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Time of India
22-04-2025
- Science
- Time of India
What is SpaceX Bandwagon-3, a mission taking payloads from three different countries
Image source: SpaceX On April 21, SpaceX launched its Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. This launch is a part of the Bandwagon-3 mission, which is a rideshare program of SpaceX. Much like a carpool in space, the mission allowed multiple small satellites and space technologies from different countries to share a single rocket ride into orbit, significantly cutting down the cost of access to space. The launch featured Germany's Phoenix 1 re-entry capsule , South Korea's 425Sat-3 military surveillance satellite, and the U.S.-based Tomorrow-S7 weather satellite , all riding aboard the same rocket. This mission marked a big leap not only in space logistics but also in international collaboration and private-sector innovation. What is Bandwagon-3's payload, Phoenix 1? A German capsule with a mission One of the most notable payloads on Bandwagon-3 was Phoenix 1, developed by the German company Atmos Space Cargo. This small capsule was designed to travel to space and safely return to Earth, something only a few space agencies and companies have accomplished. After orbiting Earth just once, Phoenix 1 is expected to splash down in the Atlantic Ocean, about 2,000 kilometres off the coast of Brazil. This mission marks the first-ever re-entry attempt by a private European company, making it a major achievement for the continent's commercial space industry. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Google Brain Co-Founder Andrew Ng, Recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo What is the real mission of Phoenix 1 Phoenix 1 isn't just making a round trip. It's here to test key technology. The main goal is to examine the performance of its inflatable heat shield, a crucial component for surviving the intense heat of Earth's atmosphere during re-entry. If successful, Phoenix 1 will pave the way for future capsules capable of bringing back scientific experiments, space-manufactured goods, and even military or medical materials. A chase plane will attempt to follow and film the re-entry, especially during the 'plasma blackout' — a moment when communication is lost due to the searing heat. Beyond Phoenix 1: Meet the other key satellites on Bandwagon-3 Bandwagon-3 wasn't just about Phoenix 1. Two other important satellites were onboard: 425Sat-3 from South Korea, a spy satellite, is part of the country's Korea 425 Project. It uses radar technology to capture high-resolution Earth images in all weather conditions and at any time, boosting national security and military surveillance. Tomorrow-S7 from U.S.-based is a tiny weather satellite that will monitor temperature and humidity in the atmosphere, even in severe weather. It's part of a larger effort to improve global weather forecasting through space-based data collection. Cost-effective rideshare: How the Bandwagon program works SpaceX's Bandwagon rideshare missions offer affordable access to orbit for smaller payloads, making it easier for startups, research groups, and national agencies to reach space. A base price of $300,000 covers a 50 kg payload, with additional space priced flexibly. Payloads are mounted on an ESPA ring, allowing for a variety of satellites to ride together, securely and efficiently. This shared launch model reflects a shift toward collaborative, low-cost space access, similar to carpooling on Earth, but in orbit. Building on momentum: Bandwagon and transporter missions Bandwagon-3 is the third launch in this specific rideshare series, following missions in April and December 2024. It runs alongside SpaceX's Transporter program, which made headlines in 2021 by launching a record 143 satellites in a single mission. Together, these programs have made SpaceX the go-to service for low-cost, high-frequency launches, reshaping the satellite industry. The bigger picture: Why Bandwagon-3 matters This mission represents more than just a successful launch. It's a demonstration of how far commercial spaceflight has come. From military reconnaissance to weather monitoring and space-to-Earth return capsules, Bandwagon-3 shows the vast range of services that modern rockets can support. Most importantly, it signals a future where space is more accessible, collaborative, and practical, not just for governments, but for private companies and research organisations around the world. If Phoenix 1's return goes as planned, it could spark a new era of reusable space cargo, making the journey to and from orbit more routine and more affordable than ever before.
