Launch Recap: Scroll down to read updates from the SpaceX Starlink 12-9 launch, which lifted off at 2:18 p.m. from Cape Canaveral, Launch Complex 40.
After postponing a liftoff attempt Friday afternoon, the Space Coast was treated to Saturday afternoon rocket launch!
After another slight delay, at 2:18 p.m. the SpaceX Starlink 12-9 mission left Cape Canaveral, Space Launch Complex 40.
This gave those in South Florida more to look forward to over the weekend than watching the Super Bowl.
With the payload being in the Group 12 Starlink satellites, the rocket traveled on a southeast trajectory. Under sunny skies, those south of Cape Canaveral were treated to an afternoon show, as the Falcon 9 rocket rumbled by.
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The beautiful weather did not come as a surprise. The Space Force’s 45th Weather Squadron had predicted a 95% chance of favorable conditions for this launch window.
When is the next Florida rocket launch?Is there a launch today? Upcoming SpaceX, NASA rocket launch schedule at Cape Canaveral
No sonic booms were heard. Eight and a half minutes after liftoff the rocket’s first stage landed out on the A Shortfall of Gravitas drone ship stationed out on the Atlantic Ocean.
Falcon 9 lands on drone ship
Update 2:27 p.m.: The first-stage booster has landed on A Shortfall of Gravitas.
SpaceX rocket lifts off!
Update 2:18 p.m.: Liftoff! The Falcon 9 is off the launch pad!
SpaceX live before Starlink launch
Update 2:12 p.m.: SpaceX is live ahead of launch. The video is posted above, below the countdown clock.
T-10 minutes until the SpaceX launch from Cape Canaveral
Update 2:08 p.m.: The sun is shining, and it’s a beautiful afternoon to watch a launch. Before to look south of Kennedy Space Center from your location.
SpaceX launch countdown timeline
Update 1:58 p.m.: Here’s a behind-the-scenes rundown of SpaceX’s countdown timeline. T-minus:
Second-stage (upper-stage) liquid oxygen loading is about to begin!
- 38 minutes: SpaceX launch director verifies “go” for propellant load.
- 35 minutes: Rocket-grade kerosene and first-stage liquid oxygen loading begins.
- 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.
SpaceX fueling ahead of Florida launch
Update 1:47 p.m.: Visual cues indicate that SpaceX is fueling ahead of the planned launch.
This means SpaceX must now lift off at 2:18 p.m. If fueling were to stop, the launch would be postponed for the day.
Brevard EOC activates ahead of SpaceX launch from Cape Canaveral
Update 1:38 p.m.: The Brevard County Emergency Management Office is active ahead of the 2:18 p.m. SpaceX launch from Cape Canaveral, SLC-40.
SpaceX launch from Florida Falcon 9 booster
Update 1:31 p.m.: SpaceX is still seeking to liftoff in 47 minutes from now.
The Falcon 9 first-stage booster launching today is seeing its 17h flight. Previous missions it flew include: 12 Starlink missions, NASA’s Crew-6, O3b mPOWER, Bluebird 1-5, and USSF-124.
SpaceX launch from Florida update
Update 1:18 p.m.: SpaceX is still targeting a launch one hour from now.
After liftoff, the first-stage booster will land on the A Shortfall of Gravitas drone ship, which is waiting out on the Atlantic Ocean. No sonic booms will be heard in Florida.
NASA’s VIPER mission has a new chance
Update 1:00 p.m.: SpaceX is still targeting 2:18 p.m. for the launch of Starlink 12-9.
Meanwhile, NASA has announced its previously cancelled VIPER mission to the moon is being given another chance.
NASA’s VIPER (Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover) mission will look for ice on the lunar south pole. The project was canceled last year, but as of February, NASA is looking to salvage it by seeking proposals from private companies to land and operate the rover.
NASA guide on what’s in the sky
Update 12:51 p.m.: Wondering what that bright star is? NASA has posted a guide to the astronomy events of the month! It’s Venus gaining all the attention this month as it shines in the West after sunset.
SpaceX Bahama drone ship
Update 12:38 p.m.: SpaceX is still targeting 2:18 p.m. for this afternoon’s launch. The first-stage booster will land south of Florida on a drone ship. No sonic booms will be heard.
However, on Monday, Feb. 17, SpaceX will land a first-stage off the coast of the Bahamas for the first time. On Friday, SpaceX officials met with leaders from the Bahamas on the upcoming event − which may allow for views and a sonic boom from the islands.
SpaceX launch from Florida delay
Update 12:09 p.m.: SpaceX has updated the liftoff time to 2:18 p.m..
Anniversary of first SpaceX first Falcon Heavy and Starman
Update 12:03 p.m.: It may be hard to believe, but as of Feb. 6, seven years have passed since the first SpaceX Falcon Heavy launch − and double booster landing.
The triple Falcon 9 vehicle carried a red Tesla Roadster along with a dummy known as ‘Starman’, which was sporting the SpaceX spacesuit. And this was before SpaceX had even flown astronauts.
SpaceX launch from Florida weather outlook
Update 11:53 a.m.: The Space Force 45th Weather Squadron has predicted a 95% chance of favorable weather for this launch window.
Brooke Edwards is a Space Reporter for Florida Today. Contact her at bedwards@floridatoday.com or on X: @brookeofstars.