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Several small satellites must be put into orbit aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket whose takeoff is scheduled for Monday at Vandenberg Air Base.
The launch of Spaceflight SSO-A: SmallSat Express is planned between 10: 31-11: 00 from VAFB Space Launch Complex-4E.
The rocket is expected to carry approximately 70 satellites, including microsatellites and CubeSats, from various suppliers around the world, including US government agencies.
The payload has been configured by Spaceflight, a Seattle-based launch services company. By grouping the satellites in a carpool setting, the cost of launching is spread among many customers.
Among the satellites that will be part of the mission, there is the Pathfinder II of Helios Wire, a connectivity company based on the Internet of Things or IoT. The Pathfinder II satellite is expected to be the first in a constellation of 28 satellites that the company plans to deploy to provide global IoT coverage.
"This is definitely an exciting leap forward for us and a fundamental part of our future constellation," said Helios Wire CEO and co-founder Scott Larson in a statement posted on the company's website. "We think this will upset the way people perceive IoT connectivity, in terms of the types of applications that can be superimposed over the network, especially analysis and blockchain. We are very grateful to our team and partners for helping us reach this milestone and we remain focused on expanding our market opportunities and completing our next group of satellites. "
30th Space Wing VAFB officials recommend that members of the public who wish to attend the launch meet at Hawk's Nest on Azalea Lane, off Route 1, about one kilometer south of VAFB's main gate .
The doors of the Hawk's Nest will open at 9 am Monday, according to officials at the base, and will close no later than 10:15 am.
"As a reminder, the public is asked not to bring or consume alcohol, smoke or barbeque or open fire," reads part of the statement from 30 Space Wing. "Campers, RVs, trailers are also not allowed. Weapons are forbidden, in addition, [and] The use of small unmanned aerial systems within five miles (4.8 km) of any active runway, such as Vandenberg, is prohibited. "
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