Launch Schedule

NASA's launch schedule is a complex and constantly changing document. It outlines upcoming missions, when they will take place, their goals and more. Those who are interested in NASA activities, ISS or rocket launches can view the launch schedule for information on upcoming launches, their purpose and even how to view the launches.
 
Changes in the launch schedule can occur for a number of reasons. NASA is very committed to safety, so any factor that compromises the safety of a launch must be addressed before the launch occurs. Any of the following can cause a delay or change to the launch schedule:
  • communications
  • good timing
  • launch pad
  • launch vehicle
  • payload
  • "range" availability
  • weather.
When missions are first put on the launch schedule, they are given names according to the goal of the mission and the order in which they are placed. However, if the mission is changed on the launch schedule, its name will stay the same. This can result in missions being numbered out of order.

Launch Schedule Specifics

Instead of a specific launch time, some missions are given a launch window, which is a period of time in which the mission will launch, rather than a specific date and time. This can be a window of time can range from one second up to a few hours. The launch window takes into account specific needs of the mission, as well as:
  • orbital requirements
  • the mission's destination
  • whether range support is available.

The launch schedule also provides information on where the launch will take place. NASA has different launch sites throughout the United States that are equipped to accommodate different types of missions. The following is a list of some of the various types of missions NASA performs and the associated launch sites in which they are initiated:

  • Missions requiring equatorial orbits: Cape Canaveral (CCAFS) near Kennedy Space Center in Central Florida

  • Missions requiring polar orbits: Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB), located in California

  • Primary rocket launch: Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS) near Kennedy Space Center in Central Florida; Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB), located in California

  • Secondary launch sites: Kodiak Island, Alaska; Kwajalein Atoll, located in the Republic of the Marshall Islands

  • Space shuttles: Kennedy Space Center, located in Central Florida.

Upcoming Launches

The following are upcoming launches for 2008 and 2009. These launches may change, so refer to NASA's updated launch schedule for the most up-to-date information.
 
2008
March
  • STS-123, Space Shuttle Endeavour
April
  • STSS ATRR – Missile Defense Agency, United Launch Alliance Delta II
  • STS-124, Space Shuttle Discovery
May
  • GLAST, United Launch Alliance Delta II
June
  • OSTM, United Launch Alliance Delta II
July
  • IBEX, Orbital Sciences Pegasus XL Rocket
August
  • STS-125, Space Shuttle Atlantis
  • GOES-O, United Launch Alliance Delta IV
  • TacSat-3, Orbital Sciences Minotaur Rocket
September
  • STS-126, Space Shuttle Endeavour
October
  • LRO/LCROSS, United Launch Alliance Atlas V
December
  • SDO, United Launch Alliance Atlas V
  • OCO, Orbital Sciences Taurus Rocket
2009
February
  • NOAA-N Prime, United Launch Alliance Delta II
  • Kepler, United Launch Alliance Delta II
March
  • Glory, Orbital Sciences Taurus Rocket
 
Resources
 
NASA (2008). Launch Schedule. Retrieved February 14, 2008, from the NASA Web site.
 
NASA (2008). Launch Schedule 101. Retrieved February 14, 2008, from the NASA Web site.