X-Ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE)
Falcon 9 Block 5
SpaceX
Rocket Launch Videos
Weather Forecast During Launch
According to weather officials, there's a 90% chance of favorable weather conditions at the time of the launch.
Mission
IXPE
- Type: Astrophysics
- Orbit: Low Earth Orbit
- Launch Cost: $52,000,000
Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) is a space observatory tasked with measuring the polarization of cosmic X-rays. This data will help to learn more about objects that emit these X-rays, such as black holes and neutron stars.
Location
Launch Complex 39A
Kennedy Space Center, FL, USA
Find the best place to watch the launch from Florida
Launch Complex 39A has witnessed the launch of 221 rockets, including 220 orbital launch attempts. While Kennedy Space Center, FL, USA, has been the site for 279 rocket launches.
The John F. Kennedy Space Center, located on Merritt Island, Florida, is one of NASA's ten field centers. Since 1968, KSC has been NASA's primary launch center of American spaceflight, research, and technology. Launch operations for the Apollo, Skylab and Space Shuttle programs were carried out from Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39 and managed by KSC. Located on the east coast of Florida, KSC is adjacent to Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS).
Rocket
SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5
Falcon 9 is a two-stage rocket designed and manufactured by SpaceX for the reliable and safe transport of satellites and the Dragon spacecraft into orbit. The Block 5 variant is the fifth major interval aimed at improving upon the ability for rapid reusability.
Landing
Core B1061
B1061 has landed on ASDS JRTI after its fifth flight. Booster B1061 last launched 10/07/2024 and has seen 22 successful launches and landings. Booster which launched Crew-1, Crew-2 and IXPE. Expended for the launch of Hera.
Just Read the Instructions - JRTI
Third (Marmac 303) ASDS barge, Just Read the Instructions (JRTI) is currently used to recover Falcon 9 and Heavy boosters in the Atlantic Ocean.
Autonomous Spaceport Drone Ship - ASDS
An autonomous spaceport drone ship (ASDS) is an ocean-going vessel derived from a deck barge, outfitted with station-keeping engines and a large landing platform. Construction of such ships was commissioned by aerospace company SpaceX to allow for recovery of rocket first-stages at sea for high-velocity missions which do not carry enough fuel to return to the launch site after lofting spacecraft onto an orbital trajectory.
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 9 IXPE launch scheduled?
The SpaceX Falcon 9 IXPE launch was scheduled for:
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Where can I watch the SpaceX Falcon 9 IXPE launch video?
You can watch the SpaceX Falcon 9 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 9 IXPE mission launch from?
The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center, FL, USA. The John F. Kennedy Space Center, located on Merritt Island, Florida, is one of NASA's ten field centers. Since 1968, KSC has been NASA's primary launch center of American spaceflight, research, and technology. Launch operations for the Apollo, Skylab and Space Shuttle programs were carried out from Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39 and managed by KSC. Located on the east coast of Florida, KSC is adjacent to Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS).
What rocket was used for the IXPE mission?
The IXPE mission launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Falcon 9 is a two-stage rocket designed and manufactured by SpaceX for the reliable and safe transport of satellites and the Dragon spacecraft into orbit. The Block 5 variant is the fifth major interval aimed at improving upon the ability for rapid reusability. Detailed rocket specifications and performance data are available in the rocket details above.
Did the SpaceX Falcon 9 booster for IXPE attempt a landing?
Yes, the Falcon 9 first stage booster attempted a Autonomous Spaceport Drone Ship 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 9 IXPE launch?
The SpaceX Falcon 9 IXPE 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 9 IXPE launch was delayed?
This page was updated in real-time with the latest SpaceX Falcon 9 launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the IXPE 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.