KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. – Third time’s the charm?
SpaceX successfully launched its Falcon Heavy rocket on Friday night from Launch Pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center following two attempts earlier in the week.
The rocket successfully launched at 11:04 p.m.
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The launch was initially scheduled to happen Wednesday night, but crews scrubbed the launch a minute before its expected liftoff.
SpaceX said it was moving the launch to Friday so its teams can complete vehicle checkouts.
The rocket carried the EchoStar JUPITER 3 satellite into orbit. The satellite will expand broadband capacity for Hughes Network Systems customers.
After separation, the rocket’s boosters are expected to land on Landing Zones 1 and 2 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, so sonic booms are possible.
To complete vehicle checkouts, now targeting Friday, July 28 for Falcon Heavy's launch of the @HughesConnects JUPITER 3 mission. Weather improves to 65% favorable for liftoff tomorrow night → https://t.co/bJFjLCiTbK
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) July 27, 2023
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