Falcon 9

A Falcon 9 heads to space in 2023, as seen from Rotary Riverfront Park in Titusville
Photo: Charles Boyer / Talk of Titusville

SpaceX plans to add more satellites to their Starlink constellation in the wee hours Wednesday morning with the Starlink 8-9 mission set to depart Space Launch Complex 40. Liftoff is currently targeted for 02:57 AM EDT with a launch window extending to 06:01:00 AM EDT the same day. If weather or technical reasons cause a scrub, an additional opportunities are also available on Sunday, July 7 starting at 12:28 AM EDT.

The booster used for the mission is Booster B1073, the same one that experienced an abort-at-ignition on its last launch attempt. After completing its boost cycle, B1073 on the company’s automated landing barge ‘A Shortfall Of Gravitas’ which is stationed at sea in the Atlantic Ocean offshore of the Carolinas. Since the booster will not be returning to the launch site, there will be no sonic booms on the Space Coast.

Payload

According to SpaceX, tonight’s payload is “20 Starlink satellites, including 13 with Direct to Cell capabilities, to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.”

Starlink satellites mounted for launching. Photo: SpaceX

Weather

The 45th Weather Squadron forecasts an 80% chance of acceptable launch conditions. They do mention cumulus clouds as possibly playing the role of spoiler, however, with a long launch window, SpaceX can delay if fueling has not started and wait for improved conditions.

Trajectory

The planned trajectory for the launch is northeastwards, or right-to-left if you are a spectator in Florida looking towards the Atlantic Ocean.

Booster

SpaceX says that the booster, which is planned for use tonight, “[Will be] the 16th flight for the first-stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched SES-22, ispace’s HAKUTO-R MISSION 1, Amazonas-6, CRS-27, Bandwagon-1, and 10 Starlink missions.”

That’s Booster B1073, the same one that experienced an abort-at-ignition on its last launch attempt. It has been re-inspected and any repairs needed have been completed, so it’s back to work for the well-experienced first stage.

Booster B1073May 12, 2024
FlightMissionDate
1Starlink 4-15May 14, 2022
2SES-22June 29, 2022
3Starlink 4-26August 10, 2022
4Starlink 4-35September 24, 2022
5HAKUTO-RDecember 11, 2022
6Amazonus NexusFebruary 7, 2023
7CRS-27March 15, 2023
8Starlink 6-2April 19, 2023
9Starlink 5-11June 12, 2023
10Starlink 6-12September 4, 2023
11Starlink 6-27November 8, 2023
12Starlink 6-37January 15, 2024
13Starlink 6-41March 4, 2024
14Bandwagon-1April 7, 2024
15Starlink 6-58May 12, 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:SecondsEvent
00:38:00SpaceX Launch Director verifies go for propellant load
00:35:00RP-1 (rocket grade kerosene) loading begins
00:35:001st stage LOX (liquid oxygen) loading begins
00:16:002nd stage LOX loading begins
00:07:00Falcon 9 begins engine chill prior to launch
00:01:00Command flight computer to begin final prelaunch checks
00:01:00Propellant tank pressurization to flight pressure begins
00:00:45SpaceX Launch Director verifies go for launch
00:00:03Engine controller commands engine ignition sequence to start
00:00:00Falcon 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:SecondsEvent
00:00:00Liftoff
00:01:10Max-Q (Moment of peak mechanical stress on the rocket)
00:02:241st stage main engine cutoff (MECO)
00:02:281st and 2nd stages separate
00:02:352nd stage engine starts (SES-1)
00:02:54Fairing deployment
00:06:091st stage entry burn begins
00:06:331st stage entry burn ends
00:07:531st stage landing burn begins
00:08:181st stage landing
00:08:382nd stage engine cutoff (SECO-1)
00:43:502nd stage engine starts (SES-2)
00:43:522nd stage engine cutoff (SECO-2)
00:52:44Starlink 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.

Watching Online

SpaceX will have a livestream of the launch on their website: Starlink 8-9. 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.

Read more

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.

Read more

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 NumberPayloadDate
1Crew-6March 2, 2023
2O3b mPOWER 3 & 4April 28, 2023
3Starlink 6-4June 4, 2023
4Starlink 6-8August 7, 2023
5Starlink 6-16September 16, 2023
6Starlink 6-31December 3, 2023
7USSF-124February 14, 2024
8Starlink 6-46March 25, 2024
9Starlink 6-53April 23, 2024
10Starlink 6-60May 28, 2024
11Starlink 10-2June 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.

