Overview
- Liftoff from Cape Canaveral’s Launch Complex 36 is targeted for around 2:45 p.m. Eastern on Nov. 9.
- ESCAPADE comprises two small satellites built by Rocket Lab and operated by UC Berkeley’s Space Sciences Laboratory to probe solar wind interactions with Mars’ upper atmosphere and magnetic environment.
- The mission will linger near the Earth–Sun L2 point for about a year, conduct an Earth flyby in November 2026, and arrive at Mars in 2027 for roughly 11 months of coordinated orbital measurements.
- Blue Origin plans to attempt recovery of the New Glenn first stage on the ship Jacklyn after NG-1’s landing failed because of an engine issue.
- A Viasat terminal will demonstrate telemetry and data relay services under NASA’s Communications Services Project, and NASA’s public coverage is expected to be limited by the federal government shutdown.