December 1, 2012 - A regularly updated listing of planned missions from spaceports around the globe. Dates and times are given in Greenwich Mean Time. "NET" stands for no earlier than. "TBD" means to be determined. Recent updates appear in red type. Please send any corrections, additions or updates by e-mail to: sclark@spaceflightnow.com
Latest changes:
11/15: Atlas 5/OTV 3 delayed; Soyuz/Resurs P1 delayed
11/16: PSLV/SARAL delayed; Atlas 5/TDRS K delayed; Adding timeframe for Falcon 9/Cassiope; Adding Falcon 9/SES 8
11/19: Adding Long March 4C/Yaogan 16; Adding date for KSLV 1/STSAT 2C; Adding date and time for Zenit 3SL/Eutelsat 70B
11/20: Adding time for Long March 3B/Chinasat 12; Rockot/Rodnik delayed; Adding date for Atlas 5/OTV 3
11/22: Long March 3B/Chinasat 12 scrubbed; Adjusting KSLV 1/STSAT 2C launch window
11/26: Adding time for Proton/Yamal 402; Adding Atlas 5/MUOS 2 and Atlas 5/AEHF 3
11/27: Zenit 3SL/Eutelsat 70B delayed; Long March 4B/CBERS 3 delayed; Adding H-2A/IGS
11/29: KSLV 1/STSAT 2C scrubbed; Antares demo flight delayed
11/30: Soyuz/Pleiades 1B scrubbed; Adding date and time for Rockot/Rodnik; Adding time for Proton/Satmex 7; PSLV/SARAL delayed; Adding date and window for Atlas 5/TDRS K; Adding Falcon 9/Orbcomm OG2
12/01: Adding date for Soyuz/Globalstar; Pegasus XL/IRIS delayed
Dec. 1/2 Soyuz • Pleiades 1B
Launch time: 0202:50 GMT on 2nd (9:02:50 p.m. EST on 1st)
Launch site: ELS, Sinnamary, French Guiana
An Arianespace Soyuz rocket, designated VS04, will launch from the Guiana Space Center in South America. The Soyuz will carry the Pleiades 1B optical high-resolution Earth observation satellite for CNES. The Soyuz 2-1a rocket will use a Fregat upper stage. Arianespace will oversee the launch. Scrubbed on Nov. 30. [Nov. 30]
Dec. 3 Zenit 3SL • Eutelsat 70B
Launch time: 2043:55 GMT (3:43:55 p.m. EST)
Launch site: Odyssey platform, Pacific Ocean (154° west, 0° north)
A Sea Launch Zenit 3SL rocket will deliver the Eutelsat 70B communications satellite into orbit. Eutelsat 70B, previously known as W5A, will provide government communications services, broadband access and professional video exchanges in Europe, Africa, Central Asia and Southeast Asia. Delayed from Dec. 2. [Nov. 27]
December KSLV 1 • STSAT 2C
Launch window: 0700-0955 GMT (2:00-4:55 a.m. EST)
Launch site: Naro Space Center, South Korea
The Korea Space Launch Vehicle will launch on its third flight from a launch site on the southern tip of Korea. The first two KSLV flights failed. The KSLV 1 rocket uses a Russian liquid-fueled first stage and a Korean solid-fueled upper stage. The payload for this launch is the Science and Technology Satellite 2C (STSAT 2C) demonstration spacecraft. Scrubbed on Oct. 26 and Nov. 29. [Nov. 29]
Dec. 7 Rockot • Rodnik
Launch time: 2034 GMT (3:34 p.m. EST)
Launch site: Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russia
A Russian government Rockot vehicle will launch three Rodnik communications satellites for the Russian military. Delayed from Nov. 29. [Nov. 30]
Dec. 8 Proton • Yamal 402
Launch time: 1313:43 GMT (8:13:43 a.m. EST)
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
An International Launch Services Proton rocket with a Breeze M upper stage will deploy the Yamal 402 satellite. Yamal 402 will provide communications over Russia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa for Gazprom Space Systems. [Nov. 26]
Dec. 11 Atlas 5 • OTV 3
Launch period: TBD
Launch site: SLC-41, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
The United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket (AV-034) will deploy the U.S. military's X-37B, a prototype spaceplane also called the Orbital Test Vehicle, on the program's third mission. The rocket will fly in the 501 vehicle configuration with a five-meter fairing, no solid rocket boosters and a single-engine Centaur upper stage. Moved up from Oct. 26. Delayed from Oct. 25, Oct. 30, Nov. 13 and Nov. 27. [Nov. 20]
Dec. 19 Soyuz • ISS 33S
Launch time: 1212 GMT (7:12 a.m. EST)
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
A Russian government Soyuz rocket will launch the manned Soyuz spacecraft to the International Space Station with members of the next Expedition crew. The capsule will remain at the station for about six months, providing an escape pod for the crew. Delayed from Dec. 5. [Oct. 30]
Dec. 19 Ariane 5 • Skynet 5D & Mexsat 3
Launch time: 2130 GMT (4:30 p.m. EST)
Launch site: ELA-3, Kourou, French Guiana
Arianespace will use an Ariane 5 ECA rocket, designated VA211, to launch the Skynet 5D and Mexsat 3 communications satellites. Skynet 5D will provide military communications services for the British Ministry of Defence. Mexsat 3, also known as Mexsat Bicentenario, will provide communications services for the federal government of Mexico. [Nov. 9]
