Welcome to FLORIDA TODAY’s Space Team live coverage of today’s SpaceX mission from Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 40.
After Saturday’s weather related scrub, SpaceX will attempt once again to launch the NG-21 mission from Cape Canaveral.
Weather remains the big question, though, with the formation of Tropical Storm Debby and its move into the Gulf of Mexico.
Liftoff of the NG-21 (Northrop Grumman-21) mission is scheduled for 11:02 a.m. EDT on Sunday, August 4, from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40, which is south of Kennedy Space Center. The launch window does not extend long, as unlike a satellite launch, the Cygnus must catch up with the International Space Station − which is orbiting Earth at approximately 17,500 mph.
When is the next Florida launch?Is there a launch today? Upcoming SpaceX, NASA rocket launch schedule from Florida
The Space Force 45th Weather Squadron predicts only a 10% chance of favorable weather for this instantaneous launch window.
The Cygnus spacecraft is a cargo spacecraft, bringing food, supplies, and science experiments to the astronauts onboard the space station.
The first stage booster will be landing back at Landing Zone 1 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station − therefore Central Florida sonic booms are expected.
SpaceX booster lands
Update 11:12 a.m.: The booster has landed at Cape Canaveral Landing Zone 1!
Liftoff!
Update 11:02 a.m.: SpaceX has just launched the Falcon 9 rocket carrying the Northrop Grumman Cygnus spacecraft from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
We are 10 minutes from tonight’s SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch!
Update 10:52 a.m.: T-10 minutes! Head outside if you plan on catching this launch! If you have clear skies, it will be hard to miss the bright rocket rising into the sky.
Simply look towards the direction South of Kennedy Space Center from your direction.
SpaceX launch webcast begins
Update 10:46 a.m.: SpaceX’s launch webcast hosted on X (formerly Twitter) is now posted above, right below the countdown clock.
SpaceX launch countdown timeline
Update 10:44 a.m.: Here’s a behind-the-scenes rundown of SpaceX’s countdown timeline. T-minus:
- 38 minutes: SpaceX launch director verifies “go” for propellant load.
- 35 minutes: Rocket-grade kerosene and first-stage liquid oxygen loading begins.
- 16 minutes: Second-stage liquid oxygen loading begins.
- 7 minutes: Falcon 9 begins engine chill prior to launch.
- 1 minute: Command flight computer begins final prelaunch checks; propellant tank pressurization to flight pressure begins.
- 45 seconds: SpaceX launch director verifies “go” for launch.
- 3 seconds: Engine controller commands engine ignition sequence to start.
- 0 seconds: Liftoff.
SpaceX fueling underway
Update 10:34 a.m.: While SpaceX has yet to confirm, visual ques indicate fueling has begun on the Falcon 9.
SpaceX Cygnus launch from Florida
Update 10:28 a.m.: SpaceX has yet to confirm fueling, and weather continues to be questionable.
SpaceX launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida: SpaceX booster stats
Update 10:19 a.m.: Today’s SpaceX first stage booster will see its 10th flight. On top of four Starlink missions, it also launched Ax-2, Euclid, Ax-3, CRS-30, and SES ASTRA 1P.
Brevard EOC activates ahead of SpaceX Cygnus launch for NASA
Update 10:08 a.m.: The Brevard County EOC has activated their launch support team ahead of today’s 11:02 a.m. liftoff from Launch Complex 40.
SpaceX launch: Falcon 9 booster to land at Cape Canaveral
Update 10:00 a.m.: Should SpaceX be able to make this launch window, the booster will land back at Cape Canaveral. A sonic boom is expected as the first stage booster returns to Earth faster than the speed of sound.
SpaceX launch attempt as Tropical Storm Debby moves into Florida
Update 9:48 a.m.: SpaceX is still targeting 11:02 a.m. EDT for the launch of NG-21. However, the Brevard EOC has issued an update on what Brevard can expect from the storm.
SpaceX launch from Cape Canaveral weather outlook
Update 9:30 a.m.: Tropical Storm Debby approaches the southwest Florida coast as storms linger over the Atlantic Ocean. The Space Force 45th Weather Squadron predicted a 10% chance of favorable weather during this instantaneous launch window.
Will SpaceX be able to launch today?
Brooke Edwards is a Space Reporter for Florida Today. Contact her at bedwards@floridatoday.com or on X: @brookeofstars.
Discover more from PressNewsAgency
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.