Spectators were out on pleasure boats on the Banana River today, watching the SpaceX Starlink 10-2 launch. Photo: Charles Boyer, Talk of Titusville
Despite a pessimistic weather forecast, SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 carrying the Starlink 10-2 mission from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station this afternoon at 01:15 PM EDT, at the opening of a nearly four-hour launch window.
Around 8.5 minutes after liftoff, the first-stage booster used for the mission, tail number B1078, touched down safely on ASDS ‘A Shortfall of Gravitas’, stationed downrange in the Atlantic Ocean east of the Carolinas. B1078 has now flown eleven successful missions. ‘A Shortfall of Gravitas’ will now return to Port Canaveral, where the booster will be unloaded, transported to SpaceX’s Hangar X facility at Kennedy Space Center and prepared for its next flight after inspection and refurbishment.
Launch Replay
Payload
Today’s payload was another 22 Starlink satellites that will join SpaceX’s constellation in low-Earth orbit. Over 1,000 of these satellites have been launched this year alone. There are well over 6,000 Starlink satellites in orbit, providing Internet connectivity to the company’s customers.
Booster B1078
According to SpaceX, the booster used for Starlink 10-2 previously launched “Crew-6, mPOWER-B, USSF-124, and seven Starlink missions” and will be on its eleventh mission overall. That’s Booster B1078.
B1078 last flew May 28, 2024, twenty-six days ago.
Booster B1078
Flight Number
Payload
Date
1
Crew-6
March 2, 2023
2
O3b mPOWER 3 & 4
April 28, 2023
3
Starlink 6-4
June 4, 2023
4
Starlink 6-8
August 7, 2023
5
Starlink 6-16
September 16, 2023
6
Starlink 6-31
December 3, 2023
7
USSF-124
February 14, 2024
8
Starlink 6-46
March 25, 2024
9
Starlink 6-53
April 23, 2024
10
Starlink 6-60
May 28, 2024
11
Starlink 10-2
June 23, 2024
Booster B1078 as of 06/23/2024
Falcon 9 found blue skies after clearing clouds and haze this afternoon over Florida. Photo: Charles Boyer, Talk of Titusville
Next Launch
SpaceX and NASA plan to launch the GOES-U weather satellite for NOAA late Tuesday, June 25, 2024 aboard a Falcon Heavy.
Date: NET June 25, 2024
Organization: NASA / SpaceX
Mission: GOES-U
Rocket: Falcon Heavy
Launch Site: LC-39A, Kennedy Space Center
Launch Window: 05:16 – 07:16 PM EDT
Payload: GOES-U weather satellite
Falcon 9 launches Starlink 10-2 on June 23, 2024 Photo: Charles Boyer / Talk of Titusville
Keep in mind that launch dates and times change often. Launch attempts can be scrubbed anytime due to weather, technical reasons, or range conditions.
A Falcon 9 rises off in the distance behind a “ghost boat” on the Banana River
SpaceX will attempt to finally launch Starlink 10-2 tomorrow, after a pair of weather-related scrubs and one abort-at-ignition last week. After the hard-shutdown, the company has re-assigned a new booster for the launch, and has returned the one originally slated for the mission to Hangar X for closer inspection and repairs.
Unfortunately, the weather forecast is pessimistic for a launch attempt tomorrow. The 45th Weather Squadron gives only a 50% chance of acceptable weather at the start of the launch window, with deteriorating chances as the afternoon progresses. We’ll see…weather can and does turn on a dime on the Space Coast.
That said, B1078 has replaced B1073 for this mission and is now set to fly for its 11th time with a 26-day turnaround. As is the norm with most Starlink missions, B1078 will land at sea aboard ASDS ‘A Shortfall Of Gravitas,’ meaning there will be no sonic boom over the Space Coast.
At A Glance
Mission: Starlink 10-2
Date: NET June 23, 2024
Launch Window: 01:15 PM EDT – 05:01 PM EDT*
Organization: SpaceX
Rocket: Falcon 9
Launch Site: SLC-40, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station
Payload: 22 communications satellites
* consult SpaceX for the specific target for T-0.
Payload
22 Starlink Mini V2 satellites, to be used in SpaceX’s orbital-based Internet service.
Starlink Mini V2 satellites being deployed in orbit. Photo: SpaceX
Weather
The 45th Weather Squadron says in their forecast that, “Deep tropical moisture will remain entrenched across the Florida peninsula into early next week, and as a result, scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms can be expected each day, largely favoring the afternoon and evening hours.”
Trajectory
The planned trajectory for the launch is northeast, or right-to-left if you are facing the Atlantic Ocean on Florida’s east coast. Depending on the time of day and the weather in their location, people living to the north of the Space Coast may see the rocket as it ascends.
Approximation of the trajectory of this evening’s launch.
Booster B1078
According to SpaceX, tonight’s booster previously launched “Crew-6, mPOWER-B, USSF-124, and seven Starlink missions.” and will be on its eleventh mission overall. That’s Booster B1078.
