SpaceX completed a Tuesday morning rocket launch − on the morning when voters headed to the polls. The Starlink 10-5 mission saw the latest batch of Starlink internet satellites lift off atop a Falcon 9 rocket, complete with a brand new first stage.
After delaying twice, SpaceX has confirmed they were aiming for a 9:20 a.m. EDT liftoff from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40.
It was the end of the launch window, but weather conditions allowed the SpaceX team to make it on time.
When is the next Florida rocket launch?Is there a launch today? Upcoming SpaceX, NASA rocket launch schedule from Florida
The 45th Weather Squadron predicted 80% chance of favorable weather during the launch window − which turned out favorable.
Being the latest group of SpaceX Starlink satellites, the launch traveled in a northeast trajectory.
SpaceX Falcon 9 booster lands for first time
Update 9:28 a.m.: The Falcon 9 first-stage booster just landed aboard SpaceX’s droneship A Shortfall of Gravitas out on the Atlantic Ocean, completing its first mission!
SpaceX Liftoff!
Update 9:20 a.m.: SpaceX has just launched the Falcon 9 rocket carrying 22 Starlink satellites from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
SpaceX launch webcast begins
Update 9:15 a.m.: Liftoff is scheduled in five minutes from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station
We are 10 minutes from the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch!
Update 9:10 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 countdown timeline
Update 9:00 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 8:45 a.m.: SpaceX has confirmed they are fueling and aiming for a 9:20 a.m. liftoff!
SpaceX Polaris Dawn Crew arrives in Florida
Update 8:30 a.m.: Incase you missed it, the crew of Polaris Dawn arrived in Florida yesterday. Their mission, which is set for liftoff no early than Monday morning, will see the first spacewalk done by a private company.
SpaceX launch weather outlook
Update 8:10 a.m.: The 45th Weather Squadron has predicted an 80% chance of favorable weather for today’s launch window. Currently, the radar over the Space Coast looks clear.
Brevard EOC activates ahead of SpaceX launch
Update 8:00 a.m.: The Brevard County EOC has activated ahead of this morning’s Starlink launch.
SpaceX new first stage booster
Update 7:50 a.m.: While SpaceX has pushed the launch time to the end of the window, it is to be noted that this booster is seeing its first flight.
Brooke Edwards is a Space Reporter for Florida Today. Contact her at bedwards@floridatoday.com or on X: @brookeofstars.
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