SLC-40

Lather, rinse, repeat: 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 5:10 PM EDT to 9:08 PM the same day.

Falcon 9 ascending
Falcon 9 ascending

The booster used for this mission will land on ASDS ‘A Shortfall of Gravitas’ off of the coast of the Carolinas, and as such, there will be no sonic boom over the Space Coast region.

At A Glance

  • Mission: Starlink 10-13
  • Date: NET October 30 2024
  • Launch Window:  5:10 PM EDT — 9:08 PM EDT*
  • Weather: 75% GO
  • Organization: SpaceX
  • Rocket: Falcon 9
  • Trajectory: Northeast
  • Launch Site: SLC-40, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station
  • Booster Landing: ASDS ‘A Shortfall of Gravitas’
  • 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 satellites account for more than 50% of all active satellites, with over 7,000 active units in orbit. Starlink is an Internet service serving over four million customers in over one hundred countries and territories globally.

It has been reported that SpaceX ultimately seeks to have 29,988 satellites orbiting between 211 and 381 miles above Earth.

Weather

The 45th Weather Squadron of the US Space Force Launch Delta 45 has forecast a 25% probability of a violation of acceptable weather conditions through the launch window, meaning that they expect conditions to be 75% GO.

Primary concerns are winds and cumulus clouds in the Cape Canaveral area.

Trajectory

Tomorrow’s launch is northeastwards. Spectators facing in the direction of the Atlantic Ocean from Florida will see Falcon 9 traveling right to left.

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 10-13. 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 W or the southern Titusville parks on Washington Avenue / US-1 are your best bets.

The Space Bar will be open through the launch window. New York New York in Titusville will be open to roughly 7 PM, and is a great place to watch as well. Restaurants in Port Canaveral, specifically Gators Dockside, Fishlips and Grills Seafood should have good views after the rocket clears obstructions.

The view from The Space Bar in Titusville.
Entry is free, drinks and food are priced at the mid-range level.

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.

Read more

SpaceX and Falcon 9 launched another batch of Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral into low Earth orbit late this afternoon. Liftoff was at 5:47 PM EDT under crystal clear skies and a slight breeze.

A multiple exposure composite of Falcon 9 rising this evening to start the Starlink 10-8 mission. This was the view from The Space Bar in Titusville.
Photo: Charles Boyer / Talk of Titusville

Around 8.5 minutes after liftoff, Booster B1069 touched down safely on the company’s drone ship ‘Just Read The Instructions’ to complete its nineteenth mission successfully, while the second stage and payload continued to low Earth orbit.

At 6:53 PM EDT, SpaceX confirmed a successful deployment of the payload.

By The Numbers

  • Starlink 10-8 is the 102nd SpaceX launch this year and the 414th for the company all time.
  • Tonight launch was the 50th from SLC-40 this year.
  • It was the 980th launch from Cape Canaveral.

Launch Replay

Next Launch

SpaceX is scheduled to launch another set of Starlink satellites aboard a Falcon 9 early on Monday evening from Space Launch Complex 40.

  • Date: NET October 21, 2024
  • Organization: SpaceX
  • Mission: Starlink Group 10-13
  • Rocket: Falcon 9
  • Launch Site: SLC-40, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station
  • Launch Window: 5:10 PM – 9:10 PM EDT
  • Payload: Starlink 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.

Launch spectators enjoyed some food and drinks at The Space Bar before the Starlink 10-8 launch on October 26,
Photo: Charles Boyer / Talk of Titusville
A closer view of Falcon 9 launching this afternoon from SLC-40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
Photo: Charles Boyer / Talk of Titusville.

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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.

Falcon 9 on the launch pad at Space Launch Complex 40. Photo: Charles Boyer / TOT
Falcon 9 on the launch pad at Space Launch Complex 40. Photo: Charles Boyer / TOT

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.

Retrieved 26 October 2024

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.

Read more

SpaceX and Falcon 9 lofted another twenty Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral into low Earth orbit tonight. Liftoff was at 5:47 PM EDT.

Around 8.5 minutes after liftoff, Booster B1073 touched down safely on the company’s drone ship ‘A Shortfall Of Gravitas’ to complete its eighteenth mission successfully, while the second stage and payload continued to Earth orbit.

