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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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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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Falcon 9 launching from Pad LC-39A
Photo: Charles Boyer / Talk of Titusville

SpaceX has been cleared to resume launching Falcon 9 by the FAA. Almost immediately afterward, the company announced a launch of the venerable rocket from Pad LC-39A at Kennedy Space Center early Sunday morning.

The company stated that the Starlink 9-3 mishap in a statement on their website “The cause of the leak was identified as a crack in a sense line for a pressure sensor attached to the vehicle’s oxygen system. This line cracked due to fatigue caused by high loading from engine vibration and looseness in the clamp that normally constrains the line,” SpaceX said.

In turn, “The liquid oxygen leak on the upper stage led to the excessive cooling of engine components, most importantly those associated with delivery of ignition fluid to the engine. As a result, the engine experienced a hard start rather than a controlled burn, which damaged the engine hardware and caused the upper stage to subsequently lose attitude control,” said SpaceX today.

SpaceX then outlined the fix that they will employ in the short-term future, “For near term Falcon launches, the failed sense line and sensor on the second stage engine will be removed. The sensor is not used by the flight safety system and can be covered by alternate sensors already present on the engine. The design change has been tested at SpaceX’s rocket development facility in McGregor, Texas, with enhanced qualification analysis and oversight by the FAA and involvement from the SpaceX investigation team.”

That presumes that they will be looking for a permanent fix but, in the meantime, will employ the method outlined above. It is unknown whether that will be sufficient for crewed flights — either to SpaceX, NASA, or the FAA.

FAA Statement

The FAA released the following statement:

“The FAA is responsible for and committed to protecting the public during commercial space transportation launch and reentry operations.

After a comprehensive review, the FAA determined no public safety issues were involved in the anomaly that occurred during the SpaceX Starlink Group 9-3 launch on July 11. The public safety determination means the Falcon 9 vehicle may return to flight operations while the overall investigation remains open, provided all other license requirements are met.”

SpaceX Statement

SpaceX released the following statement on their website around 6PM EDT on July 25, 2024:

SpaceX submitted its mishap report to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding Falcon 9’s launch anomaly on July 11, 2024. SpaceX’s investigation team, with oversight from the FAA, was able to identify the most probable cause of the mishap and associated corrective actions to ensure the success of future missions.

Post-flight data reviews confirmed Falcon 9’s first stage booster performed nominally through ascent, stage separation, and a successful droneship landing. During the first burn of Falcon 9’s second stage engine, a liquid oxygen leak developed within the insulation around the upper stage engine. The cause of the leak was identified as a crack in a sense line for a pressure sensor attached to the vehicle’s oxygen system. This line cracked due to fatigue caused by high loading from engine vibration and looseness in the clamp that normally constrains the line. Despite the leak, the second stage engine continued to operate through the duration of its first burn, and completed its engine shutdown, where it entered the coast phase of the mission in the intended elliptical parking orbit.

A second burn of the upper stage engine was planned to circularize the orbit ahead of satellite deployment. However, the liquid oxygen leak on the upper stage led to the excessive cooling of engine components, most importantly those associated with delivery of ignition fluid to the engine. As a result, the engine experienced a hard start rather than a controlled burn, which damaged the engine hardware and caused the upper stage to subsequently lose attitude control. Even so, the second stage continued to operate as designed, deploying the Starlink satellites and successfully completing stage passivation, a process of venting down stored energy on the stage, which occurs at the conclusion of every Falcon mission.

Following deployment, the Starlink team made contact with 10 of the satellites to send early burn commands in an attempt to raise their altitude. Unfortunately, the satellites were in an enormously high-drag environment with a very low perigee of only 135 km above the Earth. As a result, all 20 Starlink satellites from this launch re-entered the Earth’s atmosphere. By design, Starlink satellites fully demise upon reentry, posing no threat to public safety. To-date, no debris has been reported after the successful deorbit of Starlink satellites.

