A regularly updated listing of planned missions from spaceports around the globe. Dates and times are given in Greenwich Mean Time. “NET” stands for no earlier than. “TBD” means to be determined. Recent updates appear in red type. Please send any corrections, additions or updates by e-mail to: sclark@spaceflightnow.com.
See our Launch Log for a listing of completed space missions since 2004.
Latest changes:
May 16: Adding Long March 7/Maiden Flight; Adding date for Ariane 5/DSN 1 & GSAT 18
May 13: Adding Long March 2D/Gaofen 10; Rockot/GEO IK-2 delayed; Adding window for Atlas 5/MUOS 5; Adding period for Atlas 5/NROL-61; Adding Falcon 9/EchoStar 23; Atlas 5/GOES-R delayed; Atlas 5/EchoStar 19 delayed
May 6: Adding date and time for Falcon 9/Thaicom 8; Adding date for Falcon 9/SpaceX CRS 9; Adding Falcon 9/JCSAT 16
May 4: Falcon 9/JCSAT 14 delayed
May 3: Adding date for Atlas 5/MUOS 5; Falcon 9/SpaceX CRS 9 delayed; Adding date for Atlas 5/NROL-61; Updating window for Atlas 5/OSIRIS-REx; Atlas 5/SBIRS GEO 3 delayed
May 24Soyuz • Galileo 13 & 14
Launch time: 0848:43 GMT (4:48:43 a.m. EDT)
Launch site: ELS, Sinnamary, French Guiana
Launch site: ELS, Sinnamary, French Guiana
An Arianespace Soyuz rocket, designated VS15, will launch on a mission from the Guiana Space Center in South America. The Soyuz will carry two Galileo full operational capability satellites for Europe’s Galileo navigation constellation. The Soyuz 2-1b (Soyuz ST-B) rocket will use a Fregat-MT upper stage. [April 20]
May 26Falcon 9 • Thaicom 8
Launch time: 2140 GMT (5:40 p.m. EDT)
Launch site: SLC-40, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
Launch site: SLC-40, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch the Thaicom 8 communications satellite. Thaicom 8 will provide Ku-band broadcast and data services to Thailand, Southeast Asia, India and Africa. Moved forward from June. [May 6]
May 28Proton • Intelsat 31/DLA-2
Launch time: TBD
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
An International Launch Services Proton rocket with a Breeze M upper stage will deploy the Intelsat 31/DLA-2 communications satellite owned by Intelsat. A majority of Intelsat 31’s capacity will be leased to DirecTV Latin America to provide direct-to-home television broadcasts to Central America, South America and the Caribbean. Delayed from April 23 and May 17. [April 29]
May 29Soyuz • Glonass M
Launch time: Approx. 0917:47 GMT (5:17:47 a.m. EDT)
Launch site: Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russia
Launch site: Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russia
A Russian government Soyuz rocket will launch a Glonass M navigation satellite. The rocket will fly in the Soyuz 2-1b configuration with a Fregat upper stage. Delayed from May 21. [May 13]
June 4Rockot • GEO-IK 2
Launch time: TBD
Launch site: Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russia
Launch site: Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russia
A Russian government Rockot launch vehicle and Breeze KM upper stage will launch the GEO-IK 2 spacecraft. The satellite is designed to survey Earth to measure variations in the gravitational field and study other geodetic features of the planet. Delayed from May. [May 13]
June 4Delta 4-Heavy • NROL-37
Launch period: 1800-2300 GMT (2:00-7:00 p.m. EDT)
Launch site: SLC-37B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
Launch site: SLC-37B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
A United Launch Alliance Delta 4-Heavy rocket will launch a classified spy satellite cargo for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office. The largest of the Delta 4 family, the Heavy version features three Common Booster Cores mounted together to form a triple-body rocket. Delayed from April 27, May 12 and June 3. [April 20]
June 8Ariane 5 • EchoStar 18 & BRIsat
Launch window: TBD
Launch site: ELA-3, Kourou, French Guiana
Launch site: ELA-3, Kourou, French Guiana
Arianespace will use an Ariane 5 ECA rocket, designated VA230, to launch the EchoStar 18 and BRIsat communications satellites. EchoStar 18 will provide direct-to-home television broadcast services over North America for EchoStar and Dish Network. BRIsat will support banking services provided by BRI, a large Indonesian bank. Delayed from May and June 7. [April 20]
June 10PSLV • Cartosat 2C
Launch time: TBD
Launch site: Satish Dhawan Space Center, Sriharikota, India
Launch site: Satish Dhawan Space Center, Sriharikota, India
India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), flying on the PSLV-C34 mission in the PSLV-CA configuration, will launch the Cartosat 2C high-resolution Earth observation satellite and a collection of smaller secondary payloads from international customers. Delayed from May. [April 22]
JuneFalcon 9 • Eutelsat 117 West B & ABS 2A
Launch window: TBD
