SpaceX launch recap: Updates from Tuesday Falcon 9 launch from Cape Canaveral

Launch recap: Scroll down for live coverage of the Tuesday, August 20, liftoff of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40.

SpaceX completed a Tuesday morning rocket launch − on the morning when voters headed to the polls. The Starlink 10-5 mission saw the latest batch of Starlink internet satellites lift off atop a Falcon 9 rocket, complete with a brand new first stage.

After delaying twice, SpaceX has confirmed they were aiming for a 9:20 a.m. EDT liftoff from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40.

It was the end of the launch window, but weather conditions allowed the SpaceX team to make it on time.

The 45th Weather Squadron predicted 80% chance of favorable weather during the launch window − which turned out favorable.

Being the latest group of SpaceX Starlink satellites, the launch traveled in a northeast trajectory.

SpaceX Falcon 9 booster lands for first time

Update 9:28 a.m.: The Falcon 9 first-stage booster just landed aboard SpaceX's droneship A Shortfall of Gravitas out on the Atlantic Ocean, completing its first mission!

SpaceX Liftoff!

Update 9:20 a.m.: SpaceX has just launched the Falcon 9 rocket carrying 22 Starlink satellites from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

SpaceX launch webcast begins

Update 9:15 a.m.: Liftoff is scheduled in five minutes from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

We are 10 minutes from the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch!

Update 9:10 a.m.: T-10 minutes! Head outside if you plan on catching this launch! If you have clear skies, it will be hard to miss the bright rocket rising into the sky.

Simply look towards the direction South of Kennedy Space Center from your direction.

SpaceX launch countdown timeline

Update 9:00 a.m.: Here's a behind-the-scenes rundown of SpaceX’s countdown timeline. T-minus:

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 underway!

Update 8:45 a.m.: SpaceX has confirmed they are fueling and aiming for a 9:20 a.m. liftoff!

Quelle: Florida Today

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Update: 21.08.2024

STARLINK MISSION

On Tuesday, August 20 at 9:20 a.m. ET, Falcon 9 launched 22 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

This was the first flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission.