Falcon 9 launches Swedish Internet Satellite, Ovzon 3

The first SpaceX launch of 2024 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station left LC-40 at 6:04 pm EST, propelling Ovzon-3 to a geosynchronous transfer orbit. The Swedish internet satellite features increased power and steerable spot beams to deliver capacity at the right time and place.
At 38 minutes before launch, RP-1 flowed into both stages, a super-chilled version of kerosene which allows more fuel to fit inside the Falcon 9. Liquid oxygen, needed for combustion, began to fill simultaneously. Sixteen minutes before t-zero, LOX flowed in the second stage, which is always a brand-new vehicle. Actions controlled by computers ensured significant milestones were executed on time, including engine chill-down and tank pressurization. Nine Merlin engines commenced ignition, lofting the Falcon 9 skyward for a post-sunset launch. This was the tenth flight for B1076, having previously supported CRS-26, One Web-16, Intelsat 40E, mPower 5/6, and five Starlink missions.
Booster B1076 separation occurred two and a half minutes after launch. As the second stage ignited its lone engine moments later, the first stage performed a flip maneuver and boost-back burn to start its reuse journey. Grid fins and cold gas thrusters aligned the descending stages. Minutes later, three engines ignited for the entry burn. This began to slow down the rocket as it lowered to Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Aligned with LZ-1, the landing burn allowed B1076 to gently touch down on the concrete pad. A double sonic boom spread across the local area.
As the second stage continued to propel the payload, the fairings which protect the cargo during atmospheric ascent, split in two then peeled away from the rocket. They coasted to the ocean, slowed by parachutes. A boat stationed nearby will scoop the fairing halves for reuse.
Second stage burned as planned then shut down to enter a coast phase. One additional short burn occurred before separation of the Ovzon-3 satellite, about 38 minutes after launch. The spent stage performs adjustments to line it up with entry and burn-up over the Indian Ocean.

By John Howard