B1078 last flew May 28, 2024, twenty-six days ago.
Booster B1078
Flight Number
Payload
Date
1
Crew-6
March 2, 2023
2
O3b mPOWER 3 & 4
April 28, 2023
3
Starlink 6-4
June 4, 2023
4
Starlink 6-8
August 7, 2023
5
Starlink 6-16
September 16, 2023
6
Starlink 6-31
December 3, 2023
7
USSF-124
February 14, 2024
8
Starlink 6-46
March 25, 2024
9
Starlink 6-53
April 23, 2024
10
Starlink 6-60
May 28, 2024
As of May 28, 2024
Countdown Timeline
There are key events in the countdown that you may hear called out in launch coverage.
Remember that once Propellant Loading (T-minus thirty-eight minutes) starts, Falcon 9 is committed to the launch attempt. Because of the nature of the cryogenic fuels used to power the rockets, any hold precludes a later launch attempt the same day. While it only rarely happens, there have been occasions where that has happened, and a launch scrub is called for the day’s attempt.
SpaceX provides the following countdown milestones on their mission information page:
Hours:Minutes:Seconds
Event
00:38:00
SpaceX Launch Director verifies go for propellant load
00:35:00*
RP-1 (rocket grade kerosene) loading begins
00:35:00
1st stage LOX (liquid oxygen) loading begins
00:16:00
2nd stage LOX loading begins
00:07:00
Falcon 9 begins engine chill prior to launch
00:01:00
Command flight computer to begin final prelaunch checks
00:01:00
Propellant tank pressurization to flight pressure begins
00:00:45
SpaceX Launch Director verifies go for launch
00:00:03
Engine controller commands engine ignition sequence to start
00:00:00
Falcon 9 liftoff
* after propellant loading begins, SpaceX is committed, and any holds until liftoff results in a scrub for the day. This is important if the weather is marginal.
Via SpaceX
Typical SpaceX countdown timeline is presented for information purposes only.
Timeline of Falcon 9 Flight
SpaceX has published a timeline of expected events during the mission:
Hours:Minutes:Seconds
Event
00:00:00
Liftoff
00:01:10
Max-Q (Moment of peak mechanical stress on the rocket)
00:02:24
1st stage main engine cutoff (MECO)
00:02:28
1st and 2nd stages separate
00:02:35
2nd stage engine starts (SES-1)
00:02:54
Fairing deployment
00:06:09
1st stage entry burn begins
00:06:33
1st stage entry burn ends
00:07:53
1st stage landing burn begins
00:08:18
1st stage landing
00:08:38
2nd stage engine cutoff (SECO-1)
00:43:50
2nd stage engine starts (SES-2)
00:43:52
2nd stage engine cutoff (SECO-2)
00:52:44
Starlink satellites deploy
via: SpaceX
All events up to the end of the 1st stage entry burn should be visible for launch spectators watching the launch in person, so long as clouds are not blocking the viewer’s line of sight.
SpaceX will have a livestream of the launch on their website: Starlink 10-2. This will also be available on the X platform. Coverage starts about five minutes before liftoff.
Spaceflight Now will have coverage of the launch starting about one hour before liftoff on Youtube: link
For official updates regarding launch times, SpaceX.com is the best source of information. Starlink launch times change from time to time, and the company generally updates their website within minutes of the decision to change the launch time. This is very handy if none of the streaming options on YouTube have started their broadcasts.
Remember that there is a delay between a launch stream and the actual countdown clock. That is simply because of physics: it takes time for the signal to travel from the launch site, through the Internet, and back down to your phone, resulting in a five to fifteen-second delay.
Next Space Launch an app for iOS and Android phones, has a real-time countdown clock that is accurate to a second, give or take. The app is free. Search the App Store or Google Play.
Launch Viewing: In Person
This morning’s planned launch is from SLC-40, on the south side of the Eastern Range (KSC and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station combined.) The southern parks in Titusville on Washington Avenue and FL-528/A1A in Cape Canaveral are the best spots to watch liftoff directly.
Given the early hours of the launch window (7:30AM – 11:30AM EDT) these restaurants may not be open for launch viewing. Later in the day, all three may well be, so if you are interested, be sure to call ahead to make sure they’ll be ready to serve you.
The Space Bar ($$$) – atop the Courtyard Marriott near Kennedy Parkway
New York New York ($$) – on the Indian River with an outdoor seating area. Is family-friendly.
Shiloh’s ($$$) — located on the Indian River with an outdoor deck overlooking KSC/CCSFS
Indirect Views
There are several excellent viewing spots for SLC-40 launches that offer indirect views — meaning you won’t see the rocket until it clears obstructions such as trees, buildings, even a storm berm in one case.
Parking fees (probably). Pay with your smartphone on the parking app. There are signs everywhere telling you how.
Further away, but still good views.
Northern Titusville Parks
Further away, but really nice views.
