SpaceX successfully launched its first Falcon Heavy rocket in 18 months on Wednesday, carrying a massive communications satellite into orbit. The powerful rocket lifted off at 10:13 a.m. EDT from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The mission, known as ViaSat-3 F3, safely delivered a 6.6-metric-ton satellite designed to provide high-speed internet across the Asia-Pacific region. This marks the 12th successful flight for Falcon Heavy, which remains one of the world’s most capable operational launch vehicles.
In a signature SpaceX maneuver, the two side boosters separated roughly two and a half minutes into the flight and performed a synchronized return to Earth. Both boosters touched down successfully at Landing Zone 2 and the newly utilized Landing Zone 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. One of the boosters used in today’s flight had previously completed 21 missions in a different configuration. Seeing these boosters land back on Earth on their own just never gets old.
The center core of the rocket was expended into the Atlantic Ocean as planned to ensure the heavy satellite reached its specific geostationary orbit. This launch follows a two-day delay caused by poor weather earlier in the week.
This video provides a direct look at the Falcon Heavy’s liftoff and booster landings:
Landings:
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