Launch site: SLC-40, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
Launch site: SLC-40, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch the Eutelsat 117 West B and ABS 2A communications satellites. Eutelsat 117 West B will provide Latin America with video, data, government, and mobile services for Paris-based Eutelsat. ABS 2A will distribute direct-to-home television, mobile and maritime communications services across Russia, India, the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean region for Asia Broadcast Satellite of Bermuda and Hong Kong. Built by Boeing, the satellites will launch in a conjoined configuration and will use all-electric propulsion for orbit-raising. Delayed from 4th quarter 2015, March, April, May 3 and late May. [April 29]
JuneFalcon 9 • Formosat 5 & Sherpa
Launch window: TBD
Launch site: SLC-4E, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California
Launch site: SLC-4E, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch the Formosat 5 for Taiwan’s National Space Organization (NSPO) and the Sherpa deployer from Spaceflight Industries carrying 87 small payloads and CubeSats for a variety of scientific and commercial customers. Delayed from May. [April 9]
June 24Soyuz • ISS 47S
Launch time: 0641 GMT (2:41 a.m. EDT)
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
A Russian government Soyuz rocket will launch the manned Soyuz spacecraft to the International Space Station with members of the next Expedition crew. The capsule will remain at the station for about six months, providing an escape pod for the crew. Delayed from May 20 and June 21. [April 29]
June 24Atlas 5 • MUOS 5
Launch time: 1430-1514 GMT (10:30-11:14 a.m. EDT)
Launch site: SLC-41, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
Launch site: SLC-41, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
A United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket, designated AV-063, will launch the fifth Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellite for the U.S. Navy. Built by Lockheed Martin, this U.S. military spacecraft will provide narrowband tactical communications designed to significantly improve ground communications for U.S. forces on the move. The rocket will fly in the 551 vehicle configuration with a five-meter fairing, five solid rocket boosters and a single-engine Centaur upper stage. Delayed from May 5 and May 27. [May 13]
June 25Proton • EchoStar 21
Launch time: TBD
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
An International Launch Services Proton rocket with a Breeze M upper stage will deploy the EchoStar 21 communications satellite, formerly known as TerreStar 2. EchoStar 21 will provide mobile broadband services over Europe with an S-band payload for EchoStar Mobile Ltd. [Oct. 31]
June 26Long March 7 • Maiden Flight
Launch time: TBD
Launch site: Wenchang, China
Launch site: Wenchang, China
A Chinese Long March 7 rocket will launch on its first flight with a re-entry capsule to demonstrate technologies for China’s next-generation human-rated spacecraft. The launch will also mark the first mission from China’s new Wenchang Satellite Launch Center on Hainan Island. [May 16]
June 27Falcon 9 • SpaceX CRS 9
Launch window: TBD
Launch site: SLC-40, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
Launch site: SLC-40, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch the 11th Dragon spacecraft on the ninth operational cargo delivery mission to the International Space Station. The flight is being conducted under the Commercial Resupply Services contract with NASA. Delayed from Dec. 9 and June 24. [May 6]
July 6Antares • OA-5
Launch window: TBD
Launch site: Pad 0A, Wallops Island, Virginia
Launch site: Pad 0A, Wallops Island, Virginia
An Orbital ATK Antares rocket will launch of the seventh Cygnus cargo freighter on the sixth operational cargo delivery flight to the International Space Station. The mission is known as OA-5. The rocket will fly in the Antares 230 configuration, with two RD-181 first stage engines and a Castor 30XL second stage. Delayed from May 31 and June 24. [April 22]
July 6/7Soyuz • Progress 64P
Launch window: 0135 GMT on 7th (9:35 p.m. EDT on 6th)
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
A Russian government Soyuz rocket will launch the 64th Progress cargo delivery ship to the International Space Station. Delayed from April 22 and July 4. [April 29]
July 12Ariane 5 • DSN 1 & GSAT 18
Launch window: TBD
Launch site: ELA-3, Kourou, French Guiana
Launch site: ELA-3, Kourou, French Guiana
Arianespace will use an Ariane 5 ECA rocket, designated VA231, to launch the DSN 1 and GSAT 18 communications satellites. DSN 1 is a X-band communications satellite built and operated by DSN Corp. on behalf of the Japanese Ministry of Defense. GSAT 18 is a multipurpose communications satellite for the Indian Space Research Organization. [May 16]
