SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket will launch the USSF-4 mission for the US Space Force on November 1. WFTV9 reports that the spacecraft will carry two spacecraft payloads into the geosynchronous orbit, including the TETRA-1 microsatellite.
A few days before its flight after more than three years since the last one, the Kennedy Space Center announced that they are offering viewing packages to the public who wants to see the launch on Tuesday. They encourage people to secure their spot to see the most powerful rocket in the world take flight.
The SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket lifts off from launch pad 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on April 11, 2019 in Titusville, Florida.
Falcon Heavy's First Flight After 40 Months
It has been over 40 months since the last flight of the Falcon Heavy rocket. According to Space.com, the USSF-44 mission will be the first Falcon Heavy launch since June 2019 and the fourth overall flight of the megarocket. It debuted on February 2018 and was considered one of the most memorable launches in recent history as it orbits around the Sun "driven" by a spacesuit-clad mannequin.
Last week, SpaceX linked up three boosters that comprised the first stage of the Falcon Heavy rocket in preparation for its liftoff on November 1 from Pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center between 9:40 a.m. to 10:11 a.m.
SpaceX showed its progress on Twitter in which they posted a photo showing the three boosters laid out horizontally with a combined 27 Merlin engines all visible. "Falcon Heavy in the hangar at Launch Complex 39A," the company captions the photo.
Those three boosters are modified first stages of Falcon 9, wherein they were strapped together and puts a payload-carrying second stage atop as its central booster. Together with the 27 Merlin engines, the Falcon Heavy has about 5 million pounds of thrust at liftoff and making it the most powerful rocket in the world by a factor of two.
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Kennedy Space Center Offers Viewing Packages
According to Kennedy Space Center's press release, the Falcon Heavy rocket launch will have its two side boosters land on landing zone 1 and landing zone 2 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station while its center booster will be expended.
As it makes history on Tuesday, the space center offers viewing packages to the public. They will be assigned to Banan Creek Launch Viewing Area ta the Apollo/Saturn V Center, which is about 3.9 miles (6.27 kilometers) from the launch site. Price starts at $250 plus tax and will only be available online through their website.
The viewing package includes two launch attempts and an additional daily admission ticket that is valid within 30 days from the launch date, bus transportation to the Apollo/Saturn V Center, real-time launch commentary, a complimentary meal, a complimentary premium souvenir, commemorative launch card, badge, and lanyard, and digital group photo from AstroPhotos.
They also remind the public to check in for Feel the Heat which begins at 5:30 AM, and bus boarding starts at 6:00 AM. Due to its early schedule, make sure to arrive early and plan for the possible traffic.
More so, bleacher space is limited and those who plan for lawn seating, bring a blanket or foldable chair. Launch packages are for all ages, but children are required to be accompanied by an adult.
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Check out more news and information on Falcon Heavy in Science Times.
