Starlink

Typical Falcon 9 on its launch pad at Space Launch Complex 40.
Photo: Charles Boyer / Talk of Titusville

Fresh on the heels of a successful Return to Flight mission of Falcon 9 this morning, SpaceX plans to launch another set of twenty-three Starlink satellites, this time from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station early Sunday morning.

The launch window is similar to this morning’s Starlink 10-9 launch as well: it opens at 12:13 AM EDT and extends until 04:43 AM EDT the same day. Should weather or technical reasons arise and cause a delay, the company has a similar launch window Monday, July 29.

After it completes its portion of the mission, the booster will land offshore on ASDS ‘A Shortfall Of Gravitas’, which is stationed offshore downrange on the Atlantic Ocean near the Carolinas. Since this is not a Return To Launch Site mission, no sonic booms will be heard on the Space Coast.

The launch will be SpaceX’s 74th of 2024 and its 35th from SLC-40 this year. Overall, it will be the 386th SpaceX launch of all time.

At A Glance

  • Mission: Starlink 10-4
  • Date: NET July 28, 2024
  • Launch Window: 12:13 AM – 04:43 AM EDT*
  • Weather: 85% Go during the primary launch window
  • Organization: SpaceX
  • Rocket: Falcon 9
  • Trajectory: Northeastward
  • Launch Site: SLC-40, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station
  • Booster Landing: Offshore on ASDS A Shortfall of Gravitas
  • Payload: Communications satellite to geosynchronous orbit.
  • Destination: Low-Earth Orbit

    * consult SpaceX website for the specific target for T-0.

Payload

The payload for this mission is the same as this morning: twenty-three Starlink satellites. Starlink provides low-latency, high-bandwidth Interet connectivity to its customers and began serving its first users in the Autumn of 2020. Currently, there are over 6,000 active Starlink satellites in low Earth orbit, serving over three million customers in over 100 countries worldwide.

Rendering of Starlink satellites in orbit.
Graphic: SpaceX

Weather

General Forecast

Once again, the weather looks good for a launch tonight, especially given the season. The 45th Weather Squadron of the US Space Force — the group that produces the official launch forecast and provides range weather services — has not ruled out the possibility of a shower or an anvil cloud entering the launch region and causing a delay.

Temperature80° F / 26.7°C
Humidity~80%
PrecipitationNone, Probably
Cloud cover~65%
Windspeed (at ground level)12 MPH / 5.5 m/s
Visibillity~10.6 miles / 17.0 km

As shown below, the 45th’s forecast states, “Models are divided on development of any late evening convection nearby, but persistence suggests there will be enough instability that a few popups can’t be ruled out even late night if outflows do move through. Anvil level flow will remain out of the north-northeast, bringing a messy mix of frontal cloudiness, convective debris, and remnant anvils across the Spaceport for both launch windows. These will present the main forecast concern, with a smaller threat for locally developing showers with any outflows. There are currently no clear trends throughout the windows as the front and mid-level trough digging into the east coast will likely keep any convection to the north going into the late evening.”

Despite these concerns the 45th is rating the chances of acceptable weather at 85% GO, with only a 15% Probability of Violation.

The official forecast from the 45th Weather Squadron:

45th Weather Squadron Starlink 10-4 Forecast issued July 27.
Retrieved 11:00 AM EDT, 27 July 2024
A cumulonimbus incus — an Anvil Cloud.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Trajectory

The trajectory for the Starlink 10-4 mission is northeastward, the customary direction for SpaceX’s Group 10 Starlink launches. The rocket right-to-left if you are on the Space Coast and facing in the direction of the Atlantic Ocean.

Landing

After completing its part of the mission, the first stage booster will land offshore on the Automated Spaceport Drone Ship ‘A Shortfall Of Gravitas.’

As such, there will be no sonic boom 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 10-4. 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.

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.

Restaurants With Good Launch Views

Given that the launch window opens after midnight and closes before dawn, local restaurants will be closed before liftoff and will not re-open before the end of the window.

Booster: B1077

According to SpaceX, “This is the 14th flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched Crew-5, GPS III Space Vehicle 06, Inmarsat I6-F2, CRS-28, Intelsat G-37, NG-20, and seven Starlink missions.” That’s Booster B1077.

