SpaceX Bandwagon-5 Launch and the Space Jellyfish Effect
SpaceX is trending due to the Tuesday morning launch of the Bandwagon-5 mission from Cape Canaveral. People are particularly interested in the potential for a 'space jellyfish' visual effect caused by sunlight hitting rocket exhaust in the upper atmosphere.
What happened
- Earlier
A launch scheduled for Monday morning was cancelled because of poor weather for recovery [1].
- 20 Oct, 06:30 UTC
A one-hour window opens for the Falcon 9 rocket to begin the Bandwagon-5 mission [1].
What you need to know
The mission is a rideshare transporting several small satellites and re-entry vehicles [1].
The first stage booster being used has flown 18 times previously [1].
The booster is intended to land on the A Shortfall of Gravitas droneship in the Atlantic [1].
If Tuesday's launch fails, a backup window is set for Wednesday [1].
It is not confirmed if the specific atmospheric conditions required for the 'space jellyfish' effect will occur during this flight [1].
Background
The 'space jellyfish' is a visual phenomenon that occurs when rocket exhaust expands at high altitudes and is lit by the sun while it is still dark on the ground [1]. This creates a glowing, bulb-like cloud with trails that look like tentacles [1].
SpaceX frequently uses the Falcon 9 rocket for various purposes, including NASA resupply missions to the International Space Station and deploying Starlink satellites [1], [2].
Questions people ask
What is the Bandwagon-5 mission?
It is a rideshare mission carrying multiple small satellites and vehicles designed to bring some of those satellites back to Earth [1].
Why does the 'space jellyfish' happen?
It happens when sunlight hits expanding rocket gases in the upper atmosphere while the ground remains in darkness [1].
Where this came from
Found through Google Trends and drafted with AI from at least two cited sources. Published automatically after passing our automated checks for sources, wording and safety. It may not have been reviewed by a person yet. Report a correction.