SpaceX launch recap: Starlink mission Thursday evening launch at Cape Canaveral, Florida

Brooke Edwards, Florida Today
Updated ·4 min read

Second SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifts off in just over 24 hours from Florida

An evening SpaceX launch lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force's Launch Complex 40 — just over 24 hours from Wednesday evening's SpaceX launch from Kennedy Space Center.

SpaceX officially confirmed they were targeting 6:40 p.m. EDT to launch another batch of Starlink satellites. These satellites, which were launched inside a payload fairing on top of a Falcon 9 rocket, are part of SpaceX's Starlink internet service.

The 45th Weather Squadron predicted a 90% chance of favorable conditions during the designated launch window, which ran until 10:40 p.m. EDT if needed.

Thursday's Falcon 9 first stage landed out on a SpaceX drone ship in the Atlantic Ocean approximately 8½ minutes after liftoff. For this reason, Central Florida did not hear any sonic booms.

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Countdown Timer

SpaceX first stage lands

Update 6:50 p.m.: SpaceX has confirmed the first stage booster has landed on A Shortfall of Gravitas!

This marks the company's 40th launch and landing of the year.

Liftoff!

Update 6:40 p.m.: SpaceX has just launched the Falcon 9 rocket carrying 23 Starlink satellites from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

SpaceX launch webcast begins

Update 6:36 p.m.: SpaceX's launch webcast hosted on X (formerly Twitter) is now live.

Liftoff is scheduled in T-5 minutes from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

SpaceX Starlink 6-52 to launch in T-10 minutes

Update 6:30 p.m.: We are at T-10 minutes until liftoff. If you plan on watching this launch, start heading outside!

This launch will be heading in a Southeast trajectory, and the booster will be landing out on a drone ship.

SpaceX shares video taken LIVE with Starlink

Update 6:15 p.m.: As the countdown moves forwards towards tonight's launch, here is an interesting post shared by Starlink on X.

SpaceX Falcon 9 fueling now underway

Update 6:06 p.m.: SpaceX has confirmed they are fueling ahead of tonight's launch.

That means tonight’s Starlink mission is now locked in to lift off at 6:40 p.m. without any countdown delays, or else the launch must be postponed.

If for any reason there is a delay, the next launch opportunity begins tomorrow evening at 6:14 p.m. EDT.

SpaceX launch countdown timeline

Update 5:55 p.m.: T-45 Minutes! 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.

Ahead of SpaceX launch, Brevard EOC issues launch alert

Update 5:50 p.m.: Ahead of this evening's launch, Brevard EOC has issued a launch alert.

T-60 minutes until SpaceX Starlink 6-52 launch

Update 5:40 p.m.: This evening’s mission is launched by a Falcon 9 first stage booster which has flown six previous times.This particular first stage booster launched the Axiom-2 and Axiom-3 crewed missions. It also launched the CRS-30 resupply mission last month, which delivered experiments (and coffee), to the International Space Station.

This booster launched CRS-30: SpaceX, NASA launch from Florida to space station: Coffee, science experiments on board

Clear skies by the Space Coast ahead of tonight's SpaceX launch

Update: 5:30 p.m. - The 45th Weather Squadron calls for 90% favorable conditions for tonight’s launch window.

A beautiful evening for another SpaceX falcon 9 launch

Update 5:15 p.m.: In just over 24 hours from the last launch, SpaceX is set to launch another batch of Starlink satellites into orbit.

If you missed yesterday’s launch, or just want to see a rocket launch again, here is your chance.

Tonight’s launch will be landing on drone ship, A Shortfall of Gravitas, in the Atlantic Ocean. Sonic booms are not expected.

Brooke Edwards is a Space Reporter for Florida Today. Contact her at bedwards@floridatoday.com or on X: @brookeofstars.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: SpaceX launch recap: Starlink Thursday evening launch from Cape