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SpaceX is aiming for an early Tuesday rocket launch − on the morning when voters head to the polls. The Starlink 10-5 mission will see the latest batch of Starlink internet satellites lift off atop a Falcon 9 rocket.
SpaceX has confirmed they are aiming for a 9:20 a.m. EDT liftoff from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40.
When is the next Florida rocket launch? Is there a launch today? Upcoming SpaceX, NASA rocket launch schedule from Florida
Being the latest group of SpaceX Starlink satellites, the launch will travel in a northeast trajectory.
The 45th Weather Squadron predicts 80% chance of favorable weather during the launch window.
SpaceX launch webcast begins
Update 9:15 a.m.: SpaceX’s launch webcast hosted on X (formerly Twitter) is now posted above, right below the countdown clock. Liftoff is scheduled in five minutes from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station
We are 10 minutes from the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch!
Update 9:10 a.m.: T-10 minutes! Head outside if you plan on catching this launch! If you have clear skies, it will be hard to miss the bright rocket rising into the sky.
Simply look towards the direction South of Kennedy Space Center from your direction.
SpaceX launch countdown timeline
Update 9:00 a.m.: Here’s a behind-the-scenes rundown of SpaceX’s countdown timeline. T-minus:
- 38 minutes: SpaceX launch director verifies “go” for propellant load.
- 35 minutes: Rocket-grade kerosene and first-stage liquid oxygen loading begins.
- 16 minutes: Second-stage liquid oxygen loading begins.
- 7 minutes: Falcon 9 begins engine chill prior to launch.
- 1 minute: Command flight computer begins final prelaunch checks; propellant tank pressurization to flight pressure begins.
- 45 seconds: SpaceX launch director verifies “go” for launch.
- 3 seconds: Engine controller commands engine ignition sequence to start.
- 0 seconds: Liftoff.
Update 8:45 a.m.: SpaceX has confirmed they are fueling and aiming for a 9:20 a.m. liftoff!
Update 8:30 a.m.: Incase you missed it, the crew of Polaris Dawn arrived in Florida yesterday. Their mission, which is set for liftoff no early than Monday morning, will see the first spacewalk done by a private company.
Update 8:10 a.m.: The 45th Weather Squadron has predicted an 80% chance of favorable weather for today’s launch window. Currently, the radar over the Space Coast looks clear.
Update 8:00 a.m.: The Brevard County EOC has activated ahead of this morning’s Starlink launch.
Update 7:50 a.m.: While SpaceX has pushed the launch time to the end of the window, it is to be noted that this booster is seeing its first flight.
Brooke Edwards is a Space Reporter for Florida Today. Contact her at [email protected] or on X: @brookeofstars.
Dr. Sarah Adams is a scientist and science communicator who makes complex topics accessible to all. Her articles explore breakthroughs in various scientific disciplines, from space exploration to cutting-edge research.