Playalinda Beach
Playalinda Beach out on the Cape Canaveral National Seashore will be open to spectators until 8 PM EDT, that is if KSC Security and the National Park Service allow viewers for the launch. It opens to visitors at 6 AM.
Call ahead to be sure.
Cape Canaveral National Seashore • Playalinda Beach Phone: (386) 428-3384 x0 Current operating hours: 6:00 AM–8:00 PM
If you are going to Playalinda, and if it is open, remember these general tips. Some may not apply to this particular launch.
Get there at least two hours early, or better, earlier than that. Lines are long at the entry gate and they will only allow as many spectator vehicles as there are parking space available.
If the launch L-0 time is moved to after 8PM, you must leave Playalinda, as the National Park Service is very strict about closing hours.
Cape Canaveral National Seashore has a fee to get in and cash is not accepted. Debit and credit cards are okay, or if you have one of the National Park Service’s passes for the Seashore or the National Parks, that will work as well.
Cellphone service is spotty at best and often non-existent at Playalinda. Don’t count on your cellphone to keep up with the launch; you might get a signal, or you might not.
You are not allowed to view from the pullouts on Beach Road. Stanchions will block them. You’ll have to park and go to the beach.
Refreshments are not available. There are no stores at Cape Canaveral National Seashore, so you’ll need to bring drinks and food if you want any while you’re there.
Rangers will keep you back a certain distance from the launch area on the beach. Even if the beach is open, you’ll still be unable to go down to the fence that demarcates the normal security zone. There’s a line that spectators can’t go past somewhat north of the fence. That’s for safety and security.
Be prepared for potential changes or pushbacks in the launch schedule, and keep up by monitoring the live stream links mentioned above.
Keep up with launch news and other space events that affect the local area by subscribing to alerts when we publish a new article by entering your email at the link at the bottom of this page, or by visiting Space Talk here on the website. It’s free, and you can cancel at any time.
Falcon 9 / Astra 1P / SES-24 lifting off from Space Launch Complex 40 today. Photo: Charles Boyer / Talk of Titusville
Florida weather can be a capricious, fickle thing, and that’s just what it has been the past few days on the Space Coast: windy, occasional rain, or sometimes both — weather that’s normal for this time of year but not very good for launching rockets. That caused two scrubs for SpaceX this week, due to high winds at Cape Canaveral.
Today, on the third attempt, the winds abated and the storms stayed far enough away for SpaceX to launch Falcon 9 carrying the Astra 1P / SES-24 television satellite to orbit. Liftoff was at the opening of the launch window at 5:35 PM EDT and roughly eight-and-a-half minutes later, Booster B1080 touched down safely aboard ASDS ‘Just Read The Instructions’ in the Atlantic Ocean, completing its mission for the day. At 6:10 PM EDT, SpaceX confirmed successful deployment of the payload, marking another successful mission for the launch services company. Astra 1P will now move under its own power to geosynchronous orbit, where it will begin its commissioning process.
Falcon 9 ascending today. Photo: Charles Boyer / Talk of Titusville
Payload
Built by Thales Alenia Space, Astra 1P is a television satellite that will serve the pan-European market once operational. It is the most powerful wide-beam satellite to ever orbit at 19.2 degrees East. It offers up to 80 physical transponders with bandwidth filters and can carry up to 500 high-definition stations to roughly 119 million homes in its target markets.
Astra 1P was ordered in November 2021 (along with Asra 1Q). It is based on the Thales SpaceBusNEO platform and intended to replace three satellites. It is planned for about fifteen years of use.
Astra 1P / SES-24 Photo: Thales Alenia Space
Launch Replay
Booster B1080
Booster B1080 completed its ninth flight today after it successfully touched down on ASDS ‘Just Read The Instructions’, which was stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.
Booster B1080 in flight today over Florida skies. Photo: Charles Boyer / Talk of Titusville
JRTI and B1080 will now return to Port Canaveral, where the booster will be offloaded and transported to SpaceX’s Hangar X facility at Kennedy Space Center. There, it will be inspected, refurbished as necessary and prepared for its next flight assignment.
Booster B1080
Flight Number
Mission
Date
1
Axiom-2
May 21, 2023
2
Euclid
July 1, 2023
3
Starlink 6-11
August 27 2023
4
Starlink 6-24
October 22, 2023
5
Axiom-3
January 18, 2024
6
CRS-30
March 21, 2024
7
Starlink 6-52
April18, 2024
8
Starlink 6-62
May 23, 2024
9
Astra 1P / SES-24
June 20, 2024
B1080 record as of June 20, 2024
Next Scheduled Launch
SpaceX plans to launch Starlink satellites aboard a Falcon 9 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s SLC-40 on Sunday, June 23rd.
Date: NET June 23, 2024
Organization: SpaceX
Mission: Starlink 10-2
Rocket: Falcon 9
Launch Site: SLC-40, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station
Launch Window: 01:03 PM – 05:03 PM EDT
Payload: 22 communications satellites
Keep in mind that launch dates and times change often. Launch attempts can be scrubbed anytime due to weather, technical reasons, or range conditions.
Florida weather can be a capricious, fickle thing, and that’s just what it has been the past few days on the Space Coast: windy, occasional rain, or sometimes both — weather that’s normal for this time of year but not very good for launching rockets. That caused two scrubs for SpaceX this week, due to high winds at Cape Canaveral.
Today, on the third attemt, the winds abated and the storms stayed far enough away for SpaceX to launch Falcon 9 carrying the Astra 1P / SES-24 television satellite to orbit. Liftoff was at the opening of the launch window at 5:35 PM EDT and roughly eight-and-a-half minutes later, Booster B1080 touched down safely aboard ASDS ‘Just Read The Instructions’ in the Atlantic Ocean, completing its mission for the day. At 6:10 PM EDT, SpaceX confirmed successful deployment of the payload, marking another successful mission for the launch services company. Astra 1P will now move under its own power to geosynchronous orbit, where it will begin its commissioning process.
Falcon 9 stood tall in the breeze this afternoon at Space Launch Complex 40. Photo: Charles Boyer / Talk of Titusville
With only a few minutes left in the countdown, SpaceX waved off their launch attempt of Falcon 9 carrying the Astra 1P television satellite designed to serve the European market once operational. Both the rocket and the payload are in good condition, and weather permitting, another attempt is expected as soon as late tomorrow afternoon.
SpaceX has updated the launch schedule: “SpaceX is targeting Wednesday, June 19 for a Falcon 9 launch of the SES ASTRA 1P mission to geosynchronous transfer orbit from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The two-hour and 49-minute launch window opens at 5:25 p.m. ET.”
The only problem? The weather is looking worse for tomorrow’s attempt.
The setting sun provided a stunning view of the VAB at Kennedy Space Center from just south of SLC-40 tonight. Photo: Ed Cordero, Florida Media Now
There are two areas of major concern for Wednesday’s launch attempt: winds here at the Cape and the sea state ESE in Atlantic Ocean, where ASDS ‘Just Read The Instructions’ awaits Booster B1080 when it makes its landing attempt after a successful launch.
The 45th Weather Squadron notes this in their updated forecast, issued at 08:30PM EDT on Tuesday, June 18: “Dominant easterly flow will continue through the rest of this week as an easterly wave draws nearer. Wind speeds will be in the 25-30mph range for a Wednesday night launch attempt, with gusts potentially reaching 35-40mph within any shower activity.” Additionally, the 45th highlighted and pointed out that the Booster Recovery Weather (where JRTI is stationed at sea) is “Moderate to High.”
The leaves us with a three-in-ten (30%) chance of acceptable conditions here and at JRTI, bringing to mind the famous Jim Carrey line from the movie “Dumb and Dumber: “So you’re telling me there’s a chance.”
We’ll see.
45th Weather Squadron Forecast, June 18, 08:30 PM EDT
The VAB at Sunset / Charles Boyer ToTFalcon 9 Venting / Ed Cordeo, FMN
Keep up with launch news and other space events that affect the local area by subscribing to alerts when we publish a new article by entering your email at the link at the bottom of this page, or by visiting Space Talk here on the website. It’s free, and you can cancel at any time.
6/18 9 9:00 PM Update: with only a few minutes left in the countdown, SpaceX waved off their launch attempt of Falcon 9 carrying the Astra 1P television satellite designed to serve the European market once operational. Both the rocket and the payload are in good condition, and weather permitting, another attempt is expected as soon as late tomorrow afternoon.
SpaceX has updated the launch schedule: “SpaceX is targeting Wednesday, June 19 for a Falcon 9 launch of the SES ASTRA 1P mission to geosynchronous transfer orbit from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The two-hour and 49-minute launch window opens at 5:25 p.m. ET.”
SpaceX is targeting a Falcon 9 launch of a television communications satellite to geosynchronous orbit from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida this evening.
SpaceX plans to launch Falcon 9 carrying the Astra 1P satellite this evening from Space Launch Complex 40. The launch window opens at 5:25 PM EDT and extends to 8:24 this evening. Florida being Florida, it’s a coin flip regarding the weather.
The Automated Spaceport Drone Ship ‘Just Read the Instructions’ (JRTI) will be stationed downrange in the Atlantic Ocean to recover the booster after its job is finished.
There will be no sonic booms over the Space Coast.
Payload
Built by Thales Alenia Space, Astra 1P is a television satellite that will serve the pan-European market once operational. It is the most powerful wide-beam satellite to ever orbit at 19.2 degrees East. It offers up to 80 physical transponders with bandwidth filters and can carry up to 500 high-definition stations to roughly 119 million homes in its target markets.
Astra 1P was ordered in November 2021 (along with Asra 1Q). It is based on the Thales SpaceBusNEO platform and intended to replace three satellites. It is planned for about fifteen years of use.
Astra 1P / SES-24. Photo via: Thales Alenia Space
Trajectory
Generally eastwards. The Astra 1P satellite’s destination is GEO to 19.2 degrees East in a geosynchronous equatorial orbit (GEO), roughly 35,786 km (22,236 mi) above the Earth.
The Automated Spaceport Drone Ship ‘Just Read the Instructions’ (JRTI)’ will be stationed downrange in the Atlantic Ocean to recover the booster after its job is finished. As such, there will be no sonic booms over the Space Coast as a result of this launch.
Weather
Weather is a coin-flip. According to the 45th Weather Squadron, a prolonged “Onshore flow creates blustery conditions and ample low-level moisture for cumulus cloud and isolated shower development. Wind speeds may reach 25mph on the primary day, making Liftoff Winds and Cumulus Cloud Rule violations the primary concerns for tomorrow’s launch attempt.”
Booster: B1080
According to SpaceX, the booster that is being used for this mission, “This is the ninth flight of the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched Ax-2, Euclid, Ax-3, CRS-30, and four Starlink missions. Following stage separation, the first stage will land on the Just Read the Instructions droneship, which will be stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.”
That’s Booster B1080. It last flew a roughly four weeks ago when it sent Starlink 6-62 to orbit late last month.
SpaceX will have a livestream of the launch on their website: Astra 1P Mission Page. This will also be available on the X platform. Coverage starts about fifteen minutes before liftoff.
Spaceflight Now will have coverage of the launch starting about one hour before liftoff on Youtube: link
For official updates regarding launch times, SpaceX.com is the best source of information. Starlink launch times change from time to time, and the company generally updates their website within minutes of the decision to change the launch time. This is very handy if none of the streaming options on YouTube have started their broadcasts.
Remember that there is a delay between a launch stream and the actual countdown clock. That is simply because of physics: it takes time for the signal to travel from the launch site, through the Internet, and back down to your phone, resulting in a five to fifteen-second delay.
Next Space Launch an app for iOS and Android phones, has a real-time countdown clock that is accurate to a second, give or take. The app is free. Search the App Store or Google Play.
Launch Viewing: In Person
This morning’s planned launch is from SLC-40, on the south side of the Eastern Range (KSC and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station combined.) The southern parks in Titusville on Washington Avenue and FL-528/A1A in Cape Canaveral are the best spots to watch liftoff directly.
Given the early hours of the launch window (7:30AM – 11:30AM EDT) these restaurants may not be open for launch viewing. Later in the day, all three may well be, so if you are interested, be sure to call ahead to make sure they’ll be ready to serve you.
The Space Bar ($$$) – atop the Courtyard Marriott near Kennedy Parkway
New York New York ($$) – on the Indian River with an outdoor seating area. Is family-friendly.
Shiloh’s ($$$) — located on the Indian River with an outdoor deck overlooking KSC/CCSFS
Indirect Views
There are several excellent viewing spots for SLC-40 launches that offer indirect views — meaning you won’t see the rocket until it clears obstructions such as trees, buildings, even a storm berm in one case.
Parking fees (probably). Pay with your smartphone on the parking app. There are signs everywhere telling you how.
Further away, but still good views.
Northern Titusville Parks
Further away, but really nice views.
Playalinda Beach
Playalinda Beach out on the Cape Canaveral National Seashore will be open to spectators until 8 PM EDT, that is if KSC Security and the National Park Service allow viewers for the launch. It opens to visitors at 6 AM.
Call ahead to be sure.
Cape Canaveral National Seashore • Playalinda Beach Phone: (386) 428-3384 x0 Current operating hours: 6:00 AM–8:00 PM
If you are going to Playalinda, and if it is open, remember these general tips. Some may not apply to this particular launch.
Get there at least two hours early, or better, earlier than that. Lines are long at the entry gate and they will only allow as many spectator vehicles as there are parking space available.
If the launch L-0 time is moved to after 8PM, you must leave Playalinda, as the National Park Service is very strict about closing hours.
Cape Canaveral National Seashore has a fee to get in and cash is not accepted. Debit and credit cards are okay, or if you have one of the National Park Service’s passes for the Seashore or the National Parks, that will work as well.
Cellphone service is spotty at best and often non-existent at Playalinda. Don’t count on your cellphone to keep up with the launch; you might get a signal, or you might not.
You are not allowed to view from the pullouts on Beach Road. Stanchions will block them. You’ll have to park and go to the beach.
Refreshments are not available. There are no stores at Cape Canaveral National Seashore, so you’ll need to bring drinks and food if you want any while you’re there.
Rangers will keep you back a certain distance from the launch area on the beach. Even if the beach is open, you’ll still be unable to go down to the fence that demarcates the normal security zone. There’s a line that spectators can’t go past somewhat north of the fence. That’s for safety and security.
Be prepared for potential changes or pushbacks in the launch schedule, and keep up by monitoring the live stream links mentioned above.
Keep up with launch news and other space events that affect the local area by subscribing to alerts when we publish a new article by entering your email at the link at the bottom of this page, or by visiting Space Talk here on the website. It’s free, and you can cancel at any time.