JulyFalcon 9 • Amos 6
Launch window: TBD
Launch site: SLC-40, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
Launch site: SLC-40, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch the Amos 6 communications satellite for Spacecom of Israel. Amos 6 will provide communications and broadcast services over a coverage area stretching from the U.S. Coast to Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Amos 6 will also support the Israeli government’s satellite communications needs. Delayed from 3rd quarter of 2015, 1st quarter of 2016 and May. [March 8]
JulyFalcon 9 • Iridium Next 1-10
Launch window: TBD
Launch site: SLC-4E, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California
Launch site: SLC-4E, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch 10 satellites for the Iridium next mobile communications fleet. Delayed from 1st Quarter. Moved up from August. [March 3]
July 29Atlas 5 • NROL-61
Launch period: 1200-1600 GMT (8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. EDT)
Launch site: SLC-41, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
Launch site: SLC-41, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
A United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket, designated AV-064, will launch a classified spacecraft payload for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office. The rocket will fly in the 421 vehicle configuration with a four-meter fairing, two solid rocket boosters and a single-engine Centaur upper stage. Delayed from April 21, June 14 and June 24. [May 13]
Late JulyVega • PeruSat 1 & SkySat
Launch time: TBD
Launch site: ZLV, Kourou, French Guiana
Launch site: ZLV, Kourou, French Guiana
A European Vega rocket, designated VV07, will launch with the PeruSat 1 reconnaissance satellite for the Peruvian government and four SkySat Earth observation satellites for Google/Terra Bella. [April 20]
Aug. 4Delta 4 • AFSPC 6
Launch window: TBD
Launch site: SLC-37B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
Launch site: SLC-37B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
A United Launch Alliance Delta 4 rocket will launch the AFSPC 6 mission for the U.S. Air Force carrying the third and fourth satellites for the Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program, or GSSAP. The rocket will fly in the Medium+ (4,2) configuration with two solid rocket boosters. Delayed from July 21. [March 23]
AugustFalcon 9 • JCSAT 16
Launch window: TBD
Launch site: SLC-40, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
Launch site: SLC-40, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch the JCSAT 16 communications satellite for Tokyo-based SKY Perfect JSAT Corp. JCSAT 14 will be a backup satellite for Ku-band and Ka-band communications services over the Japanese market. [May 6]
3rd QuarterH-2A • Himawari 9
Launch window: TBD
Launch site: Tanegashima Space Center, Japan
Launch site: Tanegashima Space Center, Japan
A Japanese H-2A rocket will launch the Himawari 9 weather satellite for the Japan Meteorological Agency. Himawari 9 will collect weather imagery over the East Asia and Western Pacific regions. [Feb. 19]
3rd QuarterFalcon 9 • EchoStar 23
Launch time: TBD
Launch site: SLC-40, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
Launch site: SLC-40, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch EchoStar 23 communications satellite for EchoStar Corp. EchoStar 23, based on a spare platform from the canceled CMBStar 1 satellite program, will provide direct-to-home television broadcast services over Brazil. [May 13]
Sept. 8Atlas 5 • OSIRIS-REx
Launch window: 2305-0105 GMT (7:05-9:05 p.m. EDT)
Launch site: SLC-41, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
Launch site: SLC-41, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
A United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket will launch NASA’s OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample return mission. The Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security, Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) will reach asteroid Bennu in 2018 to collect surface samples for return to Earth in 2023. The rocket will fly in the 411 vehicle configuration with a four-meter fairing, one solid rocket booster and a single-engine Centaur upper stage. [May 3]
Sept. 15Atlas 5 • WorldView 4
Launch time: TBD
Launch site: SLC-3E, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California
Launch site: SLC-3E, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California
A United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket, designated AV-062, will launch the WorldView 4 Earth observation satellite for DigitalGlobe. The rocket will fly in the 401 vehicle configuration with a four-meter fairing, no solid rocket boosters and a single-engine Centaur upper stage. Delayed from June 29. [Nov. 7]