SpaceX engineering teams have performed a comprehensive and thorough review of all SpaceX vehicles and ground systems to ensure we are putting our best foot forward as we return to flight. For near term Falcon launches, the failed sense line and sensor on the second stage engine will be removed. The sensor is not used by the flight safety system and can be covered by alternate sensors already present on the engine. The design change has been tested at SpaceX’s rocket development facility in McGregor, Texas, with enhanced qualification analysis and oversight by the FAA and involvement from the SpaceX investigation team. An additional qualification review, inspection, and scrub of all sense lines and clamps on the active booster fleet led to a proactive replacement in select locations.

Safety and reliability are at the core of SpaceX’s operations. It would not have been possible to achieve our current cadence without this focus, and thanks to the pace we’ve been able to launch, we’re able to gather unprecedented levels of flight data and are poised to rapidly return to flight, safely and with increased reliability. Our missions are of critical importance – safely carrying astronauts, customer payloads, and thousands of Starlink satellites to orbit – and they rely on the Falcon family of rockets being one of the most reliable in the world. We thank the FAA and our customers for their ongoing work and support.

Falcon 9 nears staging
Photo: Charles Boyer / Talk of Titusville

Starlink 10-9 Launch Scheduled

Also on SpaceX’s website, a Falcon 9 launch was announced:

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.

Talk of Titusville will publish a comprehensive launch preview tomorrow, Friday 26.

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Move teams with NASA and Boeing, the SLS core stage lead contractor, position the massive rocket stage for NASA’s SLS (Space Launch System) rocket on special transporters to strategically guide the flight hardware the 1.3-mile distance from the factory floor onto the agency’s Pegasus barge on July 16. The core stage will be ferried to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, where it will be integrated with other parts of the rocket that will power NASA’s Artemis II mission. Pegasus is maintained at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility.
Credit: NASA

The core stage of Artemis 2 departed the Assembly Facility in New Orleans on July 16th and is heading to Kennedy Space Center, where it will be assembled for a circumlunar mission planned for no earlier than September of 2025.

When it launches, Artemis 2 will have four crew members aboard an Orion capsule: Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor J. Glover, Mission Specialist Christina Koch, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen.

Artemis 2 Prime Crew.
Photo: NASA/Robert Markowitz

In a press release, Catherine Koerner, associate administrator for NASA’s Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington said, “With Artemis, we’ve set our sights on doing something big and incredibly complex that will inspire a new generation, advance our scientific endeavors, and move U.S. competitiveness forward,” said. The SLS rocket is a key component of our efforts to develop a long-term presence at the Moon.”

Artemis 1 and SLS on its launch pad in 2022.
Photo: Charles Boyer / Talk of Titusville

NASA also says that the SLS rocket’s core stage is the largest the agency has ever produced. At 212 feet tall, it consists of five major elements, including two huge propellant tanks that collectively hold more than 733,000 gallons of super-chilled liquid propellant to feed four RS-25 engines. During launch and flight, the stage will operate for just over eight minutes, producing more than 2 million pounds of thrust to propel four astronauts inside NASA’s Orion spacecraft toward the Moon.

Artemis 2 booster being loaded aboard NASA’s Pegasus barge.
Photo: NASA

Now aboard NASA’s Pegasus barge, the massive core stage will travel by sea to Kennedy Space Center late this month.

Tugboats push and pull the barge Pegasus. Photo: NASA
Tugboats push and pull the barge Pegasus. Photo: NASA
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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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Falcon Heavy on the launch pad at LC-39A early on June 25, 2024.
Photo: Charles Boyer / Talk of Titusville

NASA is targeting a two-hour window Tuesday opening at 5:16 PM EDT, June 25, for the launch of the weather satellite aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket from Launch Complex 39A. The payload for this mission is the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) GOES-U weather satellite, an advanced weather forecasting satellite.

The weather could be a significant concern for any launch attempt tomorrow or Wednesday as storms are expected to form in the Space Coast area. The 45th Weather Squadron is giving a pessimistic forecast of only a 30% chance of acceptable weather for launch, with a 70% chance of weather causing a launch delay.

