Launch recap: Scroll down for live coverage of the Thursday, June 20, liftoff of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40.
After yet another scrub on Wednesday afternoon, SpaceX successfully launched the Astra 1P/SES-24 satellite from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40. It comes after the Space Coast saw 13 days without a launch − a rarity lately.
Had weather still not cooperated with the launch plans of SpaceX, there was another available launch window on Friday during the same time. As of Wednesday afternoon, the 45th Weather Squadron predicted just a 40 percent chance of favorable weather, yet SpaceX was able to beat the weather approaching the coast.
Next up − SpaceX’s long delayed Starlink 10-2 mission on Sunday, June 23, from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40.
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This communications mission jumped ahead on SpaceX’s calendar after the company had to stand down from its Starlink 10-2 mission, which saw back-to-back weather scrubs followed by a pre-liftoff abort last Friday. With the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s GOES U satellite heading for SpaceX’s other pad, Kennedy Space Center’s Pad 39A, SpaceX can only use Space Launch Complex 40, and therefore opted to move that troubled Falcon 9 rocket aside.
The Astra 1P/SES-24 payload 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.
SpaceX booster lands
Update 5:44 p.m.: The Falcon 9 first-stage booster just landed aboard SpaceX’s droneship Just Read the Instructions.
According to SpaceX, this marks their 250th first stage landing for an orbital flight.
Liftoff!
Update 5:35 p.m.: SpaceX has just launched the Falcon 9 rocket carrying Astra 1P/SES-24 from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
SpaceX launch webcast begins
Update 5:25 p.m.: SpaceX’s launch webcast hosted on X (formerly Twitter) is now posted above, right below the countdown clock.
Liftoff is scheduled in ten minutes from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
SpaceX launch countdown timeline
Update 5:15 p.m.: As we await the 5:35 p.m. liftoff, 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 is fueling!
Update 5:00 p.m.: SpaceX has indicated they are fueling. They are aiming for a liftoff at 5:35 p.m. EDT.
Brevard EOC active ahead of SpaceX launch
Update 4:58 p.m.: The Brevard EOC has indicated they have activated their launch operations support.
SpaceX Falcon Heavy next week
Update 4:54 p.m.: Should weather cooperate, a Falcon Heavy launch is on tap for Tuesday, June 25. Launching from Pad 39A, the triple-core rocket is composed of three Falcon 9 rockets. The payload: GOES-U, which is the latest weather satellite from NOAA.
Tonight’s SpaceX Droneship
Update 4:45 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.
SpaceX still looking at a rocket launch today
Update 4:35 p.m.: Will SpaceX be able to blast off and out of this launch drought before the weather approaches the coast? It appears they are still on track for 5:35 p.m..
Should they launch, this 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.
SpaceX launch updates on your phone
Update 4:20 p.m.: Did you know you can get alerts sent to your phone when a SpaceX rocket is about to lift off?
The FLORIDA TODAY app sends push alerts straight to your phone so you know when to head out to catch the launch.
Even better – this local app is free!
SpaceX to try to break launch drought today
Update 4:05 p.m.: SpaceX is still aiming for a 5:35 p.m. launch of the Astra 1P/SES-24 satellite. Wind continues to gust through the Cape area. While sunny, the radar shows storms approaching from the Atlantic.
SpaceX has a two-hour and 49-minute launch window beyond this time in which they can launch.
Brooke Edwards is a Space Reporter for Florida Today. Contact her at bedwards@floridatoday.com or on X: @brookeofstars.
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