The Supermoon and Launches from the Space Coast
On Wednesday night, SpaceX successfully launched a mission while United Launch Alliance (ULA) postponed its launch as the full supermoon rose over the Space Coast.
Launch Attempts and Schedule
SpaceX has completed most launches this year. ULA had planned to perform two launches on Wednesday, which would have tied the annual record for orbital missions from the Space Coast. However, only SpaceX's flight took off as scheduled, and ULA delayed its attempt, rescheduling for Thursday at 10:16 p.m.
Rocket Launch Pads and Moonrise
Earlier in the day, a SpaceX Falcon 9 and a ULA Atlas V rocket stood less than two miles apart at their Cape Canaveral launch pads. The moon rose at 5:41 p.m., marking November’s supermoon, also called the Beaver Moon.
"The moon came within just under 222,000 miles of Earth. Its proximity is what makes it a supermoon, which can look up to 14% bigger and 30% brighter than the faintest full moon of the year, according to NASA."
Details of the Supermoon
This November supermoon was the second of three supermoons in 2023 and the closest one to Earth this year. Due to its closeness, it appears noticeably larger and brighter than usual.
SpaceX Starlink Launch
After the moonrise, SpaceX launched the Starlink 6-81 mission from Space Launch Complex 40 at 8:30 p.m., carrying 29 satellites into orbit.
"Falcon 9 launches 29 @Starlink satellites from Florida."
Author’s Summary
The supermoon dazzled over the Space Coast as SpaceX successfully launched Starlink satellites, while ULA postponed its launch, planning to try again the next day.