SpaceX launch recap: Starlink mission Friday night from Cape Canaveral, Florida

Brooke Edwards, Florida Today
Updated ·4 min read

Launch recap:  Scroll down for live coverage of the Friday, May 17, liftoff of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex - 40.

Jellyfish in the sky: SpaceX launches Falcon 9 Friday from Cape Canaveral, Florida

A beautiful launch lit up the skies Friday night over the Space Coast.

SpaceX launched the Starlink 6-59 mission with an on time launch of 8:32 p.m. EDT, delivering the next batch of Starlink satellites into orbit.

When is the next launch from Florida? Is there a launch today? Upcoming SpaceX, NASA, ULA rocket launch schedule in Florida

The Falcon 9 rocket rose from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) and followed a southeast trajectory before landing on a droneship in the Atlantic Ocean. No local sonic booms were heard.

The Space Force's 45th Weather Squadron had stated a 75-95% chance of favorable conditions, with possible storm clouds being the main concern.

Had SpaceX been unable to launch Friday night, backup opportunities existed beginning at 8:06 p.m. EDT on Saturday. However, the weather conditions would have been less favorable on Saturday, at only 40-80%.

Countdown Timer

SpaceX booster lands for 21st time

Update 8:41p.m.: Tonight's booster just landed on A Shortfall of Gravitas, making its 21st landing!

Liftoff!

Update 8:32 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 8:27 p.m.: SpaceX's launch webcast hosted on X (formerly Twitter) has begun.

Liftoff is scheduled in five minutes from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

We are 10 minutes from tonight’s SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch!

Update 8:22 p.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.

Skies are currently clear near the Space Coast, setting the stage for a beautiful sunset launch!

SpaceX launch in 20 minutes!

Update 8:12 p.m.: T- 20 Minutes!

SpaceX has stated launch is still on track for tonight, and that weather is 95% favorable.

SpaceX Falcon 9 fueling now underway

Update 8:01 p.m.: Visual cues indicate Falcon 9 fueling procedures are now underway at Launch Complex 40, though SpaceX has yet to make an official announcement.

That means tonight’s Starlink mission is now locked in to lift off at 8:32 p.m. without any countdown delays, or else the launch must be postponed.

SpaceX launch countdown timeline

Update 7:54 p.m.: As we wait for word of fueling from SpaceX, 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 Starship meetings in Brevard

Update 7:45 p.m.: In other Starship news, local meetings will be held on June 12-13 in Brevard for FAA officials to collect comments from locals on the proposed Starship site at KSC Pad 39A.

A virtual meeting will be held on the 17th for those who cannot make it in person.

SpaceX Starship KSC environmental study to be discussed at 3 June open houses in Brevard

SpaceX Starship update

Update 7:35 p.m.: SpaceX recently posted an image on X of its fully stacked Starship, in Boca Chica Texas. Flight 4 appears to be just around