After an initial one-day delay, SpaceX launched the second of a pair of SpainSat NG satellites, the rocket’s contrails glowing red and blue as it sped across the dark sky.
The liftoff occurred at 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23 from Launch Complex 40 in Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
The initial SpainSat NG (New Generation) satellite was launched back in January from Cape Canaveral. The two satellites will provide X-band and military Ka-band communications for European government and military users, and are expected to last 15 years.
The Oct. 23 launch marked the 88th of the year from Florida, inching closer to last year’s record of 93 launches.
Next up on the Florida launch schedule is a batch of SpaceX Starlink internet satellites. The liftoff is set for no earlier than 10:05 a.m. Sunday, October 26 from Launch Complex 40 in Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
Be sure to follow the FLORIDA TODAY Space Team for the latest from Cape Canaveral.
Brooke Edwards is a Space Reporter for Florida Today. Contact her at bedwards@floridatoday.com or on X: @brookeofstars.