SpaceX prepares launch of Falcon Heavy with ViaSat-3 F3 satellite this Monday By Jeronimo Santos
3 min read
 |
SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket is ready to take off from Centro Espacial Kennedy, on Flórida. The mission takes the ViaSat-3 F3 satellite to geostationary transfer orbit. The 85-minute launch window opens at 10:21 a.m. ET for Estados Unidos this Monday, April 27.
The takeoff marks the return of the heavy rocket after a gap of around 18 months. The last flight occurred in October 2024, when Falcon Heavy sent NASA’s Europa Clipper probe toward Júpiter.
Foguete uses three interconnected cores to generate necessary power
The Falcon Heavy combines three modified cores from the Falcon 9. The central core carries the upper stage responsible for placing the payload on the final trajectory. Juntos, the thrusters produce about 5.1 million pounds of thrust at liftoff.
Esse performance places the vehicle as the second most powerful in active operation. First place goes to NASA’s Space Launch System, which generates 8.8 million pounds. SpaceX’s Starship, still in the development phase, surpasses both with a projection of 16.7 million pounds.
- The two side thrusters must return and land, one on Landing Zone 2 and the other in an area close to SLC-40.
- The central core will be spent during the mission and will not return.
- The upper stage releases the ViaSat-3 F3 satellite about five hours after liftoff.
The ViaSat-3 F3 satellite completes the ViaSat-3 constellation. The other two members are already in operation or in the final phase of integration. The new satellite covers the Ásia-Pacific region with capability in the Ka band.
Missão expands high-speed communications coverage
Viasat confirmed the launch date in a statement released on April 20th. Using Falcon Heavy allows the satellite to be delivered to a more favorable transfer orbit. Isso reduces the time required for the satellite to reach the final geostationary position through its electric propulsion.
Após Upon arrival, the ViaSat-3 F3 undergoes rigorous in-orbit testing of both the shuttle and payload. Entry into commercial service is scheduled for late summer 2026 in the northern hemisphere. The VisaSat-3 constellation offers capacity of up to one terabit per second on each regional satellite.
The launch takes place from Complexo of Lançamento 39A on Kennedy Space Center. Essa historic platform has already served the Apollo and Space Shuttle programs. Live coverage begins about 15 minutes before the scheduled takeoff.
Histórico of Falcon Heavy includes test flight with Elon Musk car
Falcon Heavy performed its maiden flight in February 2018. On that occasion, the rocket sent a red Tesla Roadster into heliocentric orbit. Desde then, SpaceX completed another ten missions with the vehicle, all of which were successful.
The current interval between launches reflects the company’s focus on operations with the Falcon 9, which is lighter and has a higher cadence. The Heavy is reserved for payloads that require higher mass capacity or specific orbits.
- ViaSat-3 F3 represents the 12th mission of Falcon Heavy.
- Viasat is a global leader in satellite communications.
- The satellite undergoes extensive testing before entering commercial service.
- Live coverage is available on official SpaceX channels and specialized websites.
- Alternative Janela exists for Tuesday, April 28th if necessary.
The mission follows SpaceX’s commercial launch pattern. Equipes monitor meteorological conditions and rocket systems in the hours before liftoff.
Transmissão allows you to follow countdowns in real time
Quem wants to follow along and can access the official SpaceX stream or partner platforms. The broadcast includes footage of the rocket in the hangar and updates on the countdown status.
ViaSat-3 F3 is the third and final satellite in the ViaSat-3 series. The previous ones serve Américas and region Europa, Oriente Médio and África. Juntos, they expand the satellite broadband network with superior performance in speed and flexibility.
Especialistas highlight that the Falcon Heavy offers an advantage in missions that demand high initial thrust. The reusable design of the side boosters helps control costs in large operations.
The liftoff, if it goes as planned, reinforces SpaceX’s position as the leading provider of heavy commercial launches. The event takes place on a business day and can be seen from points close to the coast of Flórida, respecting maritime and air safety restrictions.
