The Supermoon and SpaceX Soar as ULA Delays Launch
On Wednesday night, SpaceX successfully executed a launch as a brilliant supermoon—the largest of the year—rose above Florida’s Space Coast. Meanwhile, United Launch Alliance (ULA) was forced to scrub its scheduled mission, rescheduling for Thursday at 10:16 p.m.
The night had been set for a rare double launch. Both a SpaceX Falcon 9 and a ULA Atlas V stood ready on separate pads at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, barely two miles apart. Together, the two missions could have tied the annual record for orbital launches from the region.
The Rise of the Supermoon
The full moon, known as the Beaver Moon according to the Farmer’s Almanac, appeared at 5:41 p.m. It was the second of three supermoons this year and came closer than usual—just under 222,000 miles from Earth. This close approach made it appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than the dimmest full moon, according to NASA.
“The moon came within just under 222,000 miles of Earth.”
SpaceX Launches Starlink Mission
As the moon rose, SpaceX launched its Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40 at 8:30 p.m. for the Starlink 6-81 mission. The spacecraft carried 29 Starlink satellites into orbit, continuing the company’s rapid pace of launches this year.
“Falcon 9 launches 29 @Starlink satellites from Florida.”
ULA Awaits Its Turn
Despite preparations, ULA’s Atlas V remained grounded due to complications. The company plans to make another attempt on Thursday night. With SpaceX maintaining its momentum and ULA preparing for a retry, the competition for launch dominance on the Space Coast continues.
Author’s Summary: SpaceX succeeded in a nighttime launch beneath the year’s brightest supermoon, while ULA postponed its mission, setting up another try the following evening.