It’s summer, it’s Florida, and that means thunderstorms are a constant possibility, and next week is no different. According to the National Weather Service at 12pm today, tomorrow looks like a toss of the coin where whether is concerned:
“A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. Windy, with an east wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.”
The 45th Weather Squadron has issued an official Probability of Violation for tomorrow’s launch:
During the week, forecasters are predicting the possibility of a weak tropical system coming ashore somewhere Thursday on the Space Coast. While this will hardly be the sort of weather system that has native Floridians heading to Publix to stock up on necessities, it sounds like the kind of system that will bring a lot of rain to the area.
Graphic via NOAA. Retrieved 12pm June 17. Forecast may be out of date. Refer to current local weather reports for the latest information.
Rain and rocket launches do not happen at the same time as a general rule, of course, so it is very possible that any launch plans for later in the week — specifically Starlink 10-2 — could be affected.
A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. East wind 10 to 15 mph.
The best advice: wait and see. It’s Florida and the weather forecast can be highly local and also can change very quickly.
Schedules Can Change Quickly
Keep in mind that launch dates and time can and do change quickly, even on days where the weather is great. One of the best ways to keep up with those changes is to visit Talk of Titusville’s Launch Calendar regularly to check the schedule.
Falcon 9 / Starlink 10-2 moments after shutdown and abort this afternoon.
Photo: Richard P. Gallagher / Florida Media Now
It looked like any other day with any other Falcon 9 launch…until it didn’t.
At T-0, Falcon 9’s Merlin engines ignited, but almost immediately shut down with the rocket still on the pad at Space Launch 40. This is a rare occurrence for a SpaceX launch, and it appeared to be an automated shutdown initiated by the rocket itself at a time when the onboard computer system is in control.
Around 5:25 PM EDT, SpaceX released the following statement: “Standing down from today’s Falcon 9 launch. A new target launch date will be shared once available.”
The rocket is safely on the pad and its propellant load is being detanked at the time of this writing. The payload is safe as well.
Update 06/15/2024 6PM EDT: the rocket is safed and will be diagnosed and repaired as necessary.
A couple of things to remember about spaceflight is that first of all, “It’s better to be on the ground fixing a problem than being in the sky and wishing you were on the ground fixing the problem.” Secondly, thousands of things have to go right and only one thing has to go wrong to cause an abort.
We will add to this story as more information becomes available.
About 20 minutes prior to the launch attempt of Starlink 10-2.
Falcon 9 Waits For Clearer Skies Under a Beautiful Sunset. Photo: Richard Gallagher, Florida Media Now
If there’s anything as certain as death or taxes, it’s that it will rain in the summer in Florida. For the last two days, rain has scuttled SpaceX’s best efforts to launch the Starlink 10-2 mission from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, with steady rain Wednesday shutting down the first attempt and yesterday, skies that were clearing, but not enough to allow a launch to proceed. They will try again today, and hope for better luck and bluer skies.
According to the company, “Liftoff is targeted for 4:31 p.m. ET, with backup opportunities available until 8:19 p.m. ET. If needed, additional opportunities are also available on Saturday, June 15 starting at 4:07 p.m. ET.”
We’ve updated our original launch article with new weather information.
Payload
22 Starlink Mini V2 satellites, to be used in SpaceX’s orbital-based Internet service.
Starlink Mini V2 satellites being deployed in orbit. Photo: SpaceX
Weather
The 45th Weather Squadron is forecasting a 95% chance of creating a Range Violation Thursday, meaning a mere 5% chance of acceptable conditions throughout the launch window. On Thursday, conditions improve slightly: 15% “Go”, with an 85%” Probability of Violation.
In their discussion, the 45th Weather Squadron states, “Daytime heating and the presence of the boundary will once again kick off numerous showers and storms by mid Friday afternoon with the exact location of activity dependent on how much north-northeasterly flow we see behind the boundary. Models continue to show the tendency for any activity to be inland of the Spaceport, especially heading further into the launch window. Anvil level flow will still be out of the west-northwest, though less robust than this evening, meaning that even with activity to the southwest anvil may still reach the Spaceport and these will remain the primary concern.”
Anvils are of course thunderclouds — they may or may not produce rain and/or thunder and lightning, but they do have enormous potential energy — and rockets are well known to create lightning strikes. That in mind, the 45th and launch providers won’t launch if one is within a given distance of the launch pad. The risk of a lightning bolt creating a bad day is too high.
The planned trajectory for the launch is northeast, or right-to-left if you are facing the Atlantic Ocean on Florida’s east coast. Depending on the time of day and the weather in their location, people living to the north of the Space Coast may see the rocket as it ascends.
Approximation of the trajectory of this evening’s launch.
Booster B1073
According to SpaceX, tonight’s booster previously launched “This is the 16th flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched previously launched SES-22, ispace’s HAKUTO-R MISSION 1, Amazonas-6, CRS-27, Bandwagon-1, and 10 Starlink missions. Following stage separation, the first stage will land on the Just Read the Instructions droneship, which will be stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.” and will be on its nineteenth mission overall. That’s Booster B1073.
