Welcome to FLORIDA TODAY’s Space Team live coverage of this evening’s SpaceX mission from Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 40.
SpaceX is looking to break the Space Coast’s rare launch drought tonight.
A SES/Astra communication satellite will be carried to orbit atop a Falcon 9 rocket, lifting off from Space Launch Complex 40. Liftoff is targeted at 5:35 p.m. EDT. But the launch window runs for two hours and 49-minutes if more time is needed.
It’s the first launch since Friday, June 7 − almost two weeks ago. That was a Starlink launch from Launch Complex 40.
Tonight’s launch attempt comes after SpaceX had to stand down from its Starlink 10-2 mission, which saw back-to-back weather scrubs followed by a pre-liftoff abort on Friday − a rarity for SpaceX. With National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s GOES U satellite heading for Kennedy Space Center’s Pad 39A, SpaceX can only use Space Launch Complex 40, and therefore opted to move the troubled Falcon 9 rocket aside.
This allowed for SpaceX to get today’s mission − Astra 1P/SES-24 − to the pad for launch.
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Astra 1P/SES-24 is a communications satellite for an SES and Astra partnership, which are European communication organizations. The Ku-band geostationary satellite, which was developed by Thales Alenia Space, will provide satellite TV service for Germany, France and Spain. According to the SES website, Astra satellites have been providing TV and radio for Germany since 1988.
The weather outlook isn’t ideal for tonight’s launch. The Space Force’s 45th Weather Squadron predicts a 55% chance of favorable conditions during the allotted launch window. The main weather concerns are lightening, liftoff winds, and cumulus clouds.
If SpaceX cannot launch today, a backup opportunity is available during the same time on Wednesday.
The Falcon 9 will land out on the Just Read the Instructions droneship in the Atlantic Ocean. Therefore, no local sonic booms will be heard.
SpaceX new launch time
Update 4:55 p.m.: SpaceX has updated that they will now target 8:23 p.m. with the poor weather conditions.
SpaceX will launch later in California as well
Update 4:46 p.m.: Not much has changed with the weather by the Cape, yet SpaceX has an additional two-hour and 49-minute window in which they can launch today.
The company also plans to launch 20 Starlink satellites from California later tonight.
SpaceX Falcon 9 booster
Update 4:35 p.m.: Today’s SpaceX booster will be flying for the ninth time. Previous memorable missions include the crewed Axiom-2 and Axiom-3 missions, four Starlink missions, Euclid, and CRS-30.
Tonight’s SpaceX Droneship
Update 4:26 p.m.: Today’s Falcon 9 will land on the Just Read the Instructions droneship in the Atlantic Ocean. The only sound anticipated will be the rocket’s familiar rumble.
The Falcon 9 will be ferried back to Port Canaveral, where it can be seen during a short stopping period.
SpaceX will attempt to end the launch drought today
Update 4:15 p.m.: Welcome to another launch day!
It’s been nearly two weeks since we’ve seen a Falcon 9 blast off.
The 45th Weather Squadron calls for 55% favorable conditions for this evening’s launch window, which now opens at 5:38 p.m. EDT.
SpaceX states an additional two-hour and 49-minute window of backup opportunities, which will hopefully allow for this weather to move away from the Cape area.
Brooke Edwards is a Space Reporter for Florida Today. Contact her at bedwards@floridatoday.com or on X: @brookeofstars.
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