NET Dec 2028 — Launch Falcon Heavy / Rosalind Franklin Mars Rover

December 1, 2028

Mars launch window is open December 2028 into early 2029. Rosalind Franklin Rover will launch to search for life on Mars, NASA announced on 4.16.26. The Rosalind Franklin is part of Europe’s ExoMars exploration program, which was established about 15 years ago with NASA as a key partner. NASA-ESA partnership for this mission was renewed in 2024.

Falcon Heavy history and projected launches:
• 1st launch, in 2018, propelled a Tesla Roadster and astronaut mannequin to a heliocentric orbit. (SpaceX CEO Elon Musk also leads Tesla.)
• Europa Clipper launched in 2024 to the Jupiter moon.
• ViaSat-3 to GEO in April 2026.
• Astrobotic Technologies’ Griffin-1 to the Moon NET July 2026.
• Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope launching NET October 2026.
• Astrobotic Technologies’ Griffin-2 to the Moon NET January 2027.