Welcome to FLORIDA TODAY’s Space Team’s live coverage of this morning’s SpaceX Starlink mission from Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 40.
Tonight, SpaceX plans to kick off a double launch weekend.
A Falcon 9 rocket will deliver the next batch of Starlink internet satellites into orbit: Starlink 6-64. SpaceX now says they are targeting a launch time of 10:37 PM EDTwhich is the end of the start window.
When is the next rocket launch in Florida?Is there a launch today? Upcoming rocket launch schedule from SpaceX, NASA and ULA in Florida
The rocket will blast off from Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 40 and move into a southeasterly orbit.
According to the 45th Weather Squadron, the weather for tonight’s launch is forecast to be 90% favorable.
If SpaceX were unable to launch tonight, a backup window exists Saturday evening beginning at 7:08 PM EDT.
Tonight’s launch will be followed by the crewed test flight of Boeing’s Starliner, which will take off from Cape Canaveral on Saturday, June 1 at 12:25 PM EDT.
SpaceX Falcon 9 booster lands
Updated 10:45 p.m.: The booster has landed on the A shortage of Gravitas drone ship.
SpaceX To take off!
Update 10:37 PM: SpaceX just launched the Falcon 9 rocket carrying 23 Starlink satellites from Launch Complex 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
SpaceX’s launch webcast begins
Update 10:32 PM: The launch is scheduled in five minutes from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
We’re 10 minutes away from tonight’s SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch!
Update 10:27 PM: T-10 minutes! Get outside if you plan on seeing this launch! If you have clear skies, it will be hard to miss the bright rocket rising into the night sky.
From your direction, simply look south of the Kennedy Space Center. The rocket will follow a southeasterly trajectory.
SpaceX on its way to launch!
Updated 10:03 PM.: SpaceX has begun fueling ahead of tonight’s launch.
The Falcon 9 must take off now or today’s mission will be canceled.
SpaceX countdown
Updated 10 p.m: While we wait for tonight’s launch, let’s take a look at what to expect.
- 38 minutes: SpaceX launch director verifies ‘go’ for propellant payload.
- 35 minutes: Rocket kerosene loading and the first phase of liquid oxygen loading begin.
- 16 minutes: Liquid oxygen loading into the second stage begins.
- 7 minutes: Falcon 9 begins to cool the engine before launch.
- 1 minute: The command flight computer begins final prelaunch checks; Pressurizing the propellant tank until flight pressure begins.
- 45 seconds: SpaceX launch director verifies ‘go’ for launch.
- 3 seconds: The engine controller commands the engine’s firing sequence to start.
- 0 seconds: To take off.
Backup capabilities for SpaceX rocket launches
Update 9:42 PM: If SpaceX is unable to launch tonight, a backup window will open tomorrow, June 1, at 7:08 PM EDT.
Currently, SpaceX still hopes to launch tonight.
New SpaceX launch time
Updated 9:29 PM.: SpaceX is now targeting the end of the launch window at 10:37 PM EDT.
Brevard EOC ready for tonight’s SpaceX launch
Update 9:23 PM: Brevard EOC has begun preparations for tonight’s launch.
SpaceX confirms that wind could be a problem
Update 9:15 PM: SpaceX is monitoring the wind ahead of tonight’s launch.
The FLORIDA TODAY Space Team will keep you updated as we approach launch time!
Historic anniversary of Falcon 9
Updated 9:08 PM: Believe it or not, it was four years ago yesterday that Falcon 9 launched the Demo-2 mission. This mission was the first to launch astronauts from US soil since the retirement of the Space Shuttle.
Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley were the first astronauts to ride aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon during this test flight, which certified Dragon to carry NASA crews.
Sounds familiar? Boeing Starliner has its crewed test flight tomorrow.
SpaceX Falcon 9 booster has flown 13 times before
Update 8:54 PM: The booster used for this launch will make its fourteenth flight. In addition to seven other Starlink missions, this Falcon 9 carried CRS-26, OneWeb Launch 16, Intelsat IS-40e, Ob3 mPOWER, Ovzon 3 and EUTELSAT 36D.
It will land on the drone ship A shortage of Gravitasso local sonic booms are not expected.
SpaceX’s launch time was later pushed into the window
Update 8:42 PM: Normally, SpaceX will launch at 7:47 p.m pushed this launch back to 10:11 PM EDT.
It’s been a windy night here on the Space Coast, but the skies remain clear as we head into a beautiful twilight.
Be sure to follow the FLORIDA TODAY Space Team on floridatoday.com/space for the latest updates from the Space Coast.
Brooke Edwards is a space reporter for Florida Today. Contact her at bedwards@floridatoday.com or at @brookeofstars.