Three Launches Scheduled For The Same Day, January 20th 2011

Wow, There are three launches scheduled for the same day. It's going to be a busy day at mission control centers around the world.

First Up: Japan H-2B - HTV2
Launch time: 0629 GMT (1:29 a.m. EST)
Launch site: Tanegashima Space Center, Japan

The Japanese H-2B rocket will launch the second H-2 Transfer Vehicle. The HTV serves as an unmanned cargo vehicle to deliver equipment and supplies to the International Space Station.

Second Up: Russia Zenit 3F - Electro-L1
Launch time: 1235 GMT (7:35 a.m. EST)
Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan

A Russian government Zenit 3F rocket will launch the first Electro-L weather satellite. The rocket will use a Fregat upper stage to boost the spacecraft to geosynchronous orbit. The Electro-L satellite will collect visible and infrared satellite imagery for Russian meteorologists. Delayed from Dec. 25. [Jan. 2]

Third Up: USA Delta 4 Heavy - NROL49
Launch time: 2108 GMT (4:08 p.m. EST)
Launch site: SLC-6, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California

The United Launch Alliance Delta 4-Heavy rocket will launch a classified spy satellite cargo for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office. The largest of the Delta 4 family, the Heavy version features three Common Booster Cores mounted together to form a triple-body rocket. Delayed from Dec. 1. Moved up from Jan. 15, then delayed from Jan. 11. Delayed from Jan. 17.