ULA Atlas V, SpaceX Falcon 9 Could Both Launch Sunday from Florida Two major rocket launches are scheduled for Sunday from Florida’s Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, with United Launch Alliance (ULA) and SpaceX each targeting missions to deploy satellite constellations. ULA’s Atlas V rocket is set to carry Amazon’s Leo internet satellites into low-Earth orbit, while SpaceX’s Falcon 9 will launch a Starlink mission later the same day. Both launches face weather-related risks, though SpaceX’s mission has slightly better odds of proceeding without delays. ULA’s Amazon Leo 5 mission is scheduled for an early Sunday morning liftoff from Launch Complex 41 at 3:53 a.m., with a 29-minute launch window extending to 4:22 a.m. The Atlas V rocket, equipped with five solid rocket boosters, will travel northeast about three hours before sunrise. However, forecasters have warned of high winds and cumulus clouds, giving the mission only a 10% chance of favorable weather. The backup launch window, set for 24 hours later, improves the odds to 70%. Despite the challenges, ULA officials remain hopeful, as the mission aims to deploy 29 broadband satellites to expand Amazon’s global internet network. SpaceX’s Falcon 9 launch is planned for Sunday night, targeting a Starlink satellite deployment from Launch Complex 40. The launch window spans from 5:15 p.m. to 9:15 p.m., with the rocket heading northeast. While the 45th Weather Squadron has identified cumulus clouds, surface electric fields, and liftoff winds as primary concerns, the mission has a 65% chance of favorable conditions. Additionally, SpaceX faces a low-to-moderate risk of poor offshore conditions for its drone ship in the Atlantic Ocean, which could impact the landing of the first-stage booster.#spacex #amazon #cape_canaveral_space_force_station #ula #launch_complex_41
