A Northrop Grumman spacecraft designed to inspect, repair, and upgrade satellites while in orbit is set to ride a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket into space today from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The mission, designated MRV-MEP, represents a growing class of in-space servicing vehicles aimed at extending the working lives of existing satellites.
The launch window opens at 5:15 p.m. and remains available until 9:04 p.m. if conditions require a delay. The Falcon 9 will lift off eastward from Launch Complex 40. Notably, the first-stage booster is not scheduled to attempt a landing — it will burn up during reentry rather than touch down on a drone ship.
Weather forecasters with the Space Force's 45th Weather Squadron gave the attempt a 75% chance of favorable conditions, though cumulus and anvil clouds pose potential concerns. Tropical Storm Bertha, slowly strengthening along the northern Gulf Coast, is actually expected to pull drier air across the Florida peninsula, which could help keep the skies cooperative.
This report is based on coverage by Rick Neale of Florida Today.
