Welcome to the FLORIDA TODAY space team’s live coverage of tonight’s SpaceX Starlink mission from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral.
This is the first of consecutive launch days!
Tonight, SpaceX will launch a Falcon 9 rocket carrying the latest batch of a group of six Starlink satellites. SpaceX says the launch is scheduled for 10:35 p.m., but backup options continue until 2:31 a.m. Thursday.
While SpaceX typically launches in the earlier part of this window, the timing of the Space Coast, as well as the landing site of the booster, play a role in the timing. However, according to the Space Force’s 45th Weather Squadron, conditions for tonight’s launch window will be 95 percent favorable.
People near or south of the cape will have a good view of this night launch, as the rocket will be on a southeast trajectory.
When is the next rocket launch in Florida?Is there a launch today? Upcoming SpaceX, NASA, ULA rocket launch schedule in Florida
On Thursday, SpaceX plans to launch another batch of Starlink satellites. This launch window runs from 6:45pm to 11:16pm on Thursday. SpaceX has not yet confirmed this mission, but the FAA is listing the mission as Starlink 6-63.
We’re 10 minutes away from tonight’s SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch!
Update 22:25: T-10 minutes! Get outside if you plan to catch this launch! If you have a clear sky, it will be hard to miss the bright rocket rising into the sky.
Just look south of the Kennedy Space Center from your direction.
SpaceX Falcon 9 booster
Update at 22:10: The booster will land tonight Shortage of Gravitas drone in the Atlantic Ocean. Local sonic booms will not be heard — only the rumble of the rocket for those close to the bow.
SpaceX Falcon 9 is now underway in Cape Canaveral
Update at 22:02: SpaceX has confirmed that Falcon 9 refueling has begun.
This means that tonight’s Starlink mission is now locked in for liftoff at 10:35pm with no countdown delay or else the launch must be delayed.
If for some reason there is a delay, the next launch opportunity begins tomorrow night at 10:06 PM EDT.
SpaceX launch countdown timeline
Update at 21:55: While we wait for word that SpaceX has started powering up, here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the SpaceX countdown timeline. T-minus:
- 38 minutes: SpaceX’s launch director checks “go” for fuel loading.
- 35 minutes: First stage loading of rocket kerosene and liquid oxygen begins.
- 16 minutes: Secondary liquid oxygen refueling begins.
- 7 minutes: Falcon 9 begins engine cooling before launch.
- 1 minute: The command flight computer begins final pre-launch checks; pressurization of the fuel tank to flight pressure begins.
- 45 seconds: SpaceX’s launch director confirms “launch” for launch.
- 3 seconds: The engine controller commands the engine firing sequence to begin.
- 0 seconds: I’m taking off.
Brevard EOC is ready for tonight’s SpaceX launch
Update at 21:45: The Brevard EOC announced that launch preparations are underway.
SpaceX Starship Update
Update at 21:40: Meanwhile, in Boca Chica, Texas, SpaceX said it has completed the launch rehearsal for its fourth Starship flight. While an official launch date has yet to be announced, Elon Musk told X that Starship could launch in two weeks.
The team’s goal on this test flight is to go through a re-entry.
In other Starship news, local meetings will be held June 12-13 in Brevard for FAA officials to gather comments from local residents on the proposed Starship site at KSC Pad 39A.
A virtual meeting will be held on the 17thth for those who cannot make it in person.
SpaceX Falcon 9 booster tonight
Update at 9:30 p.m.: Tonight the booster is flying for the eighth time. Its previous missions include three other Starlink missions, ESA Euclid, CRS-30, and two Axiom Space crewed missions: Ax-2 and Ax-3.
Weather forecast for tonight’s SpaceX launch
Update at 21:20: The 45sth The Weather Squadron is calling for 95% favorable conditions for tonight’s launch window.
The night launch is a real sight and hard to miss. Don’t forget to follow!
The first of consecutive SpaceX falcon 9 launches
Update at 21:10:. The SpaceX team is active. Earlier today, SpaceX launched the National Reconnaissance Office mission NROL-146 from California.
SpaceX is now headed to 10:35 PM EDT to launch the next batch of Starlink satellites from SLC-40. This will be the Starlink 6-62 mission.
Tomorrow night, SpaceX will launch another Starlink, Starlink 6-63, from the Space Coast. This launch window is open from 18:45 to 23:16
Brooke Edwards is a space reporter for Florida Today. Contact her at bedwards@floridatoday.com or at X: @brookeofstars.