Launch Summary: Scroll down for live coverage of the launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40 on Tuesday, June 4.
Embedded content: https://www.floridatoday.com/story/tech/science/space/spacex/2024/07/03/spacex-rocket-launch-starlink-falcon-9-early-sunrise-over-space-coast-florida-cape-canaveral-slc-40/74275493007/
Night owls cheered when a SpaceX rocket launch was scheduled for just before 3 a.m. EDT Wednesday in the middle of the night. However, the launch was delayed until 4:55 a.m., making it an early morning launch.
The latest batch of Starlink satellites, Starlink 8-9, will launch from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40 at 5 a.m. Wednesday morning. Those who watched were in for a surprise: The booster’s landing was illuminated by sunlight streaming in from the eastern horizon.
When is the next rocket launch in Florida?Is There a Launch Today? Upcoming SpaceX, NASA, ULA Rocket Launch Schedule in Florida
Against the still night sky, the Falcon 9 rocket was brighter than a Fourth of July firework as it lifted off. After dropping its second stage and payload into space, the Falcon 9 booster dove toward a drone ship in the Atlantic Ocean, where it landed eight and a half minutes later.
The Falcon 9 vapor was visible for more than an hour.
The FAA confirmed the mission’s designation as Starlink 8-9. This launch, part of the Group 8 satellites, took place in a northeasterly direction.
Booster lands on drone ship
Update 05:03: The Space Coast had a good view of the first-stage booster landing over the Atlantic Ocean.
To take off!
Update 04:55 am: SpaceX just launched the Falcon 9 rocket carrying 23 Starlink satellites from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
SpaceX launch webcast begins
Update 04:50 am: SpaceX’s launch webcast, hosted on X (formerly Twitter), can now be viewed above, directly below the countdown clock.
The launch is scheduled for five minutes from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
In 10 minutes, the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches tonight!
Update 04:45: T-10 minutes! Get outside if you plan to experience this launch! If the sky is clear, you’ll be hard-pressed to miss the bright rocket rising into the sky before sunrise.
Just look south from your direction of the Kennedy Space Center.
SpaceX Falcon 9 drone ship to land
Update 04:36 am: Today’s Falcon 9 will land at the A lack of gravitas droneship in the Atlantic Ocean. The only sound expected is the familiar rumble of the rocket.
SpaceX Launch Timeline
Update 04:30 am: Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at SpaceX’s countdown timeline. T-minus:
- 38 minutes: SpaceX launch director confirms approval for fuel load.
- 35 minutes: Loading of rocket kerosene and liquid oxygen into the first stage begins.
- 16 minutes: The second phase of liquid oxygen loading begins.
- 7 minutes: The Falcon 9 begins cooling its engines before launch.
- 1 minute: The command flight computer begins final pre-launch checks, pressurizing the fuel tank and adjusting the pressure during flight.
- 45 seconds: SpaceX launch director confirms launch approval.
- 3 seconds: The engine controller commands the engine firing sequence to start.
- 0 seconds: To take off.
SpaceX Falcon 9 fueling station
Update 04:20 am: SpaceX is about to begin fueling the rocket, which means they need to launch at 4:55 a.m. EDT or they will have to skip the launch for that day.
SpaceX selected by NASA to launch COSI telescope
Update 04:10 am: Here’s some space news as we wait for the launch.
SpaceX has been selected by NASA to launch the COSI telescope atop a Falcon 9. The space telescope will observe gamma rays and investigate the mysteries of antimatter and stars. The launch is not expected before August 2027.
Brevard EOC activates prior to SpaceX rocket launch
Update 04:00 am: The Brevard EOC was active prior to this morning’s launch.
SpaceX launch weather forecast
Update 15:48: SpaceX is still targeting a 4:55 a.m. EDT launch window. The window extends to 5:59 a.m. EDT. If SpaceX can’t launch this morning, the next opportunity is 12:28 a.m. EDT on Sunday, July 7.
SpaceX has not disclosed why the launch was moved, but the radar shows weather conditions over the launch path and the booster landing site.
Brooke Edwards is a space reporter for Florida Today. Contact her at [email protected] or at X: @brookeofstars.