Read more

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 NumberPayloadDate
1Crew-6March 2, 2023
2O3b mPOWER 3 & 4April 28, 2023
3Starlink 6-4June 4, 2023
4Starlink 6-8August 7, 2023
5Starlink 6-16September 16, 2023
6Starlink 6-31December 3, 2023
7USSF-124February 14, 2024
8Starlink 6-46March 25, 2024
9Starlink 6-53April 23, 2024
10Starlink 6-60May 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:SecondsEvent
00:38:00SpaceX Launch Director verifies go for propellant load
00:35:00*RP-1 (rocket grade kerosene) loading begins
00:35:001st stage LOX (liquid oxygen) loading begins
00:16:002nd stage LOX loading begins
00:07:00Falcon 9 begins engine chill prior to launch
00:01:00Command flight computer to begin final prelaunch checks
00:01:00Propellant tank pressurization to flight pressure begins
00:00:45SpaceX Launch Director verifies go for launch
00:00:03Engine controller commands engine ignition sequence to start
00:00:00Falcon 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:SecondsEvent
00:00:00Liftoff
00:01:10Max-Q (Moment of peak mechanical stress on the rocket)
00:02:241st stage main engine cutoff (MECO)
00:02:281st and 2nd stages separate
00:02:352nd stage engine starts (SES-1)
00:02:54Fairing deployment
00:06:091st stage entry burn begins
00:06:331st stage entry burn ends
00:07:531st stage landing burn begins
00:08:181st stage landing
00:08:382nd stage engine cutoff (SECO-1)
00:43:502nd stage engine starts (SES-2)
00:43:522nd stage engine cutoff (SECO-2)
00:52:44Starlink 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.

Watching Online

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 10-2. 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.

Restaurants With Good Launch Views

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.

  • Jetty Park, Port Canaveral
    • Fee required, much be purchased in advance: Port Canaveral Store
    • It’s very possible to see a cruise ship coming or going.
    • The pier especially has great views
  • Cocoa Beach
    • 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.

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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 NumberMissionDate
1Axiom-2May 21, 2023
2EuclidJuly 1, 2023
3Starlink 6-11August 27 2023
4Starlink 6-24October 22, 2023
5Axiom-3January 18, 2024
6CRS-30March 21, 2024
7Starlink 6-52April18, 2024
8Starlink 6-62May 23, 2024
9Astra 1P / SES-24June 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.

Read more

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.

Read more

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

Our previous launch preview is here — all of that information still applies with the launch time shifted twenty-four hours later.

Weather

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

Free Advice

Stay tuned to SpaceX’s website or X (formerly Twitter) account for official changes to the launch schedule throughout the afternoon. Talk of Titusville will also update you with information as we get it.

The VAB at Sunset / Charles Boyer ToT
Falcon 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.

Read more

Falcon 9 in flight.
Photo: Charles Boyer

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.

Booster B1080
Flight NumberMissionDate
1Axiom-2May 21, 2023
2EuclidJuly 1, 2023
3Starlink 6-11August 27 2023
4Starlink 6-24October 22, 2023
5Axiom-3January 18, 2024
6CRS-30March 21, 2024
7Starlink 6-52April18, 2024
8Starlink 6-62May 23, 2024
Booster B1080 as of May 23, 2024

Online Launch 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: 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.

Restaurants With Good Launch Views

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.

  • Jetty Park, Port Canaveral
    • Fee required, much be purchased in advance: Port Canaveral Store
    • It’s very possible to see a cruise ship coming or going.
    • The pier especially has great views
  • Cocoa Beach
    • 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.

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SpaceX Falcon 9 (Ovzon-3) launching from Space Launch Complex 40
Photo: Charles Boyer

Weather and technicals permitting, we’ll see three launches from the Space Coast over the next eight days.

Tomorrow, SpaceX plans to launch the Astra1P/SES-24 mission from Space Launch Complex 40.

At the end of the week, Starlink 10-2 will return to the pad after last week’s unexpected abort at ignition.

Next Tuesday, Falcon Heavy is slated to carry the GOES-U weather satellite to orbit for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Weather

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:

Tuesday, June 18 forcast, NWS
Issued Monday June 17
Cocoa Beach, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Skid Strip

“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.

Friday, June 21 forcast, NWS
Issued Monday June 17
Cocoa Beach, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Skid Strip

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.

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