Welcome to FLORIDA TODAY’s Space Team’s live coverage of today’s SpaceX Starlink mission from Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 40.
It’s the first of several consecutive launch days!
Tonight, SpaceX will launch a Falcon 9 rocket carrying the latest batch of Group Six Starlink satellites. SpaceX says the launch is scheduled for 10:35 p.m., but backup options exist until 2:31 a.m. Thursday.
While SpaceX typically launches earlier in this window, the weather on the Space Coast as well as the launch vehicle’s landing location play a role in the timing. However, according to the Space Force’s 45th Weather Squadron, conditions for today’s launch window will be 95% favorable.
Those near or south of the Cape will have a good view of this nighttime launch, as the rocket will fly on a southeasterly trajectory.
When is the next rocket launch in Florida?Is there a launch today? Upcoming rocket launch schedule from SpaceX, NASA and ULA in Florida
On Thursday, SpaceX plans to launch another batch of Starlink satellites. This launch window runs from 6:45 p.m. to 11:16 p.m. on Thursday. SpaceX has not yet confirmed this mission, but the FAA is referring to the mission as Starlink 6-63.
Only 10 minutes left until today’s launch of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket!
Update 22:25: T-10 minutes! Get outside if you want to witness this launch! If the skies are clear, it’s hard to miss the bright rocket rising into the sky.
Just look from your direction south of the Kennedy Space Center.
SpaceX Falcon 9 booster
Update 10.10pm: Tonight the booster will be A lack of gravitas Drone ship in the Atlantic. Local sonic booms are not heard – only the rumble of the rocket for those near the cape.
SpaceX’s Falcon 9 refueling has begun at Cape Canaveral
Update 22:02: SpaceX has confirmed that refueling of the Falcon 9 has begun.
This means that the Starlink mission can launch tonight at 10:35 p.m. without any countdown delays, otherwise the launch will have to be postponed.
If there is a delay for any reason, the next launch opportunity will begin tomorrow evening at 10:06 p.m. EDT.
SpaceX launch countdown schedule
Update 9:55 p.m.: While we wait for news that SpaceX has begun refueling, here’s a behind-the-scenes look at SpaceX’s countdown schedule. T-minus:
- 38 minutes: SpaceX launch manager confirms release of fuel load.
- 35 minutes: Loading of the first stage with rocket kerosene and liquid oxygen begins.
- 16 minutes: The second stage of liquid oxygen loading begins.
- 7 minutes: Falcon 9 begins engine cooling before launch.
- 1 minute: The flight control computer begins its final checks before takeoff; the pressure increase in the fuel tank to flight pressure begins.
- 45 seconds: SpaceX’s launch manager confirms launch clearance.
- 3 seconds: The engine control commands the start of the engine ignition sequence.
- 0 seconds: Lift up.
Brevard EOC ready for SpaceX launch tonight
Update 9:45 p.m.: Brevard EOC has announced that launch preparations are underway.
SpaceX Starship Update
Update 9:40 p.m.: Meanwhile, in Boca Chica, Texas, SpaceX has announced that launch rehearsals for its fourth Starship flight have been completed. An official launch date is still pending, but Elon Musk said on X that Starship could launch in as little as two weeks.
The team’s goal in this test flight is to achieve re-entry.
In other Starship news: Local meetings for FAA officials will be held June 12-13 in Brevard to solicit comments from locals on the proposed Starship site at KSC Pad 39A.
A virtual meeting will take place on 17Th for everyone who cannot come in person.
Today’s SpaceX Falcon 9 booster
Update 9.30pm: The booster flies for the eighth time this evening. His previous missions include three other Starlink missions, ESA Euclid, CRS-30 and two Axiom Space manned missions: Ax-2 and Ax-3.
Weather forecast for tonight’s SpaceX launch
Update 9.20pm: The 45Th The Weather Squadron forecasts 95% favorable conditions for today’s launch window.
A night launch is a spectacular sight and hard to miss. Be sure to follow him!
The first consecutive SpaceX Falcon 9 launch
Update 9.10pm:. The SpaceX team has been active. Earlier today, SpaceX launched the National Reconnaissance Office mission NROL-146 from California.
Now SpaceX plans to launch the next batch of Starlink satellites from SLC-40 at 10:35 p.m. EDT. This will be the Starlink 6-62 mission.
Tomorrow evening, SpaceX will launch another Starlink, Starlink 6-63, from the Space Coast. This launch window is open from 6:45 p.m. to 11:16 p.m.
Brooke Edwards is a space reporter for Florida Today. Contact them at bedwards@floridatoday.com or at X: @brookeofstars.