SeptemberFalcon 9 • SES 10
Launch window: TBD
Launch site: Cape Canaveral, Florida
Launch site: Cape Canaveral, Florida
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch the SES 10 communications satellite. Owned by SES of Luxembourg, the spacecraft will provide direct-to-home TV broadcasting and other telecommunication services for Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America and South America. It will also cover Brazil and support offshore oil and gas exploration. [March 28]
3rd QuarterLong March 2F • Tiangong 2
Launch window: TBD
Launch site: Jiuquan, China
Launch site: Jiuquan, China
A Chinese Long March 2F rocket will launch the Tiangong 2 mini-space station laboratory module designed for docking tests and crewed visits. Delayed from early 2016. [March 3]
Sept. 23Soyuz • ISS 48S
Launch window: TBD
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
A Russian government Soyuz rocket will launch the crewed Soyuz spacecraft to the International Space Station with members of the next Expedition crew. The capsule will remain at the station for about six months, providing an escape pod for the residents. Delayed from Sept. 22. [Dec. 12]
Sept. 28Delta 4 • WGS 8
Launch window: TBD
Launch site: SLC-37B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
Launch site: SLC-37B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
A United Launch Alliance Delta 4 rocket will launch the eighth Wideband Global SATCOM spacecraft, formerly known as the Wideband Gapfiller Satellite. Built by Boeing, this geostationary communications spacecraft will serve U.S. military forces. The rocket will fly in the Medium+ (5,4) configuration with four solid rocket boosters. Delayed from Sept. 22. [Nov. 7]
4th QuarterLong March 2F • Shenzhou 11
Launch window: TBD
Launch site: Jiuquan, China
Launch site: Jiuquan, China
A Chinese Long March 2F rocket will launch the Shenzhou 11 spacecraft, a crewed mission to dock with the orbiting Tiangong 2 laboratory module. The flight is China’s sixth human space mission. Delayed from mid-2016. [March 3]
OctoberH-2B • HTV 6
Launch window: TBD
Launch site: Tanegashima Space Center, Japan
Launch site: Tanegashima Space Center, Japan
A Japanese H-2B rocket will launch the sixth H-2 Transfer Vehicle. The HTV serves as an unmanned cargo vehicle to deliver equipment and supplies to the International Space Station. [Jan. 1]
TBDAtlas 5 • SBIRS GEO 3
Launch window: TBD
Launch site: SLC-41, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
Launch site: SLC-41, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
A United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket, designated AV-066, will launch the U.S. military’s third Space Based Infrared System Geosynchronous satellite, or SBIRS GEO 3, for missile early-warning detection. The rocket will fly in the 401 vehicle configuration with a four-meter fairing, no solid rocket boosters and a single-engine Centaur upper stage. Delayed from May 26 and July 27. [May 3]
OctoberFalcon 9 • Iridium Next 11-20
Launch window: TBD
Launch site: SLC-4E, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California
Launch site: SLC-4E, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch 10 satellites for the Iridium next mobile communications fleet. [Oct. 31]
Oct. 17Pegasus XL • CYGNSS
Launch time: Approx. 1700 GMT (1 p.m. EDT)
Launch site: L-1011, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
Launch site: L-1011, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
An air-launched Orbital ATK Pegasus XL rocket will deploy NASA’s Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System (CYGNSS) mission in orbit. The CYGNSS mission’s eight satellites will use GPS signals to study how tropical cyclones grow stronger over warm ocean waters. [Jan. 5]
Oct. 20Soyuz • Progress 65P
Launch window: TBD
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
A Russian government Soyuz rocket will launch the 65th Progress cargo delivery ship to the International Space Station. Delayed from April 22. [Jan. 1]
OctoberFalcon 9 • SES 11/EchoStar 105
Launch window: TBD
Launch site: Cape Canaveral, Florida
Launch site: Cape Canaveral, Florida
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch the SES 11 communications satellite. Owned by SES of Luxembourg, the spacecraft will provide direct-to-home TV broadcasting services over North America, including Hawaii, Mexico and the Caribbean, for EchoStar Corp., which calls the satellite EchoStar 105. [March 28]
4th QuarterMinotaur-C • SkySat
Launch window: TBD
Launch site: SLC-576E, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California
Launch site: SLC-576E, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California
An Orbital ATK Minotaur-C rocket will launch six SkySat Earth observation satellites for Google/Skybox Imaging. The Minotaur-C is an upgraded, renamed version of the Orbital Sciences Taurus rocket. Delayed from late 2015 and mid-2016. [April 9]