Time of India
22-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Elon Musk's SpaceX launches Bandwagon-3 mission, rocket returns safely
Elon Musk's SpaceX launches Bandwagon-3 mission, rocket returns safely (Picture credit: X/@SpaceX) The second sonic boom of the day echoed across Florida's Space Coast on April 21 as a Falcon 9 booster safely returned to Cape Canaveral after lifting off with the Bandwagon-3 rideshare mission, SpaceX's third such launch offering small satellite deployment services. The evening liftoff at 8:48 pm ET from Space Launch Complex 40 marked the second Falcon 9 launch of the day, following the morning's CRS-32 cargo mission to the International Space Station from Kennedy Space Center. Within just hours, SpaceX demonstrated its increasing launch cadence and versatility. Bandwagon-3 carried three commercial payloads: 425Sat-3 from South Korea's Agency for Defense Development (ADD), Tomorrow-S7 by Tomorrow Companies Inc , and the Phoenix 1 reentry capsule built by German firm Atmos Space Cargo . These missions reflect the growing appeal of SpaceX's rideshare services, which offer cost-effective access to orbit for small payloads without requiring full rocket bookings. According to Phoenix 1 is the first reentry capsule ever launched by a European company. It aims to test an inflatable atmospheric decelerator during its return journey, expected to splash down in the Atlantic roughly 1,200 miles off Brazil's coast after a single orbit. Atmos Space Cargo called the mission a step toward 'revolutionising space logistics' and enabling "microgravity research, in-orbit manufacturing, defense applications and life sciences." Meanwhile, Tomorrow Companies Inc. is developing a satellite constellation using AI and data to improve global weather resilience. Its Tomorrow-S7 payload is part of that initiative. The specifics of its mission remain closely held, reported Fox 35 Orlando. 425Sat-3 forms part of South Korea's broader 425 Project, which strengthens the country's military surveillance capabilities. After payload deployment, the Falcon 9's first-stage booster, flying for the third time after previously launching SES's O3b mPOWER-E and Nasa's Crew-10, returned to Landing Zone 2 at Cape Canaveral, triggering a sonic boom that was heard across nearby areas, reported Florida Today. The Bandwagon series began in April 2024 and has since expanded SpaceX's ability to serve a variety of clients. To date, the company has launched over 1,130 small satellites for 130 customers under its rideshare program. SpaceX also operates a separate Transporter line of rideshare missions, which began in 2021 and still holds the single-launch record of 143 satellites. The next SpaceX launch from Cape Canaveral is scheduled for no earlier than April 24 at 9:32 pm (local time), carrying Starlink 6-74 internet satellites. United Launch Alliance's Amazon Kuiper mission is also slated for liftoff from the Cape no earlier than April 28.
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
SpaceX launches Falcon 9 from Florida carrying Bandwagon-3 rideshare mission
The Brief SpaceX launched its Bandwagon-3 rideshare mission from Cape Canaveral on April 21, carrying three commercial payloads. The mission featured a reusable Falcon 9 booster and highlighted growing global interest in affordable space access. Details surrounding the objectives of the Tomorrow-S7 and PHOENIX capsules have been kept relatively under wraps. ORLANDO, Fla. - SpaceX successfully launched a Falcon 9 rocket carrying the Bandwagon-3 mission from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on Monday evening. What we know SpaceX launched its Falcon 9 rocket on Monday, April 21, at 8:48 p.m. ET as part of the Bandwagon-3 mission. The rocket lifted off from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The mission includes three commercial payloads: 425Sat-3 from South Korea's ADD, Tomorrow-S7 from Tomorrow Companies Inc., and the PHOENIX re-entry capsule by Atmos Space Cargo. The Falcon 9 rocket's first-stage booster had previously supported the O3b mPOWER-E and Crew-10 missions. After stage separation, the booster returned to Landing Zone 2 at Cape Canaveral. What we don't know Details surrounding the objectives of the Tomorrow-S7 and PHOENIX capsule, both of which are commercial technologies, have been kept relatively under wraps. The backstory The Bandwagon series is part of SpaceX's effort to accommodate a growing number of rideshare missions, offering more flexible and cost-effective access to orbit for commercial and government entities. These missions have become increasingly popular as demand rises for launching smaller payloads without the wait times and costs associated with traditional full-scale launches. The 425Sat-3 is part of South Korea's 425 Project, aimed at strengthening its military reconnaissance capabilities. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source This story was written based on information shared by SpaceX.
