of the four satellites scheduled for launch on Saturday will be utilized by Anuvu, a Colorado-based company, to enhance in-flight connectivity for travelers. Astranis has announced that another satellite will provide service to customers in the Philippines, while the fourth satellite, named UtilitySat, is anticipated to cater to a diverse range of customers over its operational lifespan.
Astranis has reached a significant milestone. Astranis CEO John Gedmark stated in an emailed announcement prior to the launch attempt, “We’re going from one to many satellites, and this is the first time anyone has ever launched four satellites together like this.”
“These satellites represent our most advanced technology to date, featuring several enhancements aimed at boosting capacity and reducing costs,” he stated. “The company expresses enthusiasm about its commitment to delivering dedicated broadband networks to customers, emphasizing a unique service that is not available through other providers.”
The Falcon 9’s upper stage is set to deploy four Astranis satellites into geosynchronous transfer orbit approximately 35 minutes following the launch.
The quartet proceeded to navigate to geosynchronous orbit, a circular trajectory positioned 22,236 miles (35,786 kilometers) above the Earth. At this altitude, the velocity required for orbit aligns with the rotational speed of the planet, enabling spacecraft to maintain a constant position over a specific area of Earth.
The Falcon 9’s first stage was scheduled to return to Earth, aiming for a landing on the droneship “A Shortfall of Gravitas” approximately 8.5 minutes following liftoff. According to a SpaceX mission description, this particular booster was set to undertake its 17th flight.