SpaceX Booster B1077
FlightMissionDate
1Crew-510/15/2023
2GPS III SV0601/18/2023
3 Inmarsat-6 F202/18/2023
4Starlink Group 5-1003/29/2023
5Dragon CRS-2 SpX-2806/05/2023
6Galaxy 3708/03/2023
7Starlink Group 6-1309/01/2023
8Starlink Group 6-2510/30/2023
9Starlink Group 6-3312/07/2023
10Northrup Grumman NG-2001/30/2024
11Starlink Group 6-4303/10/2024
12Starlink Group 6-5104/17/2024
13Starlink Group 6-6306/05/2024
Booster 1077 flight record as of June 5, 2024

SpaceX has not yet announced which Falcon 9 booster will fly tonight’s mission.

A time-lapse “launch streak” shot of a Falcon 9’s flight as seen from Cocoa Beach. While ignition and liftoff will not be directly visible, the majority of the flight will be clear to observers, clouds permitting.
Photo: Charles Boyer / Talk of Titusville

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. SpaceX countdown timeline is presented for information purposes only and can be changed by the launch provider without notice.

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)
00:02:261st stage main engine cutoff (MECO)
00:02:301st and 2nd stages separate
00:02:362nd stage engine starts (SES-1)
00:02:57Fairing deployment
00:06:051st stage entry burn begins
00:06:281st stage entry burn ends
00:07:461st stage landing burn begins
00:08:141st stage landing
00:08:392nd stage engine cutoff (SECO-1)
00:54:402nd stage engine starts (SES-2)
00:54:422nd stage engine cutoff (SECO-2)
01:03:34Starlink satellites deploy
via: SpaceX. SpaceX flight timeline is presented for information purposes only and can be changed by the launch provider without notice.

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.

Keep Up To Date With Space News

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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The Mid-Course Tracking Station keeping a watching electronic eye on Falcon 9 as it tracks the launch Saturday morning.
Photo: Charles Boyer / Talk of Titusville

SpaceX launched the Starlink 10-9 mission early Saturday morning from Pad LC-39A at Kennedy Space Center aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. Liftoff was at 01:45 AM EDT, and Booster B1069 completed its 17th flight by successfully landing on the Automated Spaceport Drone Ship ‘Just Read The Instructions’ roughly 8.25 minutes after lifting off and lofting the payload towards orbit.

SpaceX announced a successful payload deployment at 02:49 AM EDT.

Via X

This was a Return To Flight mission after the Starlink 9-3 mishap, one that the company stated Friday was the result of “a crack in a sense line for a pressure sensor attached to the vehicle’s oxygen system.”

SpaceX devised and tested a fix quickly after identifying the root cause of the problem, allowing them to fly this morning’s mission a mere 15 days after that issue caused a rare failure in Falcon 9’s second stage. Earlier today, Sarah Walker, the Director of Dragon Mission Management at SpaceX said in a Crew 9 update that the company had removed the faulty sense line and tested the repair at the company’s engine facility in Macgregor, Texas. The fix was also successful in Falcon 9’s Return To Flight mission this morning.

Launch Replay

Payload

Twenty-three Starlink Mini V2 satellites. Once fully operational, the satellites will join the burgeoning Starlink constellation, which serves over three million customers in around one hundred countries worldwide.

A Starlink satellites being deployed in an earlier mission.
Photo via SpaceX

Next Launch

SpaceX is scheduled to launch another set of Starlink satellites early on Sunday morning, this time from Space Launch Complex 40.

  • Date: NET July 28, 2024
  • Organization: SpaceX
  • Mission: Starlink Group 10-4
  • Rocket: Falcon 9
  • Launch Site: SLC-40, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station
  • Launch Window: 12:13 – 04:43 AM EDT
  • Payload: Starlink Mini v2 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.

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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Starlink launching in 2023 from SLC-40 in Cape Canaveral.

 

A SpaceX Falcon 9 lifts off in August of last year to start a Starlink mission from Florida.
Photo: Charles Boyer / Talk of Titusville

SpaceX plans to launch a Falcon 9 carrying twenty-three Starlink satellites from Kennedy Space Center’s Pad LC-39A early Saturday morning. The launch window opens at 12:21 AM EDT on July 27 and extends until 04:21 AM the same day. If needed, the company has a backup launch window at the same time, twenty-four hours later, on July 28.

