The Brevard Space Coast serves as a pivotal hub for numerous rocket launches, hosting missions from SpaceX, United Launch Alliance (ULA), and NASA, showcasing their advanced technology and innovative capabilities.
Scrub recap: For detailed insights, scroll down for live updates about the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch attempt from Cape Canaveral on the Starlink 6-77 mission, originally scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 3.
Original story: Today marks a significant day in space exploration, with the commencement of a SpaceX-NASA launch doubleheader scheduled over the next couple of days. Two Falcon 9 rockets are poised to take off in rapid succession, a testament to the increasing launch cadence from this region.
Welcome to FLORIDA TODAY Space Team’s live coverage of this afternoon’s important SpaceX Starlink 6-77 mission, which is launching from the renowned Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
SpaceX is diligently targeting a launch time of 4:57 p.m. EST for the Falcon 9 rocket from the well-known Launch Complex 40. This rocket will carry and deploy a batch of 23 cutting-edge internet satellites, enhancing global connectivity.
No Central Florida sonic booms are anticipated during this launch. As the Falcon 9 ascends on a southeasterly trajectory, its first-stage booster is set to land on a SpaceX drone ship stationed offshore, approximately eight minutes post-liftoff.
Looking ahead to Monday evening, SpaceX and NASA are scheduled to launch a Dragon capsule on an essential International Space Station resupply mission, targeting a liftoff time of 9:29 p.m. from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, specifically from the historic pad 39A. These forthcoming missions are positioned to mark the Space Coast’s milestone 75th and 76th orbital rocket launches within a single calendar year, breaking previous records.
Update 5:34 p.m.: The upcoming NASA-SpaceX CRS-31 launch is firmly scheduled for 9:29 p.m. on Monday evening, and it holds precedence on the Eastern Range calendar.
According to Tim Dunn, launch director of NASA’s Launch Services Program, there is a customary procedure in place where NASA requests SpaceX to defer their Starlink launches to allow for a “setback” period. This is crucial for personnel to review launch data thoroughly, increasing safety by identifying any potential flight anomalies.
Update 5:09 p.m.: SpaceX officials revealed that a backup launch window for Starlink 6-77 has been set for 4:31 p.m. on Monday, maintaining momentum ahead of the busy schedule.
Update 5:03 p.m.: A countdown hold was officially called during SpaceX’s abbreviated launch webcast, halting the countdown at 2 minutes and 36 seconds before liftoff.
Update 4:56 p.m.: SpaceX has officially scrubbed the Falcon 9 rocket launch from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The specific reasons for this decision have not been disclosed publicly.
Update 4:52 p.m.: SpaceX’s launch webcast is now available on X (formerly Twitter), providing viewers with a visual update just as the countdown clock was about to tick down.
Update 4:42 p.m.: This afternoon’s mission marks an impressive third flight for the Falcon 9 first-stage booster, showcasing its reusability.
Update 4:32 p.m.: Here’s a sequence of SpaceX’s launch countdown procedure:
- 16 minutes: Second-stage liquid oxygen loading begins.
- 7 minutes: Falcon 9 begins engine chill prior to launch.
- 1 minute: Command flight computer begins final prelaunch checks; propellant tank pressurization to flight pressure begins.
- 45 seconds: SpaceX launch director verifies “go” for launch.
- 3 seconds: Engine controller commands engine ignition sequence to start.
- 0 seconds: Liftoff.
Update 4:21 p.m.: SpaceX has communicated that fueling procedures for the Falcon 9 rocket will commence shortly at Launch Complex 40, with optimistic reports indicating favorable weather conditions prevailing.
Update 4:12 p.m.: The National Weather Service has reported overcast skies and a steady east wind at 10 mph, with temperatures hovering around 80 degrees at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
Update 3:45 p.m.: The Space Force’s 45th Weather Squadron has projected a highly favorable 90% chance for good weather conditions for today’s launch, influenced by a high-pressure system settled across the Southeastern states.
For the most current news and launch information from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, we encourage you to visit flordiatoday.com/space.
Rick Neale is a dedicated Space Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Reach out to Neale at [email protected]. Follow on Twitter/X: @RickNeale1
**Interview with Dr. Emily Hartman, Aerospace Engineer at Space Launch Solutions**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Hartman. The Brevard Space Coast has become a critical hub for space exploration. What do you think makes this area so important for rocket launches?
**Dr. Hartman:** Thank you for having me! The Brevard Space Coast is significant because it offers established infrastructure, access to prime launch trajectories, and a community deeply invested in aerospace. The presence of NASA, SpaceX, and ULA has fostered collaboration and innovation, which has increased our launch cadence significantly.
**Interviewer:** We just saw the scrub of the SpaceX Falcon 9 Starlink 6-77 mission, which was quite anticipated. What can you tell us about the implications of a launch scrub?
**Dr. Hartman:** A launch scrub, while disappointing, is a standard precaution in the aerospace industry. It allows engineers and crews to ensure safety and reliability. In the case of the Falcon 9, there could be a multitude of reasons behind this decision—ranging from technical issues to weather conditions—none of which are taken lightly. Fortunately, they can typically reschedule quickly, as evidenced by the backup window they’ve established.
**Interviewer:** This launch was part of an ambitious doubleheader with NASA. How does this kind of schedule affect the teams involved?
**Dr. Hartman:** Coordinating multiple launches in quick succession is a logistical challenge but also an exciting opportunity. It pushes teams to stay sharp and be efficient in their operations. NASA and SpaceX have developed robust protocols to manage these situations, emphasizing safety, as both of these missions play crucial roles in internet connectivity and international space research.
**Interviewer:** Looking forward, what does the successful launch of these Starlink missions mean for global connectivity?
**Dr. Hartman:** Launching additional Starlink satellites is crucial for expanding internet access, particularly in underserved and remote areas. The more satellites they deploy, the better the coverage and reliability. This can significantly change how individuals and businesses access information, bridging the digital divide.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the reusability of the Falcon 9 booster, which is a significant advancement in rocketry. How has that impacted the economics of space launches?
**Dr. Hartman:** Reusability has revolutionized space economics. By recovering and reusing boosters, SpaceX can reduce costs for individual launches, which has made space more accessible for a vast array of missions. This innovation encourages more frequent launches and proposals for new commercial missions, further driving the industry forward.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, as we prepare for the future of space exploration, what upcoming developments should we keep an eye on?
**Dr. Hartman:** I would keep an eye on both crewed missions to Mars and advancements in satellite technology. The Artemis program by NASA is set to return humans to the Moon, which is a stepping stone for Mars exploration. Additionally, innovations like SpaceX’s Starship and NASA’s Space Launch System will push the boundaries of what’s possible in space travel and exploration.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Hartman, for these insights! We look forward to the exciting developments in space exploration.
**Dr. Hartman:** Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time to be part of this industry.