Update: SpaceX’s latest batch of Starlink internet satellites launches at 8:50 PM EST on Sunday! This sets the stage for the next mission, currently scheduled to fly no later than late Wednesday night. See more in our full launch schedule here.
Tune in to live updates below as SpaceX targets an 8:50 p.m. EST Sunday, July 23 launch of a Falcon 9 rocket and an array of Starlink internet satellites from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
If the countdown at Launch Complex 40 goes according to plan, the Falcon 9 will fly along a southeasterly trajectory and then aim to land on the Just Read the Instructions drone ship in the Atlantic Ocean. This will mark the booster’s sixth mission to date.
Tonight’s window for launch closes at 10:31 PM EST. It is likely that the teams will need more time because the weather conditions around the Cape are not favorable.
Follow the live updates below:
8:50 PM EST: SpaceX’s latest batch of 22 Starlink internet satellites has taken off!
8:35 PM EST: SpaceX is still counting down to launch on time at 8:50 PM EST. So far, everything seems to be fine.
8:12 PM EST: SpaceX mission managers polled the “go” to start the fueling process at Launch Complex 40. Once that process begins at 8:15 p.m., Falcon 9 will shut down for a launch time of 8:50 p.m. EDT.
Here’s what’s left in the timeline:
- 00:35:00: Loading of RP-1 (rocket grade kerosene) begins
- 00:35:00: LOX (Liquid Oxygen) first stage loading begins
- 00:16:00: Loading of the second stage of LOX begins
- 00:07:00: Falcon 9 starts engine cooling before launch
- 00:01:00: The flight computer begins its final pre-launch checks
- 00:01:00: Fuel tank pressure to flight pressure begins
- 00:00:45: SpaceX launch manager checks startup
- 00:00:03: Engine ignition sequence for engine control commands to start
- 00:00:00: Falcon 9 takes off
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6:10 PM EST: SpaceX is now targeting 8:50 PM EST for this launch, known as Starlink 6-6, from Cape Canaveral. A reminder that tonight’s window closes at 10:31 PM EST.
Missile launch schedule: Upcoming launches and landings in Florida
5:20 PM EST: Good evening! SpaceX is preparing for a second attempt at launching a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station after removing the first rocket last night due to inclement weather. Conditions aren’t much better this evening, but they should improve before the end of the 10:31 PM EST window. SpaceX may be able to wait out the weather this time around. Stay tuned.
Here’s the pre-release schedule:
- T-minus 00:38:00: SpaceX launch director checks “go” for fuel load
- 00:35:00: Loading of RP-1 (rocket grade kerosene) begins
- 00:35:00: LOX (Liquid Oxygen) first stage loading begins
- 00:16:00: Loading of the second stage of LOX begins
- 00:07:00: Falcon 9 starts engine cooling before launch
- 00:01:00: The flight computer begins its final pre-launch checks
- 00:01:00: Fuel tank pressure to flight pressure begins
- 00:00:45: SpaceX launch manager checks startup
- 00:00:03: Engine ignition sequence for engine control commands to start
- 00:00:00: Falcon 9 takes off