Welcome to FLORIDA TODAY’s Space Team live coverage of this morning’s SpaceX Starlink mission from Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 40.
It’s launch day again! SpaceX scrubbed the Starlink mission Monday, May 27, after moving the launch attempt to the end of the allotted launch window. SpaceX did not give a reason for standing down from the Memorial Day liftoff.
Today, SpaceX will attempt again to launch the Starlink 6-60 mission, which is a batch of 23 Starlink internet satellites.
When is the next Florida launch?Is there a launch today? Upcoming SpaceX, NASA, ULA rocket launch schedule in Florida
Liftoff from Cape Canaveral Space Force Launch Complex 40 is currently targeted for 10:24 a.m. EDT. Backup opportunities are available until 11:28 a.m. EDT.
After eight and a half minutes into the flight, the Falcon 9 booster will land on the A Shortfall of Gravitas droneship in the Atlantic Ocean. No local sonic booms are expected.
According to the 45th Weather Squadron, weather conditions for the launch window are predicted to be 80-90% favorable.
SpaceX booster lands!
Update 10:32 a.m.: The Falcon 9 booster has landed on A Shortfall of Gravitas!
SpaceX Liftoff!
Update 10:24 a.m.: SpaceX has just launched the Falcon 9 rocket carrying 23 Starlink satellites from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
SpaceX launch webcast begins
Update 10:19 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 10:14 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 10:04 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 Falcon 9 fueling now underway
Update 9:50 p.m.: SpaceX has announced that they are currently fueling!
That means this morning’s Starlink mission is now locked in to lift off at 10:24 a.m. without any countdown delays, or else the launch must be postponed.
SpaceX droneship
Update 9:44 a.m.: This morning, the booster will land out on A Shortfall of Gravitas droneship in the Atlantic Ocean. Local sonic booms will not be heard — just the rocket’s rumble for those close to the Cape.
T-50 minutes until SpaceX launch
Update 9:34 a.m.: As we are waiting for fueling to begin, SpaceX has confirmed they are still on track for liftoff at 10:24 a.m. EDT.
T-1 hour until the SpaceX Starlink launch
9:24 a.m.: With no further update from SpaceX, we are currently an hour away from liftoff!
After the successful launch of this mission, SpaceX will launch another Starlink mission on the evening of Friday, May 31.
Launch preparation underway in Brevard
Update 9:10 a.m.: The Brevard County EOC has activated their launch operations ahead of this morning’s launch.
SpaceX Starlink launch from Cape Canaveral update
Update 8:41 a.m.: The Space Team has a positive update. SpaceX is now targeting 10:24 a.m. to launch this Starlink mission.
This leaves SpaceX with just over an hour left in the launch window − should they have to hold again.
SpaceX Falcon 9 launch hold update
Update 7:40 a.m.: While SpaceX has not officially announced a new liftoff time, they have pushed their live stream start time until 9:22 a.m. EDT.
The FLORIDA TODAY Space Team will update when we have an official launch time.
SpaceX Falcon 9 launch hold update
7:00 a.m.: Although SpaceX still has not announced a new liftoff time, they have until 11:28 a.m. to launch.
We will update when we have a new launch time.
SpaceX launch hold update
Update 6:50 a.m.: We are monitoring the situation, and even though SpaceX has not announced, it appears the live steam will start at 8:22 a.m. EDT.
SpaceX launch hold!
Update 6:38 a.m.: SpaceX is aiming for a new liftoff time. We will update as soon as it is announced.
SpaceX Falcon 9 booster of first slated to fly 10th mission
Update 6:35 a.m.: The Sun is rising over the Space Coast, revealing scattered clouds, yet calm skies. SpaceX is still targeting 7:30 a.m. EDT − just under an hour from now − for liftoff.
This morning’s booster is flying for the 10th time.
It is best remembered for NASA Crew-6 mission in early 2023.
SpaceX Starship update
Update 6:25 a.m..: Pending regulatory approval, SpaceX could launch its fourth Starship test flight in Boca Chica, Texas as soon as Wednesday, June 5.
In other Starship news, local meetings will be held on June 12-13 in Brevard for FAA officials to collect comments from locals on the proposed Starship site at KSC Pad 39A.
A virtual meeting will be held on the 17th for those who cannot make it in person.
SpaceX to launch again from California later today
Update 6:15 a.m.: Later today, SpaceX will launch ESA’s EarthCARE (Earth Cloud Aerosol and Radiation Explorer) mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.
This mission from the European Space Agency (ESA) will explore how aerosols and clouds impact our planet’s climate.
This morning’s SpaceX launch weather outlook
Update 6:05 a.m..: SpaceX will try again to launch after yesterday’s scrub.
The 45th Weather Squadron calls for 80-90% favorable conditions for this morning’s launch window.
Brooke Edwards is a Space Reporter for Florida Today. Contact her at bedwards@floridatoday.com or on X: @brookeofstars.
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