December Long March 2D • Gokturk 2
Launch time: TBD
Launch site: Jiuquan, China
A Chinese Long March 2D rocket will launch the Gokturk 2 Earth imaging satellite for Turkey. Gokturk 2 will gather high-resolution images of Earth for civilian and military applications. [Nov. 8]
Dec. 25 Soyuz • Glonass
Launch time: TBD
Launch site: Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russia
A Russian government Soyuz rocket will launch a Glonass K navigation satellite. The rocket will fly in the Soyuz 2-1b configuration with a Fregat upper stage. [Nov. 13]
Dec. 27 Proton • Satmex 8
Launch time: 1834 GMT (1:34 p.m. EST)
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
An International Launch Services Proton rocket with a Breeze M upper stage will deploy the Satmex 8 satellite. Satmex 8 will provide video distribution, broadband, cellular backhaul and distance learning services in North America and South America. [Nov. 30]
January Long March 4B • CBERS 3
Launch time: TBD
Launch site: Taiyuan, China
A Chinese Long March 4B rocket will launch the CBERS 3 remote sensing satellite. CBERS 3 is the third China-Brazil Earth Resources Satellite for the collection of global imagery for environmental, urban planning and agricultural applications. Delayed from December. [Nov. 27]
January Antares • Demo
Launch time: TBD
Launch site: Pad 0A, Wallops Island, Virginia
The first Orbital Sciences Antares rocket, formerly known as the Taurus 2, will launch a simulated Cygnus spacecraft on a demonstration flight. Delayed from October and December 2011. Delayed from Jan. 23, February, July 6, Aug. 9, late September, October and December 2012. [Nov. 29]
January Delta 4 • WGS 5
Launch window: TBD
Launch site: SLC-37B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
A United Launch Alliance Delta 4 rocket will the fifth Wideband Global SATCOM spacecraft, formerly known as the Wideband Gapfiller Satellite. Built by Boeing, this geostationary communications spacecraft will serve U.S. military forces. The rocket will fly in the Medium+ (5,4) configuration with four solid rocket boosters. [Oct. 3]
Jan. 26/27 H-2A • IGS
Launch window: 0400-0600 GMT on 27th (11:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m. EST on 26th/27th)
Launch site: Tanegashima Space Center, Japan
A Japanese H-2A rocket will launch an Information Gathering Satellite for the Japanese government. The payload is a radar reconnaissance satellite. [Nov. 27]
Jan. 28 PSLV • SARAL
Launch time: TBD
Launch site: Satish Dhawan Space Center, Sriharikota, India
India's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), flying on the PSLV-C20 mission, will launch the SARAL ocean altimetry satellite. SARAL is a collaboration between France and India designed to measure sea surface height from space. The rocket will also carry Canada's Sapphire space surveillance payload and NEOSSat space telescope to search for near-Earth asteroids. Delayed from October and Dec. 12. Delayed from Jan. 12. [Nov. 30]
Jan. 29/30 Atlas 5 • TDRS K
Launch window: 0152-0232 GMT on 30th (8:52-9:32 p.m. EST on 29th)
Launch site: SLC-41, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
The United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket (AV-036) will launch the TDRS K communications and delay relay satellite for NASA. The Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) connects mission control with the International Space Station and other orbiting satellites. The rocket will fly in the 401 vehicle configuration with a four-meter fairing, no solid rocket boosters and a single-engine Centaur upper stage. Delayed from June 12, Dec. 6, Dec. 13 and Jan. 18. [Nov. 30]
January Zenit 3SL • Intelsat 27
Launch time: TBD
Launch site: Odyssey platform, Pacific Ocean (154° west, 0° North)
A Sea Launch Zenit 3SL rocket will deliver the Intelsat 27 communications satellite into orbit. Intelsat 27 will provide communications services for media, network and government customers over the Americas and Europe. [Oct. 30]
January Proton • Anik G1
Launch time: TBD
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
An International Launch Services Proton rocket with a Breeze M upper stage will deploy the Anik G1 satellite. Anik G1 will provide Ku-band direct-to-home television broadcasting services to Canada, C-band and Ku-band programming to South America and North America, and a commercial X-band payload for military users for Telesat of Canada. [Nov. 11]
Feb. 5 Soyuz • Globalstar
Launch time: TBD
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
An Arianespace Soyuz rocket will launch six second-generation Globalstar mobile communications satellites. The Soyuz rocket will use a Fregat upper stage. Arianespace will oversee the commercial launch. Delayed from June, September and November 2011. Delayed from mid-2012. [Dec. 1]
