Start summary: Scroll down for live coverage of the Thursday, June 20 liftoff of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40.
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After another cleanup Wednesday afternoon, SpaceX successfully launched the Astra 1P/SES-24 satellite from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40. It comes after the Space Coast went 13 days without a launch — a rarity in recent times.
If the weather still hadn’t cooperated with SpaceX’s launch plans, there was another launch window on Friday at the same time. As of Wednesday afternoon, the 45th Weather Squadron predicted only a 40 percent chance of favorable weather, yet SpaceX was able to beat the weather approaching the coast.
Next – SpaceX’s long-delayed Starlink 10-2 mission on Sunday, June 23, from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40.
When is the next rocket launch in Florida?Is there a departure today? Next SpaceX, NASA, ULA rocket launch schedule in Florida
This communications mission was pushed forward in SpaceX’s calendar after the company had to pull out of its Starlink 10-2 mission, which saw weather clearing followed by a pre-liftoff abort last Friday. With the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s GOES U satellite heading to SpaceX’s other pad, Pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center, SpaceX can only use Space Launch Complex 40, and therefore decided to move that rocket aside. troubled Falcon 9.
The Astra 1P/SES-24 payload is a communications satellite for a partnership of SES and Astra, which are European communications organizations. The Ku-band geostationary satellite, which was developed by Thales Alenia Space, will provide satellite television service to Germany, France and Spain. According to the SES website, Astra satellites have been providing TV and radio to Germany since 1988.
SpaceX booster lands
Update at 17:44: The Falcon 9 first stage booster just landed on SpaceX’s drone ship Just read the instructions.
According to SpaceX, this marks their 250th first-stage landing for an orbital flight.
Rise!
Update at 17:35: SpaceX has just launched the Falcon 9 rocket carrying the Astra 1P/SES-24 from Launch Complex 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
Webcast of SpaceX launch begins
Update at 17:25: The SpaceX launch webcast hosted on X (formerly Twitter) is now posted above, just below the countdown clock.
Liftoff is scheduled in ten minutes from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
SpaceX launch countdown timeline
Update at 17:15: As we await liftoff at 5:35 p.m., here’s a behind-the-scenes recap of SpaceX’s countdown timeline. T-minus:
- 38 minutes: SpaceX’s launch director verifies «go» for propellant payload.
- 35 minutes: First stage loading of rocket-grade kerosene and liquid oxygen begins.
- 16 minutes: Liquid oxygen charging begins in the second stage.
- 7 minutes: Falcon 9 begins engine cooling before launch.
- 1 minute: The command flight computer initiates final pre-departure checks; Start pressurizing the fuel tank to flight pressure.
- 45 seconds: SpaceX’s launch director verifies the «go» for launch.
- 3 seconds: The engine controller commands the ignition sequence of the engine to start.
- 0 seconds: Rise.
SpaceX is pushing!
Update at 5:00 p.m: SpaceX has shown that they are refueling. They target a liftoff at 5:35 PM EDT.
Brevard EOC is active before SpaceX launch
Update at 4:58 pm: Brevard EOC has indicated that they have activated their support for launch operations.
SpaceX Falcon Heavy next week
Update at 4:54 pm: If the weather cooperates, a Falcon Heavy launch is expected on Tuesday, June 25. Launching from Pad 39A, the tri-core rocket consists of three Falcon 9 rockets. Payload: GOES-U, which is NOAA’s latest weather satellite.
SpaceX’s drone ship tonight
Update at 4:45 p.m.: Today’s Falcon 9 will land on Just read the instructions drones in the Atlantic Ocean. The only anticipated sound will be the familiar rumble of the rocket.
SpaceX is still looking at a rocket launch today
Update at 4:35 p.m.: Will SpaceX be able to break even and break out of this launch drought before the weather approaches the coast? Looks like they’re still on track for 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.
Launch SpaceX 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 lift off?
The FLORIDA TODAY app sends push alerts right to your phone so you know when to head out to catch the launch.
Even better – this local app is free!
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SpaceX will try to break its launch drought today
Update at 4:05 p.m.: 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 beyond this time in which they can launch.
Brooke Edwards is a space reporter for Florida Today. Contact him at bedwards@floridatoday.com or at X: @brookeofstars.
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