SpaceX launches Bandwagon-3 Mission Successfully to Orbit
On Monday, April 21, 2025, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket launched the Bandwagon-3 mission from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The rocket lifted off at 8:48 p.m. ET, carrying three payloads into mid-inclination low Earth orbit: ADD’s 425Sat-3, Tomorrow Companies Inc.’s Tomorrow-S7, and Atmos Space Cargo’s PHOENIX re-entry capsule.
This mission marked the third flight of Falcon 9’s first-stage booster, which previously launched O3b mPOWER-E and Crew-10 missions. After stage separation, the booster successfully landed at Landing Zone 2, achieving SpaceX’s 435th rocket landing.
Payloads and Their Objectives
The Bandwagon-3 mission’s payloads serve various purposes:
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425Sat-3: A reconnaissance satellite developed by the Korean Agency for Defense and Development.
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Tomorrow-S7: Developed by Tomorrow Companies Inc., this satellite is believed to be intended for weather-related data missions.
- PHOENIX Re-entry Capsule: Developed by Atmos Space Cargo, this German-designed capsule aims to test in-orbit systems and demonstrate an inflatable heat shield for atmospheric reentry.
Mission Significance and Future Outlook
The Bandwagon-3 mission underscores SpaceX’s commitment to expanding access to space for small satellite operators. By offering regular, scheduled launches at a fraction of traditional costs, SpaceX continues to lead in the commercial spaceflight industry.
For more information and to view the launch webcast, visit SpaceX’s official website.