Feb. 6 Ariane 5 • ABS 2 & Azerspace
Launch window: TBD
Launch site: ELA-3, Kourou, French Guiana
Arianespace will use an Ariane 5 ECA rocket, designated VA212, to launch the ABS 2 and Azerspace communications satellites. ABS 2 will provide C-band, Ku-band and Ka-band video, networking and military communications services over Africa, the Middle East, India and Russia for Asia Broadcast Satellite of Hong Kong. Azerspace, also known as Africasat 1a, will provide communications services over Azerbaijan, Central Asia, Europe and Africa for the Azerbaijan communications ministry. [Oct. 25]
Feb. 11 Atlas 5 • LDCM
Launch time: 1804 GMT (10:04 a.m. PST; 1:04 p.m. EST)
Launch site: SLC-3E, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California
A United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket will launch the Landsat Data Continuity Mission for NASA and the U.S. Geological Survey. LDCM will obtain Earth observation data to be used in agriculture, education, business, science, and government. The data from the Landsat spacecraft constitute the longest record of the Earth's continental surfaces as seen from space. The rocket will fly in the 401 vehicle configuration with a four-meter fairing, no solid rocket boosters and a single-engine Centaur upper stage. [Sept. 29]
Feb. 12 Soyuz • Progress 50P
Launch time: TBD
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
A Russian government Soyuz rocket will launch the 50th Progress cargo delivery ship to the International Space Station. Delayed from Dec. 26. [Sept. 24]
February Soyuz • Resurs P1
Launch time: TBD
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
A Russian government Soyuz rocket will launch the Resurs P1 Earth observation satellite to collect remote sensing data for Russian government agencies and foreign customers. Delayed from Nov. 30. [Nov. 15]
February GSLV • GSAT 14
Launch time: TBD
Launch site: Satish Dhawan Space Center, Sriharikota, India
India's Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), flying on the GSLV-D5 mission, will launch the GSAT 14 communications satellite. The rocket will fly in the GSLV Mk.2 configuration with an Indian-built cryogenic third stage. Delayed from October, December and January. [Oct. 25]
March 1 Falcon 9 • SpaceX CRS 2
Launch time: TBD
Launch site: SLC-40, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch the fourth Dragon spacecraft on the second operational cargo delivery mission to the International Space Station. The flight is being conducted under the Commercial Resupply Services contract with NASA. Delayed from December and Jan. 18. [Nov. 2]
March Soyuz • O3b
Launch time: TBD
Launch site: ELS, Sinnamary, French Guiana
An Arianespace Soyuz rocket will launch on a mission from the Guiana Space Center in South America. The Soyuz will carry four satellites for O3b Networks, which will provide broadband service to developing countries. The Soyuz 2-1b rocket will use a Fregat upper stage. Arianespace will oversee the launch. [Oct. 14]
March 13 Vega • Proba-V
Launch time: TBD
Launch site: ZLV, Kourou, French Guiana
The European Vega rocket, designated VV02, will launch on its second flight with the Proba-V Earth observation satellite and several secondary payloads. Proba-V carries an instrument to provide a daily overview of global vegetation growth. [Oct. 12]
March Atlas 5 • SBIRS GEO 2
Launch window: TBD
Launch site: SLC-41, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
The United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket will launch the U.S. military's second Space Based Infrared System Geosynchronous satellite, or SBIRS GEO 2, for missile early-warning detection. The rocket will fly in the 401 vehicle configuration with a four-meter fairing, no solid rocket boosters and a single-engine Centaur upper stage. Moved forward from May. [Oct. 25]
March 28 Soyuz • ISS 34S
Launch time: TBD
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
A Russian government Soyuz rocket will launch the manned Soyuz spacecraft to the International Space Station with members of the next Expedition crew. The capsule will remain at the station for about six months, providing an escape pod for the crew. [Sept. 24]
April 5 Antares • Cygnus 1
Launch time: TBD
Launch site: Pad 0A, Wallops Island, Virginia
The Orbital Sciences Antares rocket, formerly known as the Taurus 2, will launch the first Cygnus cargo freighter on a test flight to the International Space Station. Orbital Sciences is developing the Cygnus spacecraft to deliver supplies to the space station. Delayed from June and December 2011. Delayed from Feb. 23, April 28, Aug. 20, Sept. 1, and October 2012. [Nov. 11]
