Space Launch Delta 45 Urges Boaters, Aircraft Operators to be Aware of Upcoming Space Coast Rocket Launches

By  //  January 5, 2022

Next Rocket Launch set for Thursday at 4:49 p.m. ET

Space Launch Delta 45 leaders are encouraging the public to pay attention and be responsive to new local launch hazard areas as polar orbit and southerly trajectory launch attempts become more frequent from the Eastern Range. (ULA Image)

BREVARD COUNTY • CAPE CANAVERAL, FLORIDA – Space Launch Delta 45 leaders are encouraging the public to pay attention and be responsive to new local launch hazard areas as polar orbit and southerly trajectory launch attempts become more frequent from the Eastern Range.

Boaters and aircraft operators are directed to consult the advisories for each launch that contain detailed maps, coordinates, timing, and status of the area restrictions and closures.

Last year, a polar launch attempt scrubbed due to a range violation when a private aircraft strayed into the restricted airspace prior to launch.

SLD 45 finished 2021 by supporting its 37th successful launch, which included two launch missions from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station to feature polar trajectories.

Polar orbit launch trajectories differ greatly from typical flight paths from the Eastern Range, with rockets flying south over land, meaning launch hazard areas are dramatically different for public safety.

The majority of launches from Cape Canaveral place spacecraft and astronauts into prograde orbits where they travel in the same direction as the Earth’s rotation.

SLD 45 finished 2021 by supporting its 37th successful launch, which included two launch missions from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station to feature polar trajectories. (SpaceX Image)

However, polar launches place satellites into an orbit that loops around the Earth’s poles, which is required for satellites desiring to see the whole planet and often requires a southerly launch trajectory.

The chance of a launch scrubbing due to a range violation is increased if the public is not aware of the expanded safety measures.

“The 2022 launch pace is going to be exceptionally busy with up to five polar, and seven total launches, projected for the month of January alone. While three polar missions successfully launched in the past year and a half, Cape Canaveral has never had five southern trajectory launches in a single month,” said Maj. Jonathan Szul, Director of Operations, 1st Range Operations Squadron at CCSFS.

“Due to the unique southerly trajectories, there will be a larger potential impact to air and sea traffic along the southeast coast of Florida. We ask that all pilots and mariners double-check their Notices to Airmen (NOTAM) and Notices to Mariners (NOTMAR) to ensure they are fully aware of all pending launch activities in this historic month on the Space Coast.”

Boaters and aircraft operators are directed to consult the advisories for each launch that contain detailed maps, coordinates, timing, and status of the area restrictions and closures. (SpaceX Image)

In the past, the majority of polar orbit launches occurred at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, but recent technology advancements have allowed CCSFS to launch polar and southerly trajectory missions on a more frequent basis – and the pace is only increasing. SLD 45 supported the launch of the SpaceX SAOCOM-1B satellite mission in August of 2020, which returned the polar orbit launch capability to Florida.

“It has been an amazing opportunity to support a new era of space launch from Cape Canaveral. The team’s ability to adapt and thrive in a more dynamic environment is a testament to our Guardian’s and Airmen’s commitment to ensuring the United States maintains its assured access to space, in an increasingly contested space environment,” said 1st Lt. Brendan Kennedy, Range Operations Commander Instructor with the 1st Range Operations Squadron.

The first launch of 2022 to feature a southerly trajectory will be the SpaceX Falcon 9, Starlink 4-5 mission currently targeting a launch date of January 6, 2022.

The first launch of 2022 to feature a southerly trajectory will be the SpaceX Falcon 9, Starlink 4-5 mission currently targeting a launch date of January 6, 2022. (SpaceX Image)