SpaceX makes history with first polar orbit launch from Cape Canaveral in decades

[TexasTowelie]

The weather was iffy all day but the heavens parted for just a moment and allowed the Falcon 9 to take flight south and make history as the first rocket to launch a satellite into a polar orbit from Cape Canaveral in 60 years.

Most rockets launching from the Space Coast travel east over the ocean but to reach for polar orbit, the Falcon 9 had to veer south. A polar orbit is just what it sounds like – the satellite orbits around the North and South poles – which is better for imaging, spy and weather satellites.

The Falcon 9 carried an Earth observation satellite called SAOCOM-1B equipped with radar to help it predict and monitor natural disasters for the Argentinian government. Two smaller payloads, Tyvak-0172 and PlanetiQ’s GNOMES-1, also caught a ride to space aboard the Falcon.

The southern trajectory meant that bystanders all down the coast of Florida got the opportunity to see the launch as the rocket headed toward them instead of away. But storm clouds prevented many from getting a good view.

Read more: https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/tech/science/space/2020/08/30/spacex-makes-history-first-polar-orbit-launch-cape-canaveral/5675792002/
(Daytona Beach News-Journal)

[Layzeebeaver]

1. Polar orbits require a bit more energy.

nice to see this happen on the east coast for a change.

[LastDemocratInSC]

2. Israel launches its Shavit rockets westward

Last edited Mon Aug 31, 2020, 08:14 PM - Edit history (1)

over the Mediterranean ocean. That requires even more energy than a polar orbit. That's done to protect populated areas in the event of a launch failure. And, to prevent a new middle eastern war by giving the appearance of a stealthy first strike against their neighbors to the east.

[Layzeebeaver]

3. That's exactly right.

However, fewer missile launches in the middle east would be a good thing.