FalconSAT-2
Falcon 1
SpaceX
Rocket Launch Video
Mission
FalconSAT-2
- Type: Technology
- Orbit: Low Earth Orbit
- Launch Cost: $7,000,000
FalconSAT-2 was a satellite built by students of the United States Air Force Academy. It was intended to have been placed into low Earth orbit to study the effects of plasma on communications with spacecraft, however it failed to reach orbit due to a malfunction of its carrier rocket.It landed in a storage shed on Omelek Island, just a few feet from its own shipping container
Engine failure at T+33 seconds
Location
Omelek Island
Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site, Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands
Omelek Island has witnessed the launch of 5 rockets, including 5 orbital launch attempts. While Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site, Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands, has been the site for 5 rocket launches.
The Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site is a missile test range in Marshall Islands. It covers about 750,000 square miles (1,900,000 km2) and includes rocket launch sites at the Kwajalein Atoll (on multiple islands), Wake Island, and Aur Atoll. It primarily functions as a test facility for U.S. missile defense and space research programs.
Rocket
SpaceX Falcon 1
The Falcon 1 was the first launch vehicle developed and manufactured by SpaceX in 2006. It is an expendable, two stage rocket where each stage is powered by a single LOX/RP1 engine.
Landing
Core F1 B0001
Booster destroyed mid-flight. Booster F1 B0001 last launched 03/24/2006 and has seen 0 successful launches and landings. Engine failure at T+33 seconds resulted in loss of vehicle
Pacific Ocean - PAC
Pacific Ocean
Parachute Landing - PCL
Unpowered landing using parachute(s).
Agency
SpaceX
Space Exploration Technologies Corp., known as SpaceX, is an American aerospace manufacturer and space transport services company headquartered in Hawthorne, California. It was founded in 2002 by entrepreneur Elon Musk with the goal of reducing space transportation costs and enabling the colonization of Mars. SpaceX operates from many pads, on the East Coast of the US they operate from SLC-40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and historic LC-39A at Kennedy Space Center. They also operate from SLC-4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, usually for polar launches. Another launch site is being developed at Boca Chica, Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the SpaceX Falcon 1 FalconSAT-2 launch scheduled?
The SpaceX Falcon 1 FalconSAT-2 launch was scheduled for:
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Where can I watch the SpaceX Falcon 1 FalconSAT-2 launch video?
You can watch the SpaceX Falcon 1 launch video on this page. The official video includes full mission coverage with multiple camera angles, onboard views, and expert commentary covering pre-launch procedures, liftoff, stage separation, and payload deployment.
Where did the SpaceX Falcon 1 FalconSAT-2 mission launch from?
The SpaceX Falcon 1 rocket launched from Omelek Island at Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site, Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands. The Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site is a missile test range in Marshall Islands. It covers about 750,000 square miles (1,900,000 km2) and includes rocket launch sites at the Kwajalein Atoll (on multiple islands), Wake Island, and Aur Atoll. It primarily functions as a test facility for U.S. missile defense and space research programs.
What rocket was used for the FalconSAT-2 mission?
The FalconSAT-2 mission launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 1 rocket. The Falcon 1 was the first launch vehicle developed and manufactured by SpaceX in 2006. It is an expendable, two stage rocket where each stage is powered by a single LOX/RP1 engine. Detailed rocket specifications and performance data are available in the rocket details above.
Did the SpaceX Falcon 1 booster for FalconSAT-2 attempt a landing?
Yes, the Falcon 1 first stage booster attempted a Parachute Landing at a designated landing zone. Booster recovery allows SpaceX to reuse rocket components, significantly reducing launch costs. Learn more about the landing details.
What weather conditions could have delayed the SpaceX Falcon 1 FalconSAT-2 launch?
The SpaceX Falcon 1 FalconSAT-2 launch could have been delayed by various weather conditions including lightning within 10 nautical miles, high winds (especially upper-level winds), thick cloud layers, precipitation, and poor visibility. Weather must be favorable at the launch site, downrange landing zones, and abort landing sites.
How can I get updates if the SpaceX Falcon 1 FalconSAT-2 launch was delayed?
This page was updated in real-time with the latest SpaceX Falcon 1 launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the FalconSAT-2 mission. You can also check our space launch schedule for historical launch information. Our mobile app provides push notifications for instant alerts about launch status changes. Official SpaceX live streams provided the most immediate range updates during the launch window.