![]() ![]() To put these numbers in perspective, let’s estimate the lifetime GHG savings of a Tesla Model S P90D (0.36 kWh / mile on electricity) relative to a BMW M5 (17 mpg on gasoline). Putting the fuel and oxidant together, we get 640 metric tonnes CO 2-equivalent per launch. generation and emissions in 2015), then the emissions associated with producing the liquid oxygen are 341 * 638 * 470 = 102 x 10 6 gCO 2, or 102 tonnes. Assuming 470 g of CO 2 emitted for each kWh of electricity (based on EIA numbers for U.S. Producing liquid oxygen takes energy too, to the tune of 638 kWh per tonne. ![]() If we assume the rocket fuel is similar to Jet-A, with a lower heating value of 43.2 MJ/kg and “well to wake” emissions of 85 gCO 2-e/MJ ( source), then the GHG emissions associated with the fuel are 147,000 * 43.2 * 85 = 540 x 10 6 gCO 2-e or 540 metric tonnes equivalent.īut that’s not all. 1.1 uses about 147,000 kg of RP-1 rocket fuel (similar to kerosene) and 341,000 kg of liquid oxygen, about 80% in the first stage and the rest in the second stage. So it is a good time to ask: just how carbon intensive is a space launch? Let’s consider the Falcon 9 rocket from SpaceX. Mainstream here is relative, of course: moving from the realm of the “very very rich” to that of the “merely really rich.” EDT for this launch, which is nearly a two-hour delay.Ĭontact Emre Kelly at or 32.Space exploration is awesome and all, and wouldn’t space tourism be even cooler? Who, given the opportunity, wouldn’t want the chance to view the Earth from space?Ĭommercial spaceflight is in its infancy, but some have speculated that 2016 will be the year space tourism goes mainstream. EDT: SpaceX teams at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station are now targeting 1:22 a.m. EDT launch of a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. EDT: SpaceX is still on target for tonight's 1:22 a.m. That should begin in 25 minutes, assuming all is well with the rocket and everyone polls green. EDT: Now T-minus one hour to liftoff, and SpaceX should soon conduct a poll to determine whether or not teams are "go" to begin loading fuel into the Falcon 9 rocket at Launch Complex 40. SpaceX is 'go' to start loading fuel T-minus one hour to launchġ2:22 a.m. 00:00:03: Engine controller commands engine ignition sequence to start.00:00:45: SpaceX launch director verifies "go" for launch.00:01:00: Propellant tank pressurization to flight pressure begins.00:01:00: Command flight computer to begin final prelaunch checks.00:07:00: Falcon 9 begins engine chill prior to launch.00:35:00: 1st stage LOX (liquid oxygen) loading begins.SpaceX has begun fueling the 230-foot Falcon 9 rocket at Launch Complex 40 ahead of liftoff at 1:22 a.m. This morning's launch will include a northeastern trajectory and drone ship landing in the Atlantic Ocean, so there will be no local sonic booms. and all appears to be well with the count. EDT: SpaceX continues counting down to liftoff at 1:22 a.m. View Gallery: Photos: SpaceX launches Hotbird 13G satellite from Cape Canaveral in Florida T-minus 10 minutes to launchġ:12 a.m. EDT: Liftoff of Falcon 9 from Cape Canaveral with Eutelsat's Hotbird 13G commercial satellite! Wednesday, but was pushed to the end of the window to give teams more time to prepare the rocket.Īfter liftoff, Falcon 9 will target a drone ship landing in the Atlantic Ocean.įollow live updates below (manual refresh required for real-time updates with the ability to ask questions, follow this link): Liftoff!ġ:22 a.m. The launch was originally scheduled for 11:26 p.m. The mission for French satellite operator Eutelsat, labeled Hotbird 13G, is slated for liftoff from the Cape's Launch Complex 40 into 90% "go" conditions. 3, for the launch of a Falcon 9 rocket and communications satellite from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. EDT Thursday! The rocket successfully launched from Cape Canaveral, landed on a drone ship in the Atlantic Ocean, and delivered a commercial communications satellite to Earth orbit.įollow live as SpaceX targets 1:22 a.m. Please support it with a subscription here. Journalism like this takes time and resources. Space is important to us and that’s why we're working to bring you top coverage of the industry and Florida launches. Watch Video: SpaceX launches Hotbird 13G satellite from Cape Canaveral ![]()
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