The RADARSAT Constellation Mission is Ready for Launch

The launch of the RADARSAT Constellation Mission passed yet another milestone this past Saturday when SpaceX conducted a successful static fire test of the SpaceX Falcon 9 first stage on the launch pad.

The SpaceX Falcon 9 carrying the three RADARSAT Constellation Mission satellites is scheduled to launch Wednesday, June 12 at 7:17 a.m. PDT (local time) from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. (Watch the launch live on SpaceQ)

This morning the US Air Force officially confirmed the launch and warned local residents of possible sonic booms.  The sonic booms would be as a result of SpaceX attempting to land the first stage of the Falcon 9 rocket on land at Landing Zone 4, previously called SLC-4W.

In a statement released to media the Air Force said “local residents may see the first stage of the Falcon 9 returning to Vandenberg AFB, including multiple engine burns associated with the landing. During the landing attempt, residents from Santa Barbara, Ventura and San Luis Obispo counties may hear one or more sonic booms. A sonic boom is the sound associated with the shock waves from an aircraft or vehicle traveling faster than the speed of sound. Sonic booms generate a sound similar to an explosion or a clap of thunder. The sonic boom experienced will depend on weather conditions and other factors.”

This morning Maxar, the parent company of MDA, the prime contractor for the RADARSAT Constellation Mission released the image above that shows the launch site with the SpaceX Falcon 9 at the pad. To the left you’ll see the large SpaceX logo, that spot is Landing Zone 4 where the Falcon 9 first stage is scheduled to return after completing its mission.

Here is the launch sequence. Just over an hour after launch the last of the RADARSAT Constellation Mission satellites should have deployed.

In a Tweet on June 8th which shows the three RADARSAT Constellation Mission satellites and employees, MDA said “after years of hard work and dedication, Canada’s RADARSAT Constellation Mission is ready for launch. Today’s static fire test by @SpaceX confirms the launch is a ‘go’ for Wednesday, June 12 at 7:17am PT. Great job team!”