NASA’s Roman Space Telescope: Falcon Heavy Side Boosters Begin Return
The two side boosters on the SpaceX Falcon Heavy carrying NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope have separated from the center core. The post NASA’s Roman Space Telescope: Falcon Heavy Side Boosters Begin Return appeared first on NASA Science .
The two side boosters on the SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket, carrying NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, have detached from the central core. Following a brief shutdown of their engines around two minutes and twenty-four seconds after launch, the boosters executed a flip maneuver at roughly the same time to prepare for their descent.
Immediately after, their boost back burns commenced, expected to last just over a minute. The central core of the Falcon Heavy rocket continues to power the second stage and the Roman telescope en route to its destination. Main engine cutoff is expected to occur at three minutes and fifty-one seconds after launch, followed by the separation of the second stage and ignition of the second-stage Merlin Vacuum engine.
The side boosters are set to touch down near the launch site at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, approximately seven minutes and forty seconds after launch. The launch can be watched live on NASA+ and various platforms. For details on where to watch, visit www.nasa.gov/live.
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