Scrub Recap: Read updates below from Tuesday’s scrub of SpaceX’s launch of the Astra 1P/SES-24 satellite from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40. SpaceX will try again on Wednesday.
With weather conditions volatile, SpaceX is now looking to launch the European communications satellite during a 2-hour, 49-minute window starting at 5:25 PM EST on Wednesday.
SpaceX was trying to break a rare drought that hit the Space Coast on Tuesday. However, with storms and high winds moving through the area, SpaceX was forced to halt the countdown less than 10 minutes before launch.
Upon launch, the SES/Astra communications satellite will be transported into orbit atop a Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40. The initial target for liftoff was 5:35 PM EDT, but the launch window lasted 2 hours and 49 minutes. It pushed SpaceX to nearly the end of the window.
It would have been the first launch since Friday, June 7 — nearly two weeks ago. It was a Starlink launch from Launch Complex 40.
Tuesday’s launch attempt came after SpaceX was forced to pull out of the Starlink 10-2 mission, which experienced successive weather fluctuations followed by a pre-launch abort on Friday, a rarity for SpaceX. With the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s GOES U satellite headed to Kennedy Space Center’s Pad 39A, SpaceX can only use Space Launch Complex 40 and thus chose to move the troubled Falcon 9 rocket aside.
This allowed SpaceX to get this mission – Astra 1P/SES-24 – to the launch pad.
When will the next Florida rocket be launched?Is there a launch today? SpaceX, NASA, and ULA’s upcoming rocket launch schedule in Florida
Astra 1P/SES-24 is a communications satellite of the SES and Astra partnership, two European communications organizations. Ku-band geostationary satellite, developed by Thales Alenia SpaceIt will provide satellite TV service to Germany, France and Spain. According to the SES website. Astra Satellites have been providing television and radio to Germany since 1988.
The weather forecast was not ideal for tonight’s launch. The Space Force’s 45th Weather Squadron predicted a 55 percent chance of favorable conditions during the designated launch window. The main weather concerns were lightning, take-off winds, and cumulonimbus clouds.
The Falcon 9 was scheduled to land on board the rocket Just read the instructions Drone in the Atlantic Ocean. Therefore, there are no local sound spikes.
Scrub SpaceX!
Updated 8:20 p.m.: SpaceX stops launching today due to weather.
Next attempt will be tomorrow starting at 5:25pm EST.
SpaceX launch webcast begins
Update 8:12 p.m.: The SpaceX launch webcast hosted on X (formerly Twitter) is now posted above, directly below the countdown clock.
Liftoff is scheduled in ten minutes from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
SpaceX launch countdown schedule
Update 8:02 PM: Here’s a behind-the-scenes summary of SpaceX’s countdown timeline. T minus:
- 38 minutes: SpaceX’s launch director checks the “launch” of propellant loading.
- 35 minutes: The loading of rocket kerosene and the first stage of liquid oxygen begins.
- 16 minutes: The second stage of liquid oxygen loading begins.
- 7 minutes: The Falcon 9 begins engine cooling before launch.
- 1 minute: The flight command computer begins final pre-launch checks; The fuel tank pressure starts until it reaches cruising pressure.
- 45 seconds: SpaceX’s launch director checks the “go” for the launch.
- 3 seconds: The engine control module controls the start of the engine ignition sequence.
- 0 seconds: Leaves.
SpaceX refuels!
Update 7:52 p.m.: SpaceX has confirmed that it will try to break the Space Coast launch drought. However, wind is still a problem.
SpaceX is still going on launch night on the Dual Coast
Update 7:39 p.m.: While we wait for fueling confirmation, SpaceX may have a dual-coast launch tonight. While they are still targeting 8:23pm EST for Astra 1P/SES-24, they are also targeting 8:40pm PST/11:40pm EST for the Starlink launch from California.
SpaceX launch time is less than an hour
Update 7:26 p.m.: There is now less than an hour left until tonight’s liftoff, which is set for 8:23 PM EST. Scattered clouds have returned to the area, and winds are still active.
SpaceX Falcon 9 will launch Astra 1P
Update 7:08 p.m.: Aboard a SpaceX rocket tonight will be a satellite from SES, which will continue to provide satellite television to several European countries.
The Brevard EOC is activated as SpaceX heads toward launch
Update 6:52 p.m.: The EOC has been activated in Brevard County ahead of its launch tonight. Takeoff time remains set for 8:23 PM EST, weather permitting.
Much of the Space Coast is seeing sunlight starting to filter through the clouds.
If SpaceX is unable to launch tonight, a window will open tomorrow at 5:25 p.m., however, the weather is expected to be less favorable.
Weather clears as SpaceX aims for end of window
Updated 6:31 p.m: As SpaceX moves to the end of the window, with a liftoff time of 8:23 p.m., the weather begins to improve.
FLORIDA TODAY space team sees clear skies over the Cape. However, the booster landing site must not experience weather irregularities.
New SpaceX launch date
Updated 4:55 p.m: SpaceX has updated that it will now target 8:23pm with bad weather.
SpaceX will later launch in California as well
Update 4:46 p.m.: Not much has changed with the weather near the Cape, however SpaceX has an additional window of 2 hours and 49 minutes in which it can launch today.
The company also plans to launch 20 Starlink satellites from California later tonight.
SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket
Update 4:35 p.m.: SpaceX’s booster will fly today for the ninth time. Memorable past missions include the manned Axiom-2 and Axiom-3 missions, four Starlink missions, Euclid and CRS-30.
Tonight is a SpaceX drone ship
Update 4:26 p.m.: The Falcon 9 rocket will land today Just read the instructions Drone in the Atlantic Ocean. The only predictable sound is the familiar rumble of the rocket.
The Falcon 9 will be returned to Port Canaveral, where it will be visible during a short layover.
SpaceX will try to end the launch drought today
Update 4:15 p.m.: Welcome to another launch day!
It’s been nearly two weeks since we saw the Falcon 9 explode.
The 45thy Weather Squadron is calling for 55% favorable conditions for this evening’s launch window, which now opens at 5:38 PM EST.
SpaceX stipulates an additional window of 2 hours and 49 minutes of backup opportunities, which will hopefully allow this weather to move away from the Cape.
Brooke Edwards is a satellite correspondent for Florida Today. Contact her at [email protected] or X: @brookeofstars.
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