Run recap: Scroll down for live coverage of the Tuesday, May 28 launch of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40.
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SpaceX scrubbed the Starlink mission on Monday, May 27, after moving the launch attempt to the end of its allotted launch window. SpaceX did not give a reason for pulling out of the Memorial Day launch.
On Tuesday morning, SpaceX again attempted to launch the Starlink 6-60 mission, a group of 23 Starlink internet satellites.
When is the next launch in Florida?Is it launching today? SpaceX, NASA and ULA rocket launch schedule in Florida
After a roughly two-hour delay, liftoff from Cape Canaveral Space Force Launch Complex 40 was targeted for 10:24 a.m. EDT. Backup opportunities were available until 11:28 AM EDT.
After eight and a half minutes of flight, the Falcon 9 booster landed on board Lack of gravity drone in the Atlantic Ocean. No local sonic booms were expected.
The 45th Meteorological Squadron predicted that weather conditions for the launch window would be 80-90% favorable.
SpaceX’s booster lands!
Update at 10:32 am.: Falcon 9 booster landed on Lack of gravity!
SpaceX Departure!
Update 10:24: SpaceX just launched a Falcon 9 rocket carrying 23 Starlink satellites from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
SpaceX’s launch webcast begins
Update 10:19: The launch is scheduled in five minutes from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
We are 10 minutes away from the launch of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket!
Update 10:14: T-10 minutes! If you plan to catch this start, get out! If you have a clear sky, it will be hard to miss a bright rocket rising into the sky.
Simply look south of the Kennedy Space Center from your direction.
SpaceX launch countdown timeline
Update 10:04 a.m.: Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at SpaceX’s countdown timeline. T-minus:
- 38 minutes: SpaceX launch director verifies “go” for propellant load.
- 35 minutes: Rocket kerosene and the first phase of filling with liquid oxygen begins.
- 16 minutes: The second phase of filling with liquid oxygen begins.
- 7 minutes: Falcon 9 will begin engine cooling before launch.
- 1 minute: The command flight computer will begin the final pre-takeoff checks; pressurization of the fuel tank to flight pressure begins.
- 45 seconds: SpaceX launch director verifies “go” for launch.
- 3 seconds: The engine control unit instructs the engine to start the ignition sequence.
- 0 seconds: Lift.
SpaceX Falcon 9 refueling underway
Update 21:50: SpaceX has announced that they are currently refueling!
This means that this morning’s Starlink mission is now locked in to launch at 10:24 a.m. with no countdown, otherwise the launch must be delayed.
SpaceX unmanned ship
Update 9:44: A booster will land this morning Lack of gravity drone in the Atlantic Ocean. Local sonic booms will not be heard – just the rumble of the rocket for those near the cape.
T-50 minutes until SpaceX launch
Update 9:34: While we wait for fueling to begin, SpaceX has confirmed that they are still on track for a 10:24am EDT launch.
T-1 hour until SpaceX Starlink launch
9:24 a.m.: Without further updates from SpaceX, we are currently one hour away from launch!
After the successful launch of this mission, SpaceX will launch another Starlink mission on the evening of Friday, May 31.
Preparations are underway in Brevard for the launch
Update 9:10 a.m.: The Brevard County EOC activated its launch operations ahead of this morning’s launch.
SpaceX Starlink launch from Cape Canaveral update
Update 8:41 am.: The space team has a positive update. SpaceX is now targeting the 10:24 a.m. launch of this Starlink mission.
That leaves SpaceX with just over an hour left in the launch window – should they have to hold again.
SpaceX Falcon 9 launch suspension update
Update at 7:40am.: While SpaceX has not officially announced the new launch time, they have moved the start time of the live stream up to 9:22 a.m. EDT.
The FLORIDA TODAY space team will be updated when we have an official launch time.
SpaceX Falcon 9 launch suspension update
7:00 am: Although SpaceX still hasn’t announced a new launch time, they have until 11:28 a.m. to launch.
We will update when we have a new launch time.
SpaceX launch suspension update
Update 6:50: We’re monitoring the situation, and while SpaceX hasn’t announced, it appears the live stream will begin at 8:22 a.m. EDT.
SpaceX launch is suspended!
Update at 6:38 am.: SpaceX is aiming for a new launch time. We will update as soon as it is announced.
SpaceX Falcon 9 booster from the first planned 10th mission
Update 6:35: The sun rises over the space coast, revealing scattered clouds but a calm sky. SpaceX is still targeting a 7:30 a.m. EDT launch — less than an hour away — for launch.
Today’s morning booster flies in 10Thursday time.
It is best remembered NASA Crew-6 mission in early 2023.
SpaceX spacecraft update
Update 6:25: Pending regulatory approval, SpaceX could begin its fourth Starship test flight in Boca Chica, Texas as early as Wednesday, June 5.
In other Starship news, local meetings will be held June 12-13 in Brevard for FAA officials to gather comments from local residents on the proposed starship site at KSC Pad 39A.
The virtual meeting will take place on the 17thThursday for those who can’t make it in person.
SpaceX will launch again today from California
Update 6:15: Later today, SpaceX will launch ESA’s EarthCARE (Earth Cloud Aerosol and Radiation Explorer) mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
Weather outlook for this morning’s SpaceX launch
Update 6:05 a.m.: SpaceX will try to launch again after yesterday’s scrub.
45Thursday Weather Squadron is calling for 80-90% favorable conditions for this morning’s launch window.
Brooke Edwards is a space reporter for Florida Today. Contact her at bedwards@floridatoday.com or X: @brookeofstars.