OctoberAriane 5 • Galileo 15-18
Launch window: TBD
Launch site: ELA-3, Kourou, French Guiana
Launch site: ELA-3, Kourou, French Guiana
Arianespace will use an Ariane 5 ES rocket to launch four Galileo full operational capability satellites for Europe’s Galileo navigation constellation. [Dec. 12]
Oct. 31Rockot • Sentinel 5p
Launch window: TBD
Launch site: Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russia
Launch site: Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russia
A Eurockot Rockot vehicle will launch with the Sentinel 5 Precursor Earth observation satellite for the European Space Agency and the European Commission. Sentinel 5p carries an instrument to measure air quality, ozone, pollution and aerosols in Earth’s atmosphere. [March 16]
NovemberAtlas 5 • GOES R
Launch time: TBD
Launch site: SLC-41, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
Launch site: SLC-41, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
A United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket, designated AV-063, will launch GOES-R, the first next-generation geostationary weather satellite for NASA and NOAA. GOES-R will orbit 22,300 miles above the equator to monitor weather conditions across the United States. The rocket will fly in the 541 vehicle configuration with a five-meter fairing, four solid rocket boosters and a single-engine Centaur upper stage. Delayed from March 11. Moved forward from Oct. 14. Delayed from Oct. 13. [May 13]
Nov. 15Soyuz • ISS 49S
Launch window: TBD
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
A Russian government Soyuz rocket will launch the crewed Soyuz spacecraft to the International Space Station with members of the next Expedition crew. The capsule will remain at the station for about six months, providing an escape pod for the residents. Moved forward from Nov. 16. [April 24]
Nov. 21Falcon 9 • SpaceX CRS 10
Launch window: TBD
Launch site: SLC-40, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
Launch site: SLC-40, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch the 12th Dragon spacecraft on the 10th operational cargo delivery mission to the International Space Station. The flight is being conducted under the Commercial Resupply Services contract with NASA. Delayed from Feb. 13, June 10 and Aug. 1. [April 24]
NovemberFalcon Heavy • Demo Flight
Launch window: TBD
Launch site: LC-39A, Kennedy Space Center, Florida
Launch site: LC-39A, Kennedy Space Center, Florida
A SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket will launch on its first demonstration flight. The heavy-lift rocket is formed of three Falcon 9 rocket cores strapped together with 27 Merlin 1D engines firing at liftoff. Delayed from 3rd Quarter of 2015 and April and September 2016. [March 16]
TBDAtlas 5 • EchoStar 19
Launch window: TBD
Launch site: SLC-41, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
Launch site: SLC-41, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
A United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket will launch the EchoStar 19 communications satellite to provide high-speed Internet services for HughesNet in North America. The satellite is also known as Jupiter 2. The rocket will fly in the 431 vehicle configuration with a four-meter fairing, three solid rocket boosters and a single-engine Centaur upper stage. Delayed from Nov. 10. [May 13]
Dec. 1Atlas 5 • NROL-79
Launch time: TBD
Launch site: SLC-3E, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California
Launch site: SLC-3E, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California
A United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket will launch a classified spacecraft payload for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office. The rocket will fly in the 401 vehicle configuration with a four-meter fairing, no solid rocket boosters and a single-engine Centaur upper stage. [Jan. 1]
Late 2016Vega • Gokturk 1
Launch time: TBD
Launch site: ZLV, Kourou, French Guiana
Launch site: ZLV, Kourou, French Guiana
A European Vega rocket, designated VV08, will launch with the Gokturk 1 reconnaissance satellite for the Turkish military. [Dec. 12]
Dec. 30Antares • OA-7
Launch window: TBD
Launch site: Pad 0A, Wallops Island, Virginia
Launch site: Pad 0A, Wallops Island, Virginia
An Orbital ATK Antares rocket will launch of the eighth Cygnus cargo freighter on the seventh operational cargo delivery flight to the International Space Station. The mission is known as OA-7. The rocket will fly in the Antares 230 configuration, with two RD-181 first stage engines and a Castor 30XL second stage. Delayed from Oct. 4. [March 16]
Jan. 20Delta 2 • JPSS 1
Launch time: 0947 GMT (4:47 a.m. EST; 1:47 a.m. PST)
