USSF-44 secret mission - Falcon Heavy rocket sends US Department of Defense military satellites into orbit

As planned, on Nov. 1 at 3:31 p.m. (EET), SpaceX launched the Falcon Heavy, the world's most powerful rocket (in operation), into space for the first time since summer 2019.

Here's What We Know

Falcon Heavy launched from the Cape Canaveral Cosmodrome in Florida. As part of the classified USSF-44 mission, it will put two satellites into geosynchronous orbit for the United States Space Force. One of the satellites is called TETRA-1. The purpose of both satellites was not disclosed.

SpaceX has abandoned the controlled landing of the middle booster to boost its fuel supply. The rocket booster fell into the sea off the coast of Florida. Normally it would land on a floating pad in the Atlantic Ocean. But the Falcon Heavy booster successfully returned to Earth and landed on the territory of the launch pad.

Note that the title of the most powerful rocket in operation at Falcon Heavy will remain short-lived, but it's not certain. As early as November 14, it could go to NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) lunar rocket, which will send the Orion spacecraft on a 25-day trip around the moon. Although the launch of the SLS has already been postponed several times.

Source: SpaceX