SpaceX Launch Schedule: Two Rocket Launches to Take Place Within 48 Hours

By Denise See, Christian Post Contributor Friday, October 06, 2017

SpaceX is launching two rockets over the course of a 48-hour period this weekend.

Elon Musk's company is getting ready to send two rockets to the skies, with each of them taking off from opposite sides of the country. Musk himself teased the upcoming feat via his Instagram account.

Aiming for two rocket landings in 48 hours this weekend
A post shared by Elon Musk (@elonmusk) on Oct 3, 2017 at 4:11pm PDT

The first SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will contain the EchoStar 105/SES-11 satellite and will be launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Saturday, Oct. 7. According to the KSC website, this upcoming launch will be SpaceX's third of a first stage rocket that was already flown in the past.

"The joint EchoStar and SES high-powered communications satellite will provide media distribution and coverage over North America, including Hawaii, Mexico and the Caribbean," the mission's description reveals.

The second one will be launched from Space Launch Complex-4 at the Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. This SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will consist of 10 satellites and is the third Iridium mission. The launch will take place on Monday, Oct. 9.

"Our mission is to provide assured access to space and to do it safely and securely. We can't accomplish this without great mission partners like SpaceX," 30th Space Wing commander Col. Michael S. Hough said. "SpaceX's and 30 SW's ever present 'can-do-attitude' and job pride will be on display for the Iridium-3 launch."

Those who would like to witness the launch from the Kennedy Space Center can do so in two locations. The first site will be at the Apollo/Saturn V Center, which is about 3.9 miles or 6.27 kilometers from the launch pad. Viewers will be charged $20 on top of the daily admission.

The second venue will be at the main visitor complex, which is about 7.5 miles or 12 kilometers from the launch pad. Viewers will only have to purchase the daily admission ticket for this area.

The only difference between the two locations is that the Apollo/Saturn V Center is closer to the launch pad. Visitors will not have to worry about restrooms, dining areas, and souvenir shops, as both locations will have them. In addition to that, the two locations will also include launch commentary.