Brevard Space Coast SpaceX ULA NASA rocket launch sites
A quick look at the rockets launching from different Brevard launch sites.
Editor's Note: For updated coverage of SpaceX's launch attempt on Friday (postponed from Wednesday and Thursday), click here.
SpaceX has called off the planned Falcon 9 Starlink launch from Kennedy Space Center for the second night in a row.
The company is looking into an issue with the carrier arms. This is the structure that holds the rocket upright. It is supposed to be retracted before launch. SpaceX states that everything else appears to be in good shape.
The next launch attempt may take place as early as Friday.
Thursday night's rub comes after an exciting day for SpaceX. Not only was it their 22nd anniversary, but they also celebrated the success of the test spacecraft's flight from Boca Chica, Texas.
Thursday's scrub was the second in a row for this mission. They gave no reason for the scrub Wednesday night.
When it lifts off, Falcon 9 will deploy an array of Starlink internet satellites, which are positioned within the fascia atop the 230-foot-tall rocket.
Brevard spectators: SpaceX Starlink Mission 6-44: Where to watch the Falcon 9 launch from Cape Canaveral
No local sonic booms are expected. After soaring toward the sky along a southeast trajectory, the rocket's first stage booster will aim to land on a drone ship at sea 8 and a half minutes after liftoff.
7:28 pm
Looks like SpaceX will be cleaning up tonight. Once SpaceX's countdown begins, any pauses force an automatic wipeout.
SpaceX has postponed the launch and will announce a new launch day/time soon.
7:10 pm
SpaceX's live steam has gone silent. The launch window still runs until 10:40 p.m. We are waiting for updates.
7:05 pm
SpaceX announced the suspension of the countdown. We are waiting for more information. The launch window continues until 10:40 p.m.
7:02 pm
T-2 minutes! Check out SpaceX's live stream above.
7:00 pm
Everything looks good. We currently have less than 5 minutes to take off! If you're not watching, you better hurry!
6:54 pm
We are now at T-10 minutes. If you're going outside to watch, now's the time!
6:48 pm
The second stage of liquid oxygen load should be underway. Everything is still on schedule.
6:44 pm
Everything is still nominal for tonight's launch. Liftoff is still set for 7:04 p.m., and venting has begun.
6:33 pm
SpaceX announced that the propellant loading process is underway.
6:30 pm
After launch, Falcon9 will land on the “Shortfall of Gravitas” drone ship. Meanwhile, the fairings will land under the parachute and be recovered.
6:14 pm
Next, SpaceX will make a go/no-go call tonight at 38:38. There are many backup opportunities, but the sun is shining on the Space Coast.
6:02 pm
The latest weather check-in from the 45th Space Weather Squadron predicted the weather to be 95% fair. Currently on the Space Coast the sky is blue and there is no sign of storm clouds.
5:44 pm
This will be the Falcon9 rocket's 19th flight. This is the same mission that launched the Inspiration4 crew in 2021, the first entirely civilian mission to orbit.
5:20 pm
SpaceX hopes to celebrate its 22nd birthday with two successful launches in one day. After Starship reaches space on its third test flight, SpaceX is hoping for a successful launch of Starlink satellites tonight from Cape Canaveral.
For the latest news and launch schedule from KSC and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, visit floridatoday.com/space.
Rick Neil He is Florida Today's space correspondent (for more of his stories, click here.) Call Neale at 321-242-3638 or [email protected]. Twitter/X: @Rick Neal1
“Typical beer advocate. Future teen idol. Unapologetic tv practitioner. Music trailblazer.”
More Stories
Finding the most promising signs of life on another planet, courtesy of James Webb
Officials say the Boeing Starliner spacecraft will not fly special missions yet
NASA still does not understand the root cause of Orion's heat shield problem