Launch recap: Scroll down for live coverage of the Friday, May 31, liftoff of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40.
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Friday evening, SpaceX kicked off what could be a double-launch weekend.
A Falcon 9 rocket carried the next batch of Starlink internet satellites into orbit − Starlink 6-64. SpaceX stated they would target a liftoff time of 10:37 p.m. EDT − which was the end of the launch window, after already pushing the launch time twice.
When is the next Florida rocket launch?Is there a launch today? Upcoming SpaceX, NASA, ULA rocket launch schedule in Florida
The rocket blasted off from Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 40 and traveled in a southeast trajectory.
The 45th Weather Squadron had called for 90% favorable weather ahead of Friday's launch, yet winds were an issue early in the launch window.
Had SpaceX not been able to launch Friday, a backup window was available Saturday evening beginning at 7:08 p.m. EDT.
To follow Friday's launch was the crewed flight test of Boeing's Starliner, which was set for liftoff at 12:25 p.m. EDT on Saturday, June 1 from Cape Canaveral.
SpaceX Falcon 9 booster lands
Update 10:45 p.m.: The booster has landed on the A Shortfall of Gravitas droneship.
SpaceX Liftoff!
Update 10:37 p.m.:SpaceX has 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 10:32 p.m.: Liftoff is scheduled in five minutes from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
We are 10 minutes from tonight’s SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch!
Update 10:27 p.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 night sky.
Simply look towards the direction south of Kennedy Space Center from your direction.The rocket will be following a southeastern trajectory.
SpaceX heading for launch!
Update 10:03 p.m.: SpaceX has started fueling ahead of tonight's launch.
The Falcon 9 must now liftoff or the mission will be scrubbed for the day.
SpaceX Countdown
Update 10:00 p.m.: While we await fueling of tonight's launch, let's take a look at what to expect.
- 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.
SpaceX rocket launch backup opportunities
Update 9:42 p.m.: Should SpaceX be unable to launch tonight, a backup window opens tomorrow, June 1, beginning at 7:08 p.m. EDT.
As of current, SpaceX is still hoping to launch tonight.
New SpaceX launch time
Update 9:29 p.m.: SpaceX is now targeting the end of the launch window at 10:37 p.m. EDT.
Brevard EOC ready for tonight's SpaceX launch
Update 9:23 p.m.: Brevard EOC has started preparations ahead of tonight's launch.
SpaceX confirms wind may be an issue
Update 9:15 p.m.: SpaceX is keeping an eye on the wind ahead of this evening's launch.
The FLORIDA TODAY Space Team will keep you updated as we move towards launch time!
Falcon 9 historic anniversary
Update 9:08 p.m.: Believe it or not, yesterday marked four years since Falcon 9 launched the Demo-2 mission. This mission was the first mission to launch astronauts from U.S. soil since the retirement of the Space Shuttle.
Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley were the first astronauts to ride onboard SpaceX's Crew Dragon on this test flight which certified Dragon to ferry NASA crews.
Sound familiar? Boeing Starliner has its crewed test flight tomorrow.
SpaceX Falcon 9 booster has flown 13 previous times
Update 8:54 p.m.: The booster used for this launch will see its fourteenth flight. On top of seven other Starlink missions, this Falcon 9 carried CRS-26, OneWeb Launch 16, Intelsat IS-40e, Ob3 mPOWER, Ovzon 3, and EUTELSAT 36D.
It will land on the droneship A Shortfall of Gravitas, so local sonic booms are not expected.
SpaceX launch time pushed later into the window
Update 8:42 p.m.: Ordinally set to launch at 7:47 p.m., SpaceX has pushed this launch back to 10:11 p.m. EDT.
It has been a windy night here on the Space Coast, yet skies remain clear as we head into a beautiful twilight.
Be sure to follow the FLORIDA TODAY Space Team atfloridatoday.com/spacefor the latest updates from the Space Coast.
Brooke Edwards is a Space Reporter for Florida Today. Contact her atbedwards@floridatoday.comor on X:@brookeofstars.