B1073 last flew May 12, 2024, or thirty-one days ago.
Booster B1073
May 12, 2024
Flight
Mission
Date
1
Starlink 4-15
May 14, 2022
2
SES-22
June 29, 2022
3
Starlink 4-26
August 10, 2022
4
Starlink 4-35
September 24, 2022
5
HAKUTO-R
December 11, 2022
6
Amazonus Nexus
February 7, 2023
7
CRS-27
March 15, 2023
8
Starlink 6-2
April 19, 2023
9
Starlink 5-11
June 12, 2023
10
Starlink 6-12
September 4, 2023
11
Starlink 6-27
November 8, 2023
12
Starlink 6-37
January 15, 2024
13
Starlink 6-41
March 4, 2024
14
Bandwagon-1
April 7, 2024
15
Starlink 6-58
May 12, 2024
Booster B1073 as of May 12, 2023
Countdown Timeline
There are key events in the countdown that you may hear called out in launch coverage.
Remember that once Propellant Loading (T-minus thirty-eight minutes) starts, Falcon 9 is committed to the launch attempt. Because of the nature of the cryogenic fuels used to power the rockets, any hold precludes a later launch attempt the same day. While it only rarely happens, there have been occasions where that has happened, and a launch scrub is called for the day’s attempt.
SpaceX provides the following countdown milestones on their mission information page:
Hours:Minutes:Seconds
Event
00:38:00
SpaceX Launch Director verifies go for propellant load
00:35:00
RP-1 (rocket grade kerosene) loading begins
00:35:00
1st stage LOX (liquid oxygen) loading begins
00:16:00
2nd stage LOX loading begins
00:07:00
Falcon 9 begins engine chill prior to launch
00:01:00
Command flight computer to begin final prelaunch checks
00:01:00
Propellant tank pressurization to flight pressure begins
00:00:45
SpaceX Launch Director verifies go for launch
00:00:03
Engine controller commands engine ignition sequence to start
00:00:00
Falcon 9 liftoff
Via SpaceX
Typical SpaceX countdown timeline is presented for information purposes only.
Timeline of Falcon 9 Flight
SpaceX has published a timeline of expected events during the mission:
Hours:Minutes:Seconds
Event
00:00:00
Liftoff
00:01:10
Max-Q (Moment of peak mechanical stress on the rocket)
00:02:24
1st stage main engine cutoff (MECO)
00:02:28
1st and 2nd stages separate
00:02:35
2nd stage engine starts (SES-1)
00:02:54
Fairing deployment
00:06:09
1st stage entry burn begins
00:06:33
1st stage entry burn ends
00:07:53
1st stage landing burn begins
00:08:18
1st stage landing
00:08:38
2nd stage engine cutoff (SECO-1)
00:43:50
2nd stage engine starts (SES-2)
00:43:52
2nd stage engine cutoff (SECO-2)
00:52:44
Starlink satellites deploy
via: SpaceX
All events up to the end of the 1st stage entry burn should be visible for launch spectators watching the launch in person, so long as clouds are not blocking the viewer’s line of sight.
SpaceX will have a livestream of the launch on their website: Starlink 10-2. This will also be available on the X platform. Coverage starts about five minutes before liftoff.
Spaceflight Now will have coverage of the launch starting about one hour before liftoff on Youtube: link
For official updates regarding launch times, SpaceX.com is the best source of information. Starlink launch times change from time to time, and the company generally updates their website within minutes of the decision to change the launch time. This is very handy if none of the streaming options on YouTube have started their broadcasts.
Remember that there is a delay between a launch stream and the actual countdown clock. That is simply because of physics: it takes time for the signal to travel from the launch site, through the Internet, and back down to your phone, resulting in a five to fifteen-second delay.
Next Space Launch an app for iOS and Android phones, has a real-time countdown clock that is accurate to a second, give or take. The app is free. Search the App Store or Google Play.
Launch Viewing: In Person
This morning’s planned launch is from SLC-40, on the south side of the Eastern Range (KSC and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station combined.) The southern parks in Titusville on Washington Avenue and FL-528/A1A in Cape Canaveral are the best spots to watch liftoff directly.
Given the early hours of the launch window (7:30AM – 11:30AM EDT) these restaurants may not be open for launch viewing. Later in the day, all three may well be, so if you are interested, be sure to call ahead to make sure they’ll be ready to serve you.
The Space Bar ($$$) – atop the Courtyard Marriott near Kennedy Parkway
New York New York ($$) – on the Indian River with an outdoor seating area. Is family-friendly.
Shiloh’s ($$$) — located on the Indian River with an outdoor deck overlooking KSC/CCSFS
Indirect Views
There are several excellent viewing spots for SLC-40 launches that offer indirect views — meaning you won’t see the rocket until it clears obstructions such as trees, buildings, even a storm berm in one case.
