Welcome to the FLORIDA TODAY space team live streaming tonight’s SpaceX Starlink mission from Launch Complex 40 Cape Canaveral.
This is the first of back-to-back launch days!
Tonight, SpaceX will launch a Falcon 9 rocket carrying the latest batch of Starlink satellites from group six. SpaceX says the launch is scheduled for 10:35 p.m., but backup options last until 2:31 a.m. Thursday.
While SpaceX typically launches in the earlier part of that window, the weather on 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 will be 95% favorable.
Those near or south of the Cape will have a good view of this night launch, as the rocket will be traveling on a southeast trajectory.
When is the next rocket launch in Florida?Any launches 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 18:45 to 23:16 on Thursday. SpaceX has yet to confirm this mission, but the FAA lists the mission as Starlink 6-63.
SpaceX Take off!
Update at 22:35: SpaceX just launched a Falcon 9 rocket carrying 23 Starlink satellites from Launch Complex 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
Webcast of SpaceX rocket launch begins
Update at 10:30 p.m.: The SpaceX launch webcast hosted on X (formerly Twitter) is now posted above, just below the countdown clock.
Liftoff is scheduled for five minutes from the Cape Canaveral Space Station.
We are 10 minutes away from tonight’s launch of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket!
Update 22:25: T-10 minutes! Head out if you plan to catch this launch! If you have clear skies, you’ll be hard-pressed to miss the brilliant rocket soaring into the sky.
Simply look south of the Kennedy Space Center from your direction.
SpaceX Falcon 9 booster
Update at 22:10: The booster will land tonight Lack of gravity drone ship in the Atlantic Ocean. Local sonic booms will not be heard – just the rumble of the rocket for those near the Cape.
Refueling of the SpaceX Falcon 9 is underway in Cape Canaveral
Update at 22:02: SpaceX has confirmed that Falcon 9 refueling has begun.
This means tonight’s Starlink mission is now ready to lift off at 10:35pm without any countdown delays, otherwise the launch must be delayed.
If there is a delay for any reason, 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 begun refueling, here’s a behind-the-scenes look at SpaceX’s countdown timeline. T-minus:
- 38 minutes: SpaceX’s launch director confirms “go” for the propellant load.
- 35 minutes: The loading of rocket kerosene and the first stage of liquid oxygen begins.
- 16 minutes: The filling of liquid oxygen of the second stage begins.
- 7 minutes: Falcon 9 begins engine cooling before launch.
- 1 minute: The command flight computer begins final pre-launch checks; pressurization of the propellant tank to flight pressure begins.
- 45 seconds: SpaceX’s launch director certifies the “go” for the launch.
- 3 seconds: The engine controller commands the engine firing sequence to start.
- 0 seconds: Taking off.
Brevard EOC 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 announced that it has completed a test launch for its fourth Starship flight. Although an official launch date has not yet been announced, Elon Musk stated on X that Starship could launch in two weeks.
The team’s goal for this test flight is to get through re-entry.
In other Starship news, local meetings will be held June 12 and 13 in Brevard for FAA officials to gather input from local residents on the proposed location for Starship at KSC Pad 39A.
The virtual meeting will be held on the 17thth for those who cannot in person.
Tonight’s SpaceX Falcon 9 booster
Update at 21:30: Tonight’s booster is flying for the eighth time. Its past missions include three other Starlink missions, ESA Euclid, CRS-30, and two crewed Axiom Space missions: Ax-2 and Ax-3.
Weather forecast for tonight’s SpaceX launch
Update at 21:20: 45th Weather Squadron is calling for 95% favorable conditions for tonight’s launch.
The night launch is a sight to behold and hard to miss. Be sure to follow!
The first of consecutive SpaceX Falcon 9 launches
Update at 21:10:. The SpaceX team was active. Earlier today, SpaceX launched the National Reconnaissance Office mission NROL-146 from California.
Now SpaceX is targeting 10:35 PM EDT to launch the next batch of Starlink satellites from SLC-40. This will be Starlink mission 6-62.
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.