Credit: NASA TV
DSCOVR/Falcon 9 In Flight
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Credit: NASA TV
“It was inspiring to witness the launch of the Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR). DSCOVR has embarked on its mission to further our understanding of Earth and enable citizens and scientists alike to better understand the reality of the climate crisis and envision its solutions. DSCOVR will also give us a wonderful opportunity to see …
Credit: NASA TV
The second stage engine has cut off as scheduled placing itself and DSCOVR in a parking orbit above Earth. The second stage will re-ignite in 22 minutes to push DSCOVR out toward its L1 destination about a million miles from Earth.
The Falcon 9 rocket and its DSCOVR spacecraft are continuing to gain speed and altitude as they near a parking orbit to begin a 22-minute coast phase.
A single Merlin engine is lifting DSCOVR into space now. The fairing jettisoned as plan.
First stage engines have shut down, stage jettisoned for second stage to take over.
The rocket has passed safely through Max-Q and is supersonic.
NOAA’s DSCOVR spacecraft is on the way to deep space!
The rocket is starting its pressure cycle before lighting the nine engines of the first stage.