Second-ever Falcon Heavy launch scheduled for this weekend
Image courtesy: SpaceX
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (FOX 35 ORLANDO) - The second-ever Falcon Heavy launch has been scheduled for this coming weekend.
According to the Orlando Sentinel, the Falcon Heavy is expected to take off from Cape Canaveral's launchpad 39A on April 7th, with a backup launch planned for April 9th. The launch window opens up at 6:36 p.m. and doesn't close until 8:35 p.m, Spaceflight Now stated.
NASA stated that the rocket will launch the Arabsat 6A communications satellite. This will deliver television, internet, and mobile phone services to the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is selling different viewing packages for this launch. For $75, you can purchase the 'Main Visitor Complex Launch Viewing Package,' which grants you launch viewing from the general vistor complex and 2-Day admission to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
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The 'Feel the Fun Package' can be purchased for $115. It allows you to watch the launch from the Space Shuttle Atlantis North Lawn. It also gives you 2-Day admission to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, a buffet meal, complimentary commemorative souvenirs, and digital photo with special background.
Finally, the 'Feel the Heat Package' can be purchased for $195. It lets you watch the launch from the Apollo/Saturn V Center Launch Viewing area, which is the closest you can get to the launch pad. It also grants you 2-Day admission to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, up-close encounters with the Mars Rover Vehicle Navigator and a lunar rover replica, a special guest apperance from veteran NASA astronaut Bob Springer, a catered meal with two drink ticekts, complimentary commemorative souvenirs, and digital photo with special background.
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You can purchase viewing tickets and gather more information on the Kennedy Space Center website.
The Falcon Heavy, which features three Falcon 9 first-stage boosters joined together, had its debut launch in February 2018. During it, the rocket carried Elon Musk's red Tesla Roadster into space.
The Falcon Heavy is intended to carry super-big satellites, as well as cargo for points far beyond, like Mars.
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