SpaceX plans to launch Falcon 9 tomorrow from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral, carrying another group of Starlink satellites. The launch window extends from 5:47 PM EDT to 9:47 PM this evening. According to SpaceX, “If needed, additional opportunities are also available on Sunday, October 27 starting at 5:24 p.m. ET.”

Booster B1069 will be used this evening. It last launched on August 31st, and tonight, it will be its 19th flight. This booster was first used for the CRS-24 mission, and also flew OneWeb 1, SES 18+19, Eutelsat HOTBIRD-F1,and 14 previous Starlink missions.

At A Glance

• Mission: Starlink 10-8
• Date: NET October 26 2024
• Launch Window:  5:47 PM EDT — 9:47 PM EDT*
• Weather: 90% GO
• Organization: SpaceX
• Rocket: Falcon 9
• Trajectory: Northeast
• Launch Site: SLC-40, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station
• Booster Landing: ASDS ‘Just Read The Instructions’
• Payload: Starlink satellites
• Destination: LEO
  
  ^{* consult SpaceX website for the specific target for T-0.}

Payload

The mission’s payload is another group of Starlink satellites, which will join Group 10 of SpaceX/Starlink’s orbital constellation in low-Earth orbit. Starlink is an Internet service serving over four million customers in over one hundred countries and territories globally.

Weather

The 45th Weather Squadron of the US Space Force Launch Delta 45 has forecast a 10% probability of a violation of acceptable weather conditions through the launch window, meaning that they expect conditions to be 90% GO. This is pretty close to a perfect forecast for the launch window.

Primary concerns are cumulus clouds in the Cape Canaveral area.

Trajectory

The trajectory for this evening’s launch is northeastwards, or left-to-right if you are facing the Atlantic Ocean on the Space Coast.

Online Viewing

SpaceCoastLaunchCalendar.com will have a livestream of the launch if you’re not able to watch the launch in person: Livestream

SpaceX will have a livestream of the launch on their website: Starlink 10-8. 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 Flight 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. They are also on the web: nextspaceflight.com.

Launch Viewing: In Person

The best free options are available for spectators: Jetty Park, the Banana River Bridge on FL 528 West or the southern Titusville parks on Washington Avenue / US-1.

The Space Bar will be open through the launch window. New York New York in Titusville will be closing right as the window opens. Restaurants in Port Canaveral, specifically Gators Dockside, Fishlips and Grills Seafood should have good views after the rocket clears obstructions.

Cocoa Beach or the Cocoa Beach Pier area is also very good, but ignition won’t be visible and it will take several seconds for the rocket to clear obstructions between the launch pad and viewers.