After it completes its portion of the mission, the booster will land offshore on ASDS ‘Just Read The Instructions’, which is stationed offshore.

SpaceX official announcement

SpaceX is targeting Saturday, July 27 for a Falcon 9 launch of 23 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Liftoff is targeted for 12:21 a.m. ET, with backup opportunities available until 4:21 a.m. ET. If needed, additional opportunities are also available on Sunday, July 28 starting at the same time.

The launch will be SpaceX’s 73rd launch of 2024, and its 14th launch from LC-39A this year. Overall, it will 384th SpaceX launch all time. This flight will be the first since the Starlink 9-3 mishap on July 11.

At A Glance

  • Mission: Starlink 10-9
  • Date: NET July 27, 2024
  • Launch Window: 12:21 AM – 04:21 AM EDT*
  • Weather: 85% Go during the primary launch window
  • Organization: SpaceX
  • Rocket: Falcon 9
  • Trajectory: Northeastward
  • Launch Site: LC-39A, Kennedy Space Center
  • Booster Landing: Offshore on ASDS Just Read The Instructions
  • Payload: Communications satellite to geosynchronous orbit.
  • Destination: Low-Earth Orbit

    * consult SpaceX website for the specific target for T-0.

Payload

The payload for this mission is a familiar one: twenty-three Starlink satellites. Once deployed and operational, the satellites will join SpaceX’s Starlink constellation that provides Internet connectivity to over three million subscribers in over 100 countries globally.

Each Starlink satellite has a lifespan of approximately five years.

Starlink Mini V2 satellites being deployed in orbit.
Photo: SpaceX

Weather

Weather is looking good, considering that it is the Dog Days of summer in Florida, which means that inclement weather is a threat anywhere at any time.

As such, the 45th Weather Squadron states, “The western Atlantic ridge axis is north of the Spaceport with deep onshore flow continuing to drive the east coast seabreeze quickly inland each afternoon. Lingering effects from Saharan dust will keep conditions drier than normal, with lower chances for overnight coastal showers. The primary weather concern for an attempt early Saturday morning is the Cumulus Cloud Rule associated with a stray coastal shower.”

They are rating the chances of a weather-related scrub at 15% in the primary launch window, meaning there is an 85% chance of acceptable conditions during the launch window.

Trajectory

The trajectory for the Starlink 10-9 mission is northeastward, or right-to-left if you are on the Space Coast and facing in the direction of the Atlantic Ocean.

Landing

After completing its part of the mission, the first stage booster will land offshore on the Automated Spaceport Drone Ship ‘Just Read The Instructions.’

As such, there will be no sonic boom 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 10-9. 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.

Launch Viewing: In Person

Late-night/early morning launches from LC-39A have somewhat limited viewing options, meaning that Playalinda Beach, the Merritt Island National Seashore, and most restaurants will be closed during the launch window.

That does not mean that good views are not available there are some excellent options, albeit from a slightly further distance than day or early evening liftoffs.

The best direct views of liftoff are the northern Titusville riverfront parks, one of the local businesses or Playalinda Beach: 

If you plan to view launches, don’t forget the bug spray and possibly a flashlight to light your way to the viewing area.

Booster B1069

According to SpaceX, tonight’s booster previously launched “This is the 17th flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched CRS-24, Eutelsat HOTBIRD 13F, OneWeb 1, SES-18 and SES-19, and 12 Starlink missions.”

B1069’s last flight was June 8, 2024, when it launched the Starlink 10-1 mission from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

B1069 May 5, 2024
FlightMissionLaunch Date
1CRS-24December 21, 2021
2Starlink 4-23August 28, 2022
3Hotbird 13FOctober 15, 2022
4OneWeb 15December 8, 2022
5Starlink 5-3February 2, 2023
6SES 18 & 19March 17, 2023
7Starlink 5-6May 4, 2023
8Starlink 5-12June 23, 2023
9Starlink 6-9August 11, 2023
10Starlink 6-19September 30, 2023
11Starlink 6-28November 18, 2023
12Starlink 6-36December 29, 2023
13Starlink 6-39February 25, 2024
14Starlink 6-47April 5, 2024
15Starlink 6-57May 6, 2024
16Starlink 10-1June 8, 2024
As of June 8, 2024
Booster B1069 launching the Starlink 6-57 mission in May 2024. This view was from the Banana River Bridge in Cape Canaveral.
Photo: Charles Boyer / Talk of Titusville

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. SpaceX countdown timeline is presented for information purposes only and can be changed by the launch provider without notice.

