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SpaceX Starlink's launch from Florida is scheduled for this evening

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Scrub Summary: Scroll down to read the latest updates from the SpaceX Starlink launch, scrubbed on October 6th.

According to SpaceX, they are making another attempt to launch this mission – Starlink 6-77 – no earlier than Thursday at 3:13 p.m. from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40. SpaceX did not give a reason for the bush, but said that the weather conditions were already not favorable for the launch.

The 45th Weather Squadron forecast only a 30% chance of favorable conditions during Wednesday's launch window. SpaceX had already pushed back its target launch time until the end of the launch window.

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Since the satellites are Starlink Group 6 satellites, the launch will take place on a southeasterly trajectory.

The launch was originally scheduled for Sunday, but was canceled a few minutes before takeoff. During coverage of the SpaceX launch on Sunday, a launch vehicle operator was heard saying, “Hold. Hold. Hold,” followed by mention of a helium problem in the rocket’s first stage. “Stand back to helium level one,” the operator said. Within seconds, the rocket's vent narrowed. No further details about the helium problem were released.

When will the next rocket launch take place in Florida? Is there a launch today? SpaceX and NASA's upcoming rocket launch plan from Florida

For the Falcon 9 rocket, the launch cannot be repeated that day once refueling begins. The company launched the CRS-31 space station resupply mission for NASA on Monday evening, waiting at Pad 39A.

Check back tomorrow, Thursday, October 7, for live updates at FloridaToday.com/Space.

Update 7:10 p.m: There is no sign of refueling at launch, and SpaceX has just confirmed that launch will take place no earlier than 3:13 p.m. tomorrow.

Update 6:58 p.m: With SpaceX launching at 7:39 p.m. – which is the latest launch time – refueling should begin shortly.

Here's a look at the SpaceX countdown timeline:

  • 38 minutes: SpaceX launch director confirms “launch” for fuel load.
  • 35 minutes: Loading of rocket kerosene and liquid oxygen into the first stage begins.
  • 16 minutes: Loading with liquid oxygen of the second stage begins.
  • 7 minutes: Falcon 9 begins engine cooling before launch.
  • 1 minute: The command flight computer begins the final checks before takeoff. Pressurization of the fuel tank to flight pressure begins.
  • 45 seconds: SpaceX launch director confirms launch is possible.
  • 3 seconds: The engine control commands the start of the engine ignition sequence.
  • 0 seconds: Lift up.

Update 6:48 p.m.: SpaceX is aiming for a 7:39 p.m. launch from Florida this evening. After launch, the Falcon 9 launch vehicle will land on the Just Read the Instructions drone ship waiting in the Atlantic Ocean south of Florida.

Update 6:38 p.m.: Tonight's booster is only making its third flight. This Falcon 9 previously launched a Starlink mission, followed by NASA's Crew-9 on September 28th.

Update 6:26 p.m.: Here's a continuation from Monday's evening lift. The Cargo Dragon docked with the ISS yesterday morning and delivered supplies and science to the astronauts waiting on board.

Check out NASA's summary here:

Update 6:18 p.m.: Even if both aren't from Florida, SpaceX is hoping for Starlink's double-header launch tonight. The launch in Florida is scheduled for 7:39 p.m. EST, while another Starlink launch in California is scheduled for 11:02 a.m. PT (Thursday 2:02 a.m. EST).

Update 6:08 p.m.: Skies over the Brevard area are cloudy and gusts of wind were observed most of the day. The 45th Weather Squadron predicted only a 30% chance of good weather conditions. SpaceX has already pushed the launch to the end of the window. Will there be a rocket launch in Florida today?

Brooke Edwards is a space reporter for Florida Today. Contact her at [email protected] or at X: @brookeofstars.

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