Launch Summary: Scroll down for live coverage of the Thursday, June 20, launch of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40.
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After another rub Wednesday afternoon, SpaceX successfully launched the Astra 1P/SES-24 satellite from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40. This comes after the Space Coast saw 13 days without a launch — a rarity of late.
If the weather still didn’t cooperate with SpaceX’s launch plans, there was another available launch window on Friday at the same time. As of Wednesday afternoon, the 45th Weather Squadron was predicting just a 40 percent chance of fair weather, but SpaceX was able to beat the weather approaching the coast.
Next up is SpaceX’s long-delayed Starlink 10-2 mission on Sunday, June 23, from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral.
When is the next rocket launch in Florida?Is there a launch today? Upcoming SpaceX, NASA, ULA rocket launch schedule in Florida
That communications mission jumped to the front of SpaceX’s calendar after the company had to pull out of its Starlink 10-2 mission, which saw back-to-back weather changes followed by an interruption before liftoff last Friday. As the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s GOES U satellite heads to SpaceX’s other site, Kennedy Space Center’s Site 39A, SpaceX can only use Space Launch Complex 40 and so has decided to move the troubled Falcon 9 rocket aside.
The Astra 1P/SES-24 payload is a communications satellite for a partnership between SES and Astra, which are European communications organizations. The Ku-band geostationary satellite developed by Thales Alenia Space will provide satellite TV service to Germany, France and Spain. According to the SES website, Astra satellites have provided TV and radio for Germany since 1988.
SpaceX’s accelerator lands
Update at 17:44: The Falcon 9’s first stage booster has just landed aboard SpaceX’s unmanned spacecraft Just read the instructions.
According to SpaceX, this marks their 250th orbital first stage landing.
I’m taking off!
Update at 17:35: SpaceX just launched the Falcon 9 rocket carrying the Astra 1P/SES-24 from Launch Complex 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
SpaceX launch webcast begins
Update at 17:25: The SpaceX launch webcast hosted on X (formerly Twitter) is already posted above, just below the countdown clock.
Liftoff is scheduled in ten minutes from the Space Force Station at Cape Canaveral.
SpaceX launch countdown timeline
Update at 17:15: While we wait for liftoff at 5:35 p.m., here’s a behind-the-scenes look at SpaceX’s 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.
SpaceX is refueling!
Update 5:00 p.m: SpaceX has indicated that they are refueling. They aim to take off at 5:35 PM EDT.
Brevard EOC active before SpaceX launch
Update at 16:58: The Brevard EOC indicated that they have activated launch operations support.
SpaceX Falcon Heavy next week
Update at 16:54: Weather permitting, the Falcon Heavy launch is scheduled for Tuesday, June 25. Launching from Pad 39A, the tri-nuclear rocket consists of three Falcon 9 rockets. The payload: GOES-U, which is NOAA’s newest weather satellite.
SpaceX’s drone ship tonight
Update at 16:45: Today’s Falcon 9 will land on Just read the instructions drone in the Atlantic Ocean. The only sound expected will be the familiar rumble of the rocket.
SpaceX is still considering launching a rocket today
Update at 16:35: Will SpaceX be able to launch and get off this dry land on launch before the weather approaches the coast? Looks like they’re still on track as of 5:35pm.
If they launch, this SpaceX booster will fly 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 at 16:20: Did you know you can get alerts sent to your phone when a SpaceX rocket is about to take off?
The FLORIDA TODAY app sends push notifications right to your phone so you know when to head out to see the launch.
Even better, this local app is free!
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SpaceX will attempt to break land on a launch today
Update at 16:05: SpaceX is still aiming for a 17:35 launch of the Astra 1P/SES-24 satellite. The wind continues to blow in the cape area. While it’s sunny, the radar shows storms approaching from the Atlantic.
SpaceX has a launch window of two hours and 49 minutes after that time in which they can launch.
Brooke Edwards is a space reporter for Florida Today. Contact her at bedwards@floridatoday.com or at X: @brookeofstars.