B1087 (Center Core), B1086 and B1072 (RTLS Side Cores) are all brand new boosters set to debut on this launch. B1086 and B1072 will return and land at SpaceX’s landing zone at Cape Canaveral, and B1087 will have a short life — it will be expended as part of the mission plan. As such, sonic booms will be heard throughout the Space Coast region as the boosters herald their return to land.

Should the launch be delayed for weather-related or technical reasons, the backup window is Wednesday, June 26, at the same time as Tuesday.

At A Glance

Mission: GOES-U
Date: NET June 24, 2024
Launch Window: 05:16 PM EDT – 07:16 PM EDT*
Organization: NASA / SpaceX
Rocket: Falcon Heavy Launch
Site: LC-39A, Kennedy Space Center
Payload: GOES-U Weather satellite for NOAA

* consult NASA or SpaceX media for the specific target for T-0.

Weather

In their forecast update at 1 PM EDT today, the 45th Weather Squadron states that, “By tomorrow, the ridge axis will be just south of the Spaceport as a surface boundary digs into the Southeastern US, bringing high levels of moisture and light offshore low-level winds before the afternoon sea breeze develops. This set-up will increase afternoon shower and storm chances through most of this week. Both tomorrow and Wednesday, the east coast sea breeze will form and trigger showers/storms in the early to mid-afternoon, before the evening launch window opens.”

That does not sound good, and a delay due to the weather is entirely possible, Still, with a two-hour launch window to work with, mission managers are hopeful that a a period of calm weather will allow the launch to proceed.

Payload

According to NOAA, “GOES-U will provide critical atmospheric, hydrologic, oceanic, climatic, solar and space data for advanced detection and monitoring of environmental phenomena that threaten the security and well-being of everyone in the Western Hemisphere.”

NASA rendering of the GOES-U satellite.

They add, “GOES-U will be renamed GOES-19 after it reaches geostationary orbit. Following a successful on-orbit checkout of its instruments and systems, NOAA plans to put GOES-19 into operational service, replacing GOES-16 as GOES East. GOES-19 will work in tandem with GOES-18, NOAA’s GOES West satellite. Together, GOES East and GOES West watch over more than half the globe – from the west coast of Africa to New Zealand.”

GOES-U Fact Sheet

2024-01_2023_GOES-U_Mission_Overview_Fact_SheetDownload

More information is available GOES-U Mission Overview.

Trajectory

Eastward.

Launch Viewing In Person

Watching Online

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

NASA will have a livestream of the launch on their website: NASA GOES-U

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 and or NASA is the best source of information.

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

Today’s launch is from LC-39A at Kennedy Space Center. The Max Brewer Bridge and northern park on Washington Avenue (US1) in Titusville are your best bets.

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
Falcon Heavy, as seen from behind LC-39A early Tuesday, June 25, 2024

Indirect Views

There are several excellent viewing spots for 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.

Further away, but really nice views.

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.

Playalinda Beach

Playalinda Beach out on the Cape Canaveral National Seashore may be open to spectators, that is, if KSC Security and the National Park Service allow viewers for the launch. This varies launch to launch.

That’s by no means a certainty, however, and it would be very wise to call ahead before making the trip out.

Cape Canaveral National Seashore Phone: 386 428-3384 x0

If you are going to Playalinda, and if it is open, remember:

  • 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 will have to 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-existant at Playalinda. Don’t count on your cellphone to keep up with the launch, because you might get signal or you might not.
  • You are not allowed to view from the pullouts on Beach Road. They will have stanchions blocking them. You’ll have to park and you’ll have to go to the beach.
  • Refreshments are not available. There are no stores at Cape Canaveral National Seashore, and that means 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. If the beach is open, you’ll still not be able to go all the way 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.

Also, as part of both Kennedy Space Center and the US Park system, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is under federal jurisdiction and that means if you happen to get a ticket out there, you’ll be heading to federal court. Best thing to do is strictly obey traffic laws. Don’t speed!

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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.

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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 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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