![]() ![]() SpaceX has rarely used such a "young" rocket for a Starlink mission. It seems likely that one or more Merlin engines were swapped out on the first stage because SpaceX performed a static fire test of the vehicle earlier this week, something the company usually doesn't do before a Starlink mission. That launch took place from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, and the first stage has since been shipped across the country to Florida. The rocket for today's mission has only launched one other time, boosting the Sentinel-6A Earth science mission for NASA last November. The Dragon capsule was lost after the second stage broke apart and sank into the Atlantic Ocean. This record dates back to June 2015, when the Falcon 9 rocket's second stage failed during the launch of a cargo supply mission to the International Space Station. The most notable aspect of today's mission is that it would be the 100th consecutive successful flight for the Falcon 9 rocket. This marks the 28th overall launch of operational Starlink satellites. Original post, 1:31 pm EDT: SpaceX will attempt to launch another batch of 60 Starlink satellites today at 2:59 pm ET (18:59 UTC) from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. 6th launch during the last 33 days, once every five days /kmuBJwA82i.16th launch of 2021, a cadence of one rocket every nine days.100th consecutive, successful launch of a Falcon 9.This booster has truly become the workhorse of the global launch industry:Īfter learning to crawl, walk and run, the Falcon 9 is now sprinting. Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the beginning of fueling.Update, 3:30 pm EDT: Under bright blue skies, the Falcon 9 rocket took off from Florida on Wednesday afternoon and promptly delivered its Starlink payload into orbit. Weather conditions over Cape Canaveral are mostly cloudy and breezy. Today's mission will carry 56 more Starlink internet-beaming satellites to orbit to join the more than 3,750 already in operation. EDT from pad 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station this afternoon. EDT: SpaceX launch teams are counting down to a Falcon 9 liftoff at 4:01 p.m. ![]() EDT: The SpaceX launch director is "go" to proceed with fueling and launch of the Falcon 9 with liftoff from pad 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station targeted for 4:01 p.m. 00:00:03 Engine controller commands engine ignition sequence to startģ:25 p.m.00:00:45 SpaceX Launch Director verifies go for launch.00:01:00 Propellant tank pressurization to flight pressure begins.00:01:00 Command flight computer to begin final pre-launch checks.00:07:00 Falcon 9 begins engine chill prior to launch.00:35:00 1st stage LOX (liquid oxygen) loading begins.00:35:00 RP-1 (rocket grade kerosene) loading begins.00:38:00 SpaceX Launch Director verifies go for propellant load.No local sonic booms are expected this time. About eight minutes after liftoff, the first-stage booster will target the Just Read the Instructions drone ship stationed in the Atlantic Ocean for a landing attempt. Marking the 17th launch this year from Florida's Space Coast, the Falcon 9 will fly a southeasterly trajectory from Launch Complex 40. EDT Wednesday, March 29, for the launch of 56 Starlink internet satellites from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Read our full post-launch story here.įollow live as SpaceX targets 4:01 p.m. The first-stage booster successfully landed on a drone ship stationed in the Atlantic Ocean a short time later. EDT from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Update: Launch of the SpaceX Falcon 9 with 56 Starlink satellites at 4:01 p.m. Journalism like this takes time and resources. Please support it with a subscription here. Space is important to us and that's why we're working to bring you top coverage of the industry and Florida launches. ![]()
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