Launch site: SLC-2W, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California
Launch site: SLC-2W, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California
A United Launch Alliance Delta 2 rocket will launch the first spacecraft in the Joint Polar Satellite System, NOAA’s next-generation series of polar-orbiting weather observatories. The rocket will fly in the 7920 configuration with nine solid rocket boosters and no third stage. [April 22]
Jan. 26Atlas 5 • AEHF 4
Launch window: TBD
Launch site: SLC-41, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
Launch site: SLC-41, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
A United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket will launch the fourth Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) satellite. Built by Lockheed Martin, this U.S. military spacecraft will provide highly-secure communications. The rocket will fly in the 531 vehicle configuration with a five-meter fairing, three solid rocket boosters and a single-engine Centaur upper stage. Delayed from Dec. 15. [March 3]
Jan. 27Ariane 5 • BepiColombo
Launch window: TBD
Launch site: ELA-3, Kourou, French Guiana
Launch site: ELA-3, Kourou, French Guiana
Arianespace will use an Ariane 5 ECA rocket to launch the European Space Agency and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s BepiColombo mission to Mercury. BepiColombo consists of a European-built Mercury Planetary Orbiter and the Japanese-built Mercury Magnetospheric Orbiter launching in tandem to the solar system’s innermost planet. [March 28]
Feb. 1Falcon 9 • SpaceX CRS 11
Launch window: TBD
Launch site: SLC-40, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
Launch site: SLC-40, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch the 13th Dragon spacecraft on the 11th operational cargo delivery mission to the International Space Station. The flight is being conducted under the Commercial Resupply Services contract with NASA. Delayed from June 2, Aug. 15 and Jan. 13. [April 24]
Feb. 1Soyuz • Progress 66P
Launch window: TBD
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
A Russian government Soyuz rocket will launch the 66th Progress cargo delivery ship to the International Space Station. [March 28]
Feb. 2Delta 4 • WGS 9
Launch window: TBD
Launch site: SLC-37B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
Launch site: SLC-37B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
A United Launch Alliance Delta 4 rocket will launch the ninth Wideband Global SATCOM spacecraft, formerly known as the Wideband Gapfiller Satellite. Built by Boeing, this geostationary communications spacecraft will serve U.S. military forces. The rocket will fly in the Medium+ (5,4) configuration with four solid rocket boosters. [March 28]
March 11Soyuz • ISS 50S
Launch window: TBD
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
A Russian government Soyuz rocket will launch the crewed Soyuz spacecraft to the International Space Station with members of the next Expedition crew. The capsule will remain at the station for about six months, providing an escape pod for the residents. [April 2]
MarchFalcon Heavy • STP-2
Launch window: TBD
Launch site: LC-39A, Kennedy Space Center, Florida
Launch site: LC-39A, Kennedy Space Center, Florida
A SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket will launch the U.S. Air Force’s Space Test Program-2 mission with a cluster of military and scientific research satellites. The heavy-lift rocket is formed of three Falcon 9 rocket cores strapped together with 27 Merlin 1D engines firing at liftoff. Delayed from October 2016. [March 3]
April 8Falcon 9 • SpaceX CRS 12
Launch window: TBD
Launch site: SLC-40, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
Launch site: SLC-40, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch the 14th Dragon spacecraft on the 12th operational cargo delivery mission to the International Space Station. The flight is being conducted under the Commercial Resupply Services contract with NASA. Delayed from Dec. 15 and 1st Quarter. [April 2]
AprilRockot • Sentinel 2B
Launch window: TBD
Launch site: Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russia
Launch site: Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russia
A Eurockot Rockot vehicle will launch with the Sentinel 2B Earth observation satellite for the European Space Agency and the European Commission. Sentinel 2B carries an optical imaging payload for land observation. [March 30]
MayFalcon 9 • Crew Dragon Demo 1
Launch window: TBD
Launch site: LC-39A, Kennedy Space Center, Florida
Launch site: LC-39A, Kennedy Space Center, Florida
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch a Crew Dragon spacecraft on an uncrewed test flight to the International Space Station under the auspices of NASA’s commercial crew program. Delayed from December 2016. [March 28]