April Soyuz • Galileo FOC-1
Launch time: TBD
Launch site: ELS, Sinnamary, French Guiana
An Arianespace Soyuz rocket will launch on a mission from the Guiana Space Center in South America. The Soyuz will carry two Galileo full operational capability satellites for Europe's Galileo navigation constellation. The Soyuz 2-1b rocket will use a Fregat-MT upper stage. Arianespace will oversee the launch. [Oct. 12]
April Rockot • Swarm
Launch time: TBD
Launch site: Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russia
A Eurockot Rockot vehicle will launch the Swarm mission for the European Space Agency. Swarm is an Earth Explorer mission comprising three satellites in different polar orbits to probe the geomagnetic field and its temporal evolution, in order to gain new insights into the Earth system by improving our understanding of the Earth's interior and physical climate. Delayed from July 16 by launcher issue. Delayed from November by Breeze M investigation. Delayed from February by launcher issue. [Nov. 13]
April 18 Ariane 5 • ATV 4
Launch time: TBD
Launch site: ELA-3, Kourou, French Guiana
Arianespace will use an Ariane 5 ES rocket, designated VA213, to launch the European Space Agency's fourth Automated Transfer Vehicle, named Albert Einstein. The ATV is a cargo-carrying spacecraft to deliver supplies and equipment to the orbiting International Space Station. Delayed from March 12. [Oct. 3]
April 24 Soyuz • Progress 51P
Launch time: TBD
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
A Russian government Soyuz rocket will launch the 51st Progress cargo delivery ship to the International Space Station. [Oct. 12]
April Atlas 5 • GeoEye 2
Launch window: TBD
Launch site: SLC-3E, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California
A United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket will launch the GeoEye 2 observation satellite for GeoEye Inc. The satellite's high-resolution imagery will be sold to U.S. government users and commercial customers. The launch was arranged by Lockheed Martin Commercial Launch Services. The rocket will fly in the 401 vehicle configuration with a four-meter fairing, no solid rocket boosters and a single-engine Centaur upper stage. [June 29]
April Falcon 9 • Cassiope
Launch window: TBD
Launch site: SLC-4E, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch the Cassiope satellite for the Canadian Space Agency. Cassiope carries a communications relay payload for a commercial digital broadcast courier service and an instrument to observe the Earth's ionosphere. The rocket will fly in the Falcon 9 v1.1 configuration with upgraded Merlin 1D engines, stretched fuel tanks, and a payload fairing. [Nov. 16]
April 29/30 Pegasus XL • IRIS
Launch window: 0225:26-0230:26 GMT on 30th (9:25:26-9:30:26 p.m. EST on 29th)
Launch site: L-1011, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California
The air-launched Orbital Sciences Pegasus XL rocket will deploy NASA's Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS). IRIS will make detailed measurements of the flow of energy and plasma through the sun's atmosphere and heliosphere. Delayed from Dec. 1 and Jan. 22. [Dec. 1]
May Atlas 5 • GPS 2F-4
Launch time: TBD
Launch site: SLC-41, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
A United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket will deploy the Air Force's fourth Block 2F navigation satellite for the Global Positioning System. The rocket will fly in the 401 vehicle configuration with a four-meter fairing, no solid rocket boosters and a single-engine Centaur upper stage. Delayed from March. [Oct. 3]
May 28 Soyuz • ISS 35S
Launch time: TBD
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
A Russian government Soyuz rocket will launch the manned Soyuz spacecraft to the International Space Station with members of the next Expedition crew. The capsule will remain at the station for about six months, providing an escape pod for the crew. [Sept. 24]
June Long March 2F • Shenzhou 10
Launch time: TBD
Launch site: Jiuquan, China
A Long March 2F rocket will launch the Shenzhou 10 spacecraft, a crewed mission to dock with the orbiting Tiangong 1 laboratory module. The flight will be China's fifth human space mission. [Nov. 13]
June Delta 4 • WGS 6
Launch window: TBD
Launch site: SLC-37B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
A United Launch Alliance Delta 4 rocket will the fifth Wideband Global SATCOM spacecraft, formerly known as the Wideband Gapfiller Satellite. Built by Boeing, this geostationary communications spacecraft will serve U.S. military forces. The rocket will fly in the Medium+ (5,4) configuration with four solid rocket boosters. [Oct. 12]
June Minotaur 1 • ORS 3
Launch time: TBD
Launch site: Pad 0B, Wallops Island, Va.
