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SpaceX Launch Live Coverage - December 20, 2015

Accepted submission by cmn32480 at 2015-12-20 14:07:40
Science

This evening, December 20, 2015, SpaceX will be launching the upgraded Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral with 11 Orbcomm communications satellites.

SpaceX's live webcast begins at 8:05 p.m. EST (0105 GMT), less than a half-hour before the Falcon 9's scheduled launch time of 8:29 p.m. EST (0129 GMT) with 11 communications satellites for Orbcomm.

Live updates, and the stream of the launch are available at SpaceflightNow.com [spaceflightnow.com]

From the SpaceflightNow [spaceflightnow.com] article (separate from the live stream):

SpaceX says Sunday is the target launch date for the first launch of a remodeled version of its Falcon 9 rocket, and the launcher's first mission since a June failure, after completing a practice countdown and engine ignition test Friday.

The mission's firsts, including a possible landing attempt for the Falcon 9's first stage, make it a critical launch for SpaceX as the company simultaneously resumes flying its fully-booked manifest, debuts a new generation Falcon booster, and continues a lengthy research and development initiative into rocket reusability.

Sunday's launch attempt is timed for 8:29 p.m. EST (0129 GMT Monday) from Cape Canaveral's Complex 40 launch pad.

Sources said only an instantaneous launch opportunity is available Sunday due to restrictions imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration, which may be hesitant to re-route holiday week air traffic around the Cape Canaveral launch base for several hours in case of launch delays.


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