Parking fees (probably). Pay with your smartphone on the parking app. There are signs everywhere telling you how.
Further away, but still good views.
Northern Titusville Parks
Further away, but really nice views.
Playalinda Beach
Playalinda Beach out on the Cape Canaveral National Seashore will be open to spectators until 8 PM EDT, that is if KSC Security and the National Park Service allow viewers for the launch. It opens to visitors at 6 AM.
Call ahead to be sure.
Cape Canaveral National Seashore • Playalinda Beach Phone: (386) 428-3384 x0 Current operating hours: 6:00 AM–8:00 PM
If you are going to Playalinda, and if it is open, remember these general tips. Some may not apply to this particular launch.
Get there at least two hours early, or better, earlier than that. Lines are long at the entry gate and they will only allow as many spectator vehicles as there are parking space available.
If the launch L-0 time is moved to after 8PM, you must leave Playalinda, as the National Park Service is very strict about closing hours.
Cape Canaveral National Seashore has a fee to get in and cash is not accepted. Debit and credit cards are okay, or if you have one of the National Park Service’s passes for the Seashore or the National Parks, that will work as well.
Cellphone service is spotty at best and often non-existent at Playalinda. Don’t count on your cellphone to keep up with the launch; you might get a signal, or you might not.
You are not allowed to view from the pullouts on Beach Road. Stanchions will block them. You’ll have to park and go to the beach.
Refreshments are not available. There are no stores at Cape Canaveral National Seashore, so you’ll need to bring drinks and food if you want any while you’re there.
Rangers will keep you back a certain distance from the launch area on the beach. Even if the beach is open, you’ll still be unable to go down to the fence that demarcates the normal security zone. There’s a line that spectators can’t go past somewhat north of the fence. That’s for safety and security.
Be prepared for potential changes or pushbacks in the launch schedule, and keep up by monitoring the live stream links mentioned above.
Keep up with launch news and other space events that affect the local area by subscribing to alerts when we publish a new article by entering your email at the link at the bottom of this page, or by visiting Space Talk here on the website. It’s free, and you can cancel at any time.
Thirteen strains of Enterobacter bugandensis,have mutated and became genetically distinct compared to their Earth counterparts. The study also found that E. bugandensis coexisted with multiple other microorganisms, and in some cases could have helped those organisms survive. So far, NASA, Roscosmos, or any other international partners aboard the ISS have not reported infected astronauts or, worse, transmission of the species from the ISS to Earth.
E. bugandensis
A NASA news release this week perhaps states the findings more clearly:
“In a new scientific paper funded by an Ames Space Biology grant, Principal Investigator Dr. Kasthuri Venkateswaran of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory strains of the bacterial species Enterobacter bugandensis isolated from the International Space Station (ISS) were studied. Thirteen strains of E. bugandensis, a bacterium notorious for being multi-drug resistant, were isolated from the ISS. Study findings indicate under stress, the ISS isolated strains were mutated and became genetically and functionally distinct compared to their Earth counterparts. The strains were able to viably persist in the ISS over time with a significant abundance. E. bugandensis coexisted with multiple other microorganisms, and in some cases could have helped those organisms survive.
“Closed human-built environments, such as the ISS, are unique areas that provide an extreme environment subject to microgravity, radiation, and elevated carbon dioxide levels. Any microorganisms introduced to these areas must adapt to thrive. By delving into microbial dynamics in extreme environments, this research opens doors to effective preventative measure for astronaut health.”
In short, this common species from Earth has traveled to ISS, adapted to the unique environment of the orbiting outpost, and has evolved into something entirely new that is resistant to standard antibiotic treatments.
ISS. Photo: NASA
Known Since 2015
The recently released study backs up other studies that go back as far as 2015. According to a peer-reviewed release in 2018, “Researchers at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, USA investigated five strains of Enterobacter that were isolated from the space toilet and the exercise platform on the ISS in March 2015 as part of a wider effort to characterize the bacterial communities that live on surfaces inside the space station. To identify the species of Enterobacter collected on the ISS and to show in detail the genetic make-up of the individual strains, the researchers compared the ISS strains to all publicly available genomes of 1,291 Enterobacter strains collected on Earth.”
In 2018, Dr Kasthuri Venkateswaran, a Senior Research Scientist at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group stated that, “Whether or not an opportunistic pathogen like E. bugandensis causes disease and how much of a threat it is, depends on a variety of factors, including environmental ones. Further in vivo studies are needed to discern the impact that conditions on the ISS, such as microgravity, other space, and spacecraft-related factors, may have on pathogenicity and virulence.”
Health Effects of E. bugandensis?
According to the NIH’s National Center for Biotechnology Information, “Enterobacter species are responsible for causing many nosocomial infections, and less commonly community-acquired infections, including urinary tract infections (UTI), respiratory infections, soft tissue infections, osteomyelitis, and endocarditis, among many others.”
Again, no illnesses specific to E. bugandensis have been reported, and scientists have been monitoring this situation for some time.
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