A U.S. Air Force Minotaur 1 rocket will launch the Operationally Responsive Space 3, or ORS 3, mission. ORS 3 will test space-based rocket tracking technology and an autonomous flight termination system. The rocket will also launch the STPSat 3 satellite, a host platform for several U.S. military experiments. [Oct. 12]
June Falcon 9 • SES 8
Launch time: TBD
Launch site: SLC-40, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch the SES 8 communications satellite. SES 8 will provide Ku-band and Ka-band direct-to-home broadcasting and network services over the Asia-Pacific region. The rocket will fly in the Falcon 9 v1.1 configuration with upgraded Merlin 1D engines, stretched fuel tanks, and a payload fairing. [Nov. 16]
July Atlas 5 • MUOS 2
Launch time: TBD
Launch site: SLC-41, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
A United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket will launch the second Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellite for the U.S. Navy. Built by Lockheed Martin, this U.S. military spacecraft will provide narrowband tactical communications designed to significantly improve ground communications for U.S. forces on the move. The rocket will fly in the 551 vehicle configuration with a five-meter fairing, five solid rocket boosters and a single-engine Centaur upper stage. [Nov. 26]
July 15 H-2B • HTV 4
Launch time: TBD
Launch site: Tanegashima Space Center, Japan
A Japanese H-2B rocket will launch the fourth H-2 Transfer Vehicle. The HTV serves as an unmanned cargo vehicle to deliver equipment and supplies to the International Space Station. Delayed from June 10. [Nov. 11]
July 24 Soyuz • Progress 52P
Launch time: TBD
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
A Russian government Soyuz rocket will launch the 52nd Progress cargo delivery ship to the International Space Station. [Oct. 12]
Aug. 12 Minotaur 5 • LADEE
Launch time: TBD
Launch site: Pad 0B, Wallops Island, Va.
A U.S. Air Force Minotaur 5 rocket will launch the Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Experiment, or LADEE, mission for NASA. LADEE will study the moon's tenuous atmosphere and dust from lunar orbit. [Nov. 11]
August Falcon 9 • Orbcomm OG2
Launch time: TBD
Launch site: SLC-40, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch eight second-generation Orbcomm communications satellites. The satellites will operate for Orbcomm Inc., providing two-way data messaging services for global customers. The rocket will fly in the Falcon 9 v1.1 configuration with upgraded Merlin 1D engines, stretched fuel tanks, and a payload fairing. [Nov. 30]
August Delta 4-Heavy • NROL-65
Launch time: TBD
Launch site: SLC-6, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California
A United Launch Alliance Delta 4-Heavy rocket will launch a classified spy satellite cargo for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office. The largest of the Delta 4 family, the Heavy version features three Common Booster Cores mounted together to form a triple-body rocket. [Nov. 11]
September Atlas 5 • AEHF 3
Launch time: TBD
Launch site: SLC-41, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
The United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket will launch the third Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) satellite. Built by Lockheed Martin, this U.S. military spacecraft will provide highly-secure communications. The rocket will fly in the 531 vehicle configuration with a five-meter fairing, three solid rocket boosters and a single-engine Centaur upper stage. [Nov. 26]
Sept. 25 Soyuz • ISS 36S
Launch time: TBD
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
A Russian government Soyuz rocket will launch the manned Soyuz spacecraft to the International Space Station with members of the next Expedition crew. The capsule will remain at the station for about six months, providing an escape pod for the crew. [Nov. 11]
Sept. 30 Falcon 9 • SpaceX CRS 3
Launch time: TBD
Launch site: SLC-40, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch the fifth Dragon spacecraft on the third operational cargo delivery mission to the International Space Station. The flight is being conducted under the Commercial Resupply Services contract with NASA. Delayed from April 6. [Nov. 11]