At 6:56 PM EDT, SpaceX confirmed a successful deployment of the payload and noted that this was their 100th successful Falcon flight of the year. (The number includes Falcon Heavy) That record is notable, given that all other nations plus other launch providers in the US have only collectively launched 95 other missions.

Launch Replay

By The Numbers

  • Starlink 6-61 is the 104th SpaceX launch this year and the 416th for the company all time.
  • Tonight launch was the 49th from SLC-40 this year.
  • It was the 360th Falcon Family Booster landing.
  • Starlink 6-61 was the 18th flight for Booster B-1073.
  • It was the 980th launch from Cape Canaveral.

Next Launch

SpaceX is scheduled to launch another set of Starlink satellites aboard a Falcon 9 early on Saturday evening from Space Launch Complex 40.

  • Date: NET October 26, 2024
  • Organization: SpaceX
  • Mission: Starlink Group 10-8
  • Rocket: Falcon 9
  • Launch Site: SLC-40, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station
  • Launch Window: 5:47 – 9:47 PM EDT
  • Payload: Starlink 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.

Booster B1073 nearing the end of its part of Starlink 6-61’s ascent on October 23, 2024
Photo: Charles Boyer / Talk of Titusville
Read more

Crowds gathered on Cocoa Beach to watch a Starlink launch from Cape Canaveral earlier in 2024.
Photo: Charles Boyer / Talk of Titusville

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 6:52 PM EDT to 10:14 PM the same day. The launch will be SpaceX’s 99th in 2024.

Note: article has been updated to reflect a day/time change in the launch schedule.

At A Glance

  • Mission: Starlink 6-61
  • Date: NET October 22 2024
  • Launch Window:  6:52 PM EDT — 10:14 PM EDT*
  • Weather: 85% GO
  • Organization: SpaceX
  • Rocket: Falcon 9
  • Trajectory: Southeast
  • Launch Site: SLC-40, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station
  • Booster Landing: ASDS ‘A Shortfall of Gravitas’
  • 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 6 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 15% probability of a violation of acceptable weather conditions through the launch window, meaning that they expect conditions to be 85% GO.

Primary concerns are winds and cumulus clouds in the Cape Canaveral area, with additional concerns listed for the booster landing area at sea.

Trajectory

Tomorrow’s launch is southeastwards. Spectators facing in the direction of the Atlantic Ocean from Florida will see Falcon 9 traveling left to right.

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 6-61. 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 W or the southern Titusville parks on Washington Avenue / US-1 are your best bets.

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.

Read more

SpaceX and Falcon 9 lofted another twenty Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral into low Earth orbit tonight. Liftoff was at 7:31 PM EDT.

Around 8.5 minutes after liftoff, Booster B1076 touched down safely on the company’s drone ship ‘Just Read The Instructions’ to complete its seventeenth mission successfully, while the second stage and payload continued to Earth orbit.

Read more

Timelapse shots of Starlink 8-19 rising to orbit.

SpaceX and Falcon 9 lofted another twenty Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral into low Earth orbit tonight. Liftoff was at 7:31 PM EDT.

Around 8.5 minutes after liftoff, Booster B1076 touched down safely on the company’s drone ship ‘Just Read The Instructions’ to complete its seventeenth mission successfully, while the second stage and payload continued to Earth orbit.

At 8:35 PM EDT, SpaceX confirmed a successful deployment of the payload.

By The Numbers

  • Starlink 8-19 is the 102nd SpaceX launch this year and the 414th for the company all time.
  • Tonight launch was the 48th from SLC-40 this year.
  • It was the 979th launch from Cape Canaveral.
A timelapse of the launch tonight as seen from New York New York in Titusville
Photo: Charles Boyer / ToT

Launch Replay

Next Launch

SpaceX is scheduled to launch another set of Starlink satellites aboard a Falcon 9 early on Monday evening from Space Launch Complex 40.

  • Date: NET October 21, 2024
  • Organization: SpaceX
  • Mission: Starlink Group 6-61
  • Rocket: Falcon 9
  • Launch Site: SLC-40, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station
  • Launch Window: 6:40 PM – 10:40 PM EDT
  • Payload: Starlink 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.


Read more