Falcon Heavy Returns After 18-Month Hiatus for ViaSat-3 | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX's Falcon Heavy lifts off for the 12th time after 18 months grounded, delivering the final ViaSat-3 satellite from LC-39A at 10:21 a.m. EDT.
Launch Date
June 18, 1991
Launch Site
PLMSC
Launch Pad
LC43/4
Launch Vehicle
Molniya 8K78M
NORAD ID
21429
International Designator
1991-043D
Epoch
Mon, 22 Jun 2026 05:28:23 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
63.64°
Right Ascension
247.68°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
262.15°
Period
732.21 min
Mean Motion
1.97 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Name
SL-6 R/B(2)
Alternative Name
Blok-ML No. 186
Type
Status
Owner
RVSN
Country
USSR
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
1 21429U 91043D 26173.22804958 .00000620 00000-0 00000-0 0 9990
2 21429 63.6441 247.6774 6840356 262.1475 21.7116 1.96663885251468
Source: Celestrak
Length
3.3
Diameter
2.3
Span
3.3
Dry Mass
900
Launch Mass
4500
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
7.1655
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Payload
Blok-ML No. 186
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
NPOE
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Blok-L
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
SpaceX's Falcon Heavy lifts off for the 12th time after 18 months grounded, delivering the final ViaSat-3 satellite from LC-39A at 10:21 a.m. EDT.
In today's briefing: China accelerates its satellite megaconstellation. A comprehensive ESA-led optical data network is in the works, marking a key step in satellite communications. NASA's Artemis II crew visits Ohio in preparation for their lunar journey. SpaceX's record-breaking rocket launches continue. Plus, insights into nuclear rockets that could drastically shorten Mars missions.
Thirty-nine years ago, a Proton rocket carried the core of the Mir space station into orbit, launching an unprecedented era of continuous human presence in space and international cooperation
Today's highlights include the Pentagon's report on China's military buildup, Innospace's upcoming launch plans, Starlink's rapid growth, China's significant space strides in 2025, and India's successful deployment of BlueBird 6.
SpaceX successfully launched 24 Starlink satellites from California, enhancing its global internet coverage as the company continues to dominate the satellite communications market.
SpaceX surged 19% on Nasdaq debut as Falcon 9 B1093 deployed 24 Starlink satellites — the 1,500th launched in 2026 — while Dragon CRS-34 heads home.
DARPA's accidental SpaceX detection highlights Earth as a natural sensor, while SpaceX's Fram2 launches into a polar orbit. Helsinki's defense budget rise hints at increased military satellite activity.
SpaceX secures FCC nod for Starlink's direct-to-phone connectivity, lands NASA's Dragonfly mission, and sees new competition with the ZhuQue-2E launch.