SpaceX Falcon 9 to launch Ovzon 3 mission from Florida today

Following the launch of the first Starlink mission of 2024, SpaceX is now preparing for the launch of the Ovzon 3 mission to geosynchronous transfer orbit. The mission will lift off via Falcon 9 rocket on Wednesday, January 3 from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

Ovzon 3 is the most powerful geostationary satellite ever to be put into orbit covering a remarkable one-third of the earth via its steerable spot beams. It is the first of multiple proprietary Ovzon satellites that will expand the Swedish satcom service provider's reach to meet its customers' increasing needs.

The 10-minute launch window is scheduled to open at 6:04 p.m. ET. In the event of any unforeseen circumstances, a backup opportunity is available on Thursday, January 4, with a launch window opening at 4:47 p.m. ET.

You can witness this historic launch through a live webcast on X @SpaceX. The live coverage is scheduled to begin approximately 15 minutes prior to liftoff, providing real-time coverage of the mission's critical moments.

This mission marks the 10th flight of the first stage booster, which previously launched CRS-26, OneWeb Launch 16, Intelsat IS-40e, O3b mPOWER, and five Starlink missions. Following stage separation, the first stage will land on Landing Zone 1 (LZ-1) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

Targeting back-to-back launches starting with tonight’s Falcon 9 launch of 21 @Starlink satellites from California followed by tomorrow’s Falcon 9 launch of the @OvzonAB Ovzon 3 mission from Florida→ https://t.co/bJFjLCiTbK

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) January 2, 2024