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ORBIVO / MISSION CONTROL

What is a launch window?

Why rockets must launch within a specific period and how to read a launch window.

Dates and times account for daylight saving changes.

A period in which liftoff is possible

A launch window is the period in which liftoff allows the rocket to carry out its planned mission. It does not guarantee a launch at the very start of that period.

Why not launch at any time?

The rocket must reach the intended trajectory. Earth’s position, the destination, orbit requirements and the position of a station for rendezvous all matter. A window can last hours or be nearly instantaneous.

Reading times in Orbivo

The launch time is the current plan. Each mission page separately shows the start and end of the window and the precision reported by our source. You can change the time zone in the schedule.

When the window closes

If launch is not possible within the window, the team chooses another opportunity and updates the schedule. A countdown to a planned time does not confirm actual liftoff.

The data could not be confirmed as current. Showing a saved dataset; verify the schedule with the operator.