Photo: SpaceX
SpaceX will launch its thirtieth resupply mission to the International Space Station on Thursday from Pad SLC-40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Launch time is set for 4:55 PM EDT in an instantaneous window.
This is an RTLS (Return To Launch Site) mission, meaning Falcon 9 will return and land at LZ-1 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. A sonic boom heard across the Space Coast region will herald the arrival of the booster.
This launch will be the first Cargo Dragon 2 spacecraft from SLC-40 and will be the first mission-use of the newly installed Crew Access Arm on the SLC-40 launch tower.
The Cargo Dragon spacecraft is planned to arrive at ISS at 7:30 AM EDT on Saturday, where it will autonomously dock to Station’s Harmony module on the zenith port.
After docking, the spacecraft is expected to spend about a month attached to ISS before it returns to Earth off the coast of Florida.
Weather
According to the 45th Weather Squadron, the Probability of Violation is 10%, meaning there is a 90% chance of acceptable weather. Prime concerns are the Thick Cloud Layers Rule, Cumulus Cloud Rule.
Trajectory
Northeast, along the orbital inclination of the International Space Station.
Booster
SpaceX has not yet announced which Falcon 9 booster it is using for this launch.
Dragon
| Crew Dragon 2 | |
| Serial Number | C209 |
| Destination | International Space Station |
| Flights | 3 |
Online Viewing
Official Webcast on YouTube: Click Here
- 4:35 p.m. – Launch coverage begins
- 4:55 p.m. – Launch
SpaceX generally provides live launch coverage starting fifteen minutes prior to launch on their account on the X platform. Click here
Spaceflight Now will provide launch coverage one hour prior to liftoff on their YouTube channel. Click here
In Person Viewing
Tomorrow’s launch is from SLC-40 at Cape Canaveral, which means that the best direct views of liftoff are at either the Banana River Bridge on FL-528 W near Port Canaveral, or the southern parks on US-1 / S. Washington Avenue in Titusville. The Banana River Bridge will offer both a direct view of the launch pad as well as an excellent view of the returning booster.
Jetty Park in Port Canaveral has good views, but viewers will not be able to see the launch pad directly. Once Falcon 9 rises over the sand berm on the north side of the Port’s inlet, however, an excellent view of the rocket rising is available. Jetty Park is also an excellent spot to see the booster landing.
Important Note: Jetty Park has an entry fee and requires advance purchase of a pass. CLICK HERE to purchase parking passes.
The ascending rocket will also be visible on the beaches after liftoff when Falcon 9 clears any obstructions.