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)
00:02:261st stage main engine cutoff (MECO)
00:02:301st and 2nd stages separate
00:02:362nd stage engine starts (SES-1)
00:02:57Fairing deployment
00:06:051st stage entry burn begins
00:06:281st stage entry burn ends
00:07:461st stage landing burn begins
00:08:141st stage landing
00:08:392nd stage engine cutoff (SECO-1)
00:54:402nd stage engine starts (SES-2)
00:54:422nd stage engine cutoff (SECO-2)
01:03:34Starlink satellites deploy
via: SpaceX. SpaceX flight timeline is presented for information purposes only and can be changed by the launch provider without notice.

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.

Keep Up To Date With Space News

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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A Falcon 9 sitting on its launch pad in Jun 2024 at Space Launch Complex 40 in Cape Canaveral.
Photo: Charles Boyer / Talk of Titusville.

Will Robinson-Smith of Spaceflight Now reported yesterday that SpaceX has petitioned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to permit the resumption of its Falcon 9 rocket flights, despite an ongoing investigation into a recent mission anomaly. The request comes just days after a liquid oxygen lead led to malfunction during the Starlink 9-3 mission led to the grounding of Falcon 9.

On Thursday, a Starlink mission launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California experienced a significant anomaly. SpaceX’s Falcon 9’s second stage developed a liquid oxygen leak, causing the upper stage to malfunction and deploy its 20-satellite payload into an orbit too low for the Starlink units. The incident caused the Starlink satellites to reenter the Earth’s atmosphere and subsequently incinerate. The malfunction triggered a comprehensive safety investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requiring the temporary grounding of the rocket.

Starlink 9-3: an apparently abnormal amount of ice builds up on Falcon 9’s second stage.
Photo: SpaceX Livestream

As SpaceX’s aggressive 2024 launch schedule falls behind, SpaceX has formally requested that the FAA allow the continuation of uncrewed commercial Falcon 9 flights prior to the FAA completing their investigation. At this time it is not clear if that request is for Starlink only, or if the waiver would include commercial and national defense missions that the company has on its manifest.

The company argues that the anomaly experienced Thursday does not pose a threat to public safety. According to SpaceX, the issue was identified as a liquid oxygen leak that led to a buildup of ice on the upper stage, as observed during the launch. SpaceX has accrued a solid track record with the Falcon 9 booster, having experienced only a small handful of problems in over 350 flights.

FAA Reviewing The Request

In a statement, the FAA has confirmed that it is reviewing SpaceX’s request. “The FAA is reviewing the request and will be guided by data and safety at every step of the process,” the statement read.

SpaceX’s request, submitted on July 15, seeks a public safety determination from the FAA. This would allow SpaceX to proceed with Falcon 9 launches while the mishap investigation continues should the request be granted.

The FAA has reiterated its commitment to public safety during commercial space transportation operations.

“The FAA is responsible for and committed to protecting the public during commercial space transportation launch and reentry operations….the FAA will review the request, and if in agreement, authorize a return to flight operations while the mishap investigation remains open and provided the operator meets all relevant licensing requirements.”

— Federal Aviation Administration

It Appears The FAA May Approve The Request

While the FAA has stated that they are reviewing SpaceX’s request, they may have telegraphed their decision by issuing a pair of NOTAM warnings for an area around Cape Canaveral that indicates space launches are imminent: the first, TFR 4/3617, Friday from 01:33 AM EDT to 06:02 AM EDT, and the second, TFR 4/3624, from Saturday 01:11 AM EDT to 05:40 AM EDT the same day. Whether this is for one launch or two is not known, but many in space circles think it is for one launch from SLC-40 and the other from Pad LC-39A at KSC.

https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_3617.html
https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_4_3624.html

Pathways for SpaceX To Return To Flight

According to the FAA’s website, the FAA has two pathways to authorize a return to flight operations after a mishap. A return to flight operations of the vehicle-type involved in the mishap is ultimately based on public safety. The FAA must determine that any system, process, or procedure related to the mishap does not affect public safety or any other aspect of the operator’s license. This determination can be made in one of two ways.

  • FAA acceptance of final mishap investigation report: The operator-led mishap investigation final report must be completed, including the identification of any corrective actions. The FAA will review the report, and if accepted, the mishap investigation is closed. The corrective actions then must be implemented, and all relevant licensing requirements met before a return to flight operations. 
     
  • FAA public safety determination: The operator may request the FAA make a public safety determination based on information that the mishap did not involve safety-critical systems or otherwise jeopardize public safety. The FAA will review the request, and if in agreement, authorize a return to flight operations while the mishap investigation remains open and provided the operator meets all relevant licensing requirements.

SpaceX’s current situation falls under the second option, with the company arguing that the malfunction does not compromise safety-critical systems. The FAA’s decision on this matter will be crucial for SpaceX’s immediate future operations.

SpaceX is conducting their own investigation, and has detailed its preliminary findings in a statement on its website. The company noted that the liquid oxygen leak prevented the Merlin vacuum engine on the upper stage from completing its second burn. Although the stage managed to deploy the satellites, it did not successfully circularize its orbit, leaving the satellites in a low perigee orbit of 135 km, significantly below the expected altitude.

“At this level of drag, our maximum available thrust is unlikely to be enough to successfully raise the satellites,” SpaceX explained. “As such, the satellites will re-enter Earth’s atmosphere and fully demise. They do not pose a threat to other satellites in orbit or to public safety.”

If the FAA agrees with SpaceX’s assessment, the company could resume launching its Falcon 9 rockets. SpaceX has tentative plans for upcoming missions, including Starlink 10-4 and Starlink 10-9, from its Florida launchpads. These plans, however, hinge on the FAA’s approval.

In the wake of the anomaly, NASA has also weighed in on the situation. The space agency, which collaborates closely with SpaceX on various missions, issued a statement emphasizing its commitment to safety and transparency.

“Crew safety and mission assurance are top priorities for NASA. SpaceX has been forthcoming with information and is including NASA in the company’s ongoing anomaly investigation to understand the issue and path forward,” NASA stated on June 12. “NASA will provide updates on agency-related missions as necessary.”

As the investigation continues, the space community watches closely. SpaceX’s rapid advancement and ambitious schedule have always set it apart, but incidents like these underscore the inherent risks of spaceflight. The FAA’s forthcoming decision will not only impact SpaceX’s timeline but also influence broader industry standards for safety and operational resilience in the rapidly evolving domain of commercial space exploration.

While SpaceX remains optimistic about resuming launches, the final decision rests with the FAA.

____________

Note: this article was written by Mark Stone of Florida Media Now and initially appeared there. Charles Boyer of Talk of Titusville added the TFR/NOTAM information recently published by the FAA.

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A seemingly abnormal buildup of material from Falcon 9’s second stage was seen in the livestream of SpaceX’s Starlink 9-3 mission last night. The livestream ended before the actual failure of the spacecraft occurred.
Photo: SpaceX livestream

Last night in California, SpaceX launched another group of Starlink satellites from California and experienced a failure of the second stage when the mission got to the point of a second burn intended to circularize the orbit of the spacecraft.

Company founder Elon Musk stated on the X platform that, “Upper stage restart to raise perigee resulted in an engine RUD for reasons currently unknown. Team is reviewing data tonight to understand root cause.

Starlink satellites were deployed, but the perigee may be too low for them to raise orbit. Will know more in a few hours.”

Musk added that “We’re updating satellite software to run the ion thrusters at their equivalent of warp 9. Unlike a Star Trek episode, this will probably not work, but it’s worth a shot. The satellite thrusters need to raise orbit faster than atmospheric drag pulls them down or they burn up.”

As Musk states, Warp 9 is from Star Trek, and in the show, that meant that the ship was traveling as fast as its engines allowed. That was only used in emergency situations, and that’s effectively what the Starlink satellites are in: a race to raise their orbit above atmospheric drag before they lose too much velocity and drop out of orbit. Since then, no update has been provided by SpaceX or Musk.

Last night’s failure ended a streak of 284 consecutive 100% mission successes for the company. It should be noted, however, that the first stage booster performed nominally, that it landed on the drone ship ‘Of Course I Still Love You’ offshore safely as intended and that prior to its failure that the second stage did achieve orbit, albeit one that may not be useful for the payload.

SpaceX Statement (July 12, 2024)

SpaceX made the following statement on its website this afternoon:

“On July 11, 2024, SpaceX launched Falcon 9 with 20 Starlink satellites from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base. Falcon 9’s first stage performed nominally, carrying the second stage and Starlink satellites to orbit, separating from the second stage as expected, and returning to Earth for a successful droneship landing, representing SpaceX’s 329th recovery of an orbital class rocket to-date.

Falcon 9’s second stage performed its first burn nominally. However, a liquid oxygen leak developed on the second stage. After a planned relight of the upper stage engine to raise perigee – or the lowest point of orbit – the Merlin Vacuum engine experienced an anomaly and was unable to complete its second burn. Although the stage survived and still deployed the satellites, it did not successfully circularize its orbit. This left the satellites in an eccentric orbit with a very low perigee of 135 km, which is less than half the expected perigee altitude.

The team worked overnight to make contact with the satellites in order to send early burn commands, but the satellites were left in an enormously high-drag environment only 135 km above the Earth (each pass through perigee removed 5+ km of altitude from the orbit’s apogee, or the highest point in the satellite orbit). At this level of drag, our maximum available thrust is unlikely to be enough to successfully raise the satellites. As such, the satellites will re-enter Earth’s atmosphere and fully demise. They do not pose a threat to other satellites in orbit or to public safety.

We greatly appreciate the team’s effort to learn as much as possible from the satellites and attempt recovery.

This event is a reminder of how technically challenging spaceflight is. To date, we have completed 364 successful Falcon launches – safely carrying astronauts, customer payloads and thousands of Starlink satellites to orbit – making the Falcon family of rockets one of the most reliable in the world. SpaceX will perform a full investigation in coordination with the FAA, determine root cause, and make corrective actions to ensure the success of future missions. With a robust satellite and rocket production capability, and a high launch cadence, we’re positioned to rapidly recover and continue our pace as the world’s most active launch services provider.”

Launch Replay

Here is a replay of SpaceX’s livestream of the Starlink 9-3 launch from last night:

Investigation Ahead

Of course, SpaceX will investigate the failure and try to identify its root cause(s) so it can take corrective action to prevent reoccurrence. In a Root Cause Analysis, or RCA investigation, data from the flight will be examined, as well as the manufacturing and test records associated with that particular second stage. From that flight data, the company will ascertain what failed and when, and from that they can begin to narrow down how it happened. Those investigations are thorough and take some time to complete. How long that takes is anyone’s guess.

SpaceX’s last in-flight failure occurred in 2015, when another second-stage failure ended some 139 seconds into flight. The resulting investigation led to a 180-day gap in Falcon 9 flights. It should be noted, however, that at the time SpaceX had far less experience launching Falcon 9 — the failed CRS-7 mission was the company’s 19th Falcon 9 flight and the next flight, Orbcomm 2-2 was its 20th. Thursday’s launch was SpaceX’s 69th Falcon 9 flight this year and the 354th since the rocket’s debut in 2010. That is quite a lot of in-flight experience, and that experience may well aid the company in identifying what went wrong and how to remediate the issue quickly.

FAA Statement

NASA Spaceflight, a leading space news organization, queried the FAA about the failure, and the FAA responded by saying, “The FAA is assessing the operation and will issue an updated statement if it is determined an investigation is warranted.”

Later, that statement was updated:

“The FAA is aware an anomaly occurred during the SpaceX Starlink Group 9-3 mission that launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on July 11. The incident involved the failure of the upper stage rocket while it was in space. No public injuries or public property damage have been reported. The FAA is requiring an investigation.

An investigation is designed to further enhance public safety, determine the root cause of the event, and identify corrective actions to avoid it from happening again.

The FAA will be involved in every step of the investigation process and must approve SpaceX’s final report, including any corrective actions

A return to flight is based on the FAA determining that any system, process or procedure related to the mishap does not affect public safety. In addition, SpaceX may need to request and receive approval from the FAA to modify its license that incorporates any corrective actions and meet other licensing requirements.

The FAA responding to NASA Spaceflight, July 12, 2024

At this time, NASA, the US Space Force and NRO — three of SpaceX’s biggest governmental customers — have not made any public statement requiring their requirement of or participation in an investigation. Ostensibly, SpaceX will conduct the investigation working with the FAA and report the findings to those entities for their approval.

Launch Schedule Effects

With Falcon 9 now grounded by the FAA while an investigation is completed, missions such as Polaris Dawn, Crew 9, NG-21 and others are indefinitely delayed, as are any Starlink or customer launches currently on SpaceX’s manifest.

That said, the Starlink 10-4 mission scheduled for early Sunday morning from Space Launch Complex 40 is almost certainly delayed, pending a company announcement. Other missions later on the calendar are affected as well: GSAT-20, WorldView Legion 3 and 4, Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission (ASBM), Transporter 11 and others were manifested for the next 45 days from either Cape Canaveral, Kennedy Space Center or Vandenberg Space Force Base.

Regarding the upcoming private crewed Polaris Dawn mission that will be commanded by Jared Isaacman, Isaacman released this statement on X.com today:

“SpaceX has an incredible track record with Falcon9. I can say from personal experience they are very transparent when issues arise. I have no doubt they will arrive at a cause quickly and ensure the most cost-effective and reliable launch vehicle keeps delivering payload to orbit. As for Polaris Dawn, we will fly whenever SpaceX is ready and with complete confidence in the rocket, spaceship and operations.”

— Jared Isaacman, July 11, 2024

Polaris Dawn had been scheduled to fly NET July 31, but that mission is now delayed pending the mishap investigation and the implementation of remediations.

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 / Starlink 10-2 moments after shutdown and abort this afternoon.
Falcon 9 / Starlink 10-2 moments after shutdown and abort this afternoon.
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.
Read more

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.

Sky Cover

The National Weather Service predicts cloud cover of about 40% this afternoon at the opening of the launch window.

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 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 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
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: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

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 carrying Starlink 6-64 rises over Cocoa Beach at Lori Wilson Park on May 31, 2024
Photo: Charles Boyer / Talk of Titusville

SpaceX successfully launched another 23 Starlink satellites to orbit this evening from their Space Launch Complex 40 facility to finish out a record-breaking month of May with fourteen launches in total. Liftoff was at the end of the launch window at 10:37 PM EDT.

Around 8.15 minutes after liftoff, the first-stage booster used for the mission, tail number B1076, touched down safely on ASDS ‘A Shortfall of Gravitas’, stationed downrange in the Atlantic Ocean near the Bahamas. After landing, B1076 has now flown fourteen 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

Re-stream of the launch

Payload

This evening’s payload was another 23 Starlink satellites that will join SpaceX’s constellation in low-Earth orbit.

Booster B1076.10 Record

Booster B1076 carrying Starlink 6-64 on May 31, 2024

The booster used this evening successfully completed its fourteenth flight.

Booster B1076
Flight NumberMissionLaunch Date
1CRS-26November 26, 2022
2OneWeb 16January 10, 2023
3Starlink 6-1February 27, 2023
4Intelsat 40eApril 7, 2023
5Starlink 6-3May 19, 2023
6Starlink 6-6July 24. 2023
7Starlink 6-14September 9, 2023
8Starlink 6-21October 5, 2023
9O3b mPOWER 5/6November 12, 2023
10Ovzon-3January 3, 2024
11Starlink 6-40February 29, 2024
12Eutelsat 36DMarch 30, 2024
13Starlink 6-54April 28, 2024
14Starlink 6-64May 31, 2024
Booster B1076 record as of May 31, 2024

Next Launch

Boeing’s Starliner is scheduled to launch on top of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V from Space Launch Complex 41 early tomorrow afternoon.

  • Date: NET June 1, 2024
  • Organization: NASA / Boeing / ULA
  • Mission: CST-100 Starliner Crewed Flight Test
  • Rocket: Atlas V
  • Launch Site: SLC-41, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station
  • Launch Window: 12:25 PM EDT (instantaneous window)
  • Payload: Starliner, with NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams aboard.

Keep in mind that launch dates and times change often. Launch attempts can be scrubbed anytime due to weather, technical reasons, or range conditions.

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