LAUNCH MISSION
SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 Galileo L12 (FOC FM25 & FM27)
Launch Pad
Launch Complex 39A
Description
Two satellites for Europe's Galileo navigation system. Originally planned for launch on Soyuz-ST and then Ariane 6 but both were unavailable. Galileo provides Europe with an alternative to the American GPS and Russian GLONASS constellations, but will be interoperable with both systems.
Falcon 9 Block 5
Rocket Description
Falcon 9 is a two-stage rocket designed and manufactured by SpaceX for the reliable and safe transport of satellites and the Dragon spacecraft into orbit. The Block 5 variant is the fifth major interval aimed at improving upon the ability for rapid reusability.