The eagerly anticipated launch of SpaceX’s formidable Falcon Heavy rocket, slated to carry the U.S. Space Force’s X-37B space plane, has been postponed for at least another day.
Initially scheduled for Monday night (Dec. 11) to embark on the USSF-52 mission, the robust Falcon Heavy faced a delay of about 30 minutes before the intended 8:24 p.m. EST (0124 GMT) liftoff due to a ground-side issue, as disclosed by SpaceX. In response to the setback, the aerospace company declared a postponement and affirmed that both the vehicle and payload remained in good condition. The launch team is now gearing up for the next available launch window, which is no sooner than the following night.
SpaceX provided the update, stating, “Standing down from tonight’s Falcon Heavy launch due to a ground side issue; vehicle and payload remain healthy. Team is resetting for the next launch opportunity of the USSF-52 mission, which is no earlier than tomorrow night.”
When USSF-52 eventually takes flight, the event will be viewable on Space.com courtesy of SpaceX.
This marks the seventh mission for the X-37B, a reusable space plane measuring 29 feet (8.8 meters) in length, designed primarily as a testbed for new technologies and instruments. Classified in nature, the X-37B missions are known for their secrecy. USSF-52 will be the inaugural X-37B mission launched atop a Falcon Heavy, capable of taking the space plane to unprecedented altitudes.
The mission aims to explore new orbital regimes, test space domain awareness technologies, and investigate the effects of radiation on NASA materials, including a radiation experiment exposing plant seeds to the harsh conditions of space.
The Falcon Heavy, introduced in February 2018 with the iconic launch of Elon Musk’s red Tesla Roadster, has a track record of eight flights to date, including four in the current year. Its last mission occurred in October, carrying NASA’s Psyche asteroid probe.
Originally planned for Sunday (Dec. 10), the X-37B Falcon Heavy launch was rescheduled by SpaceX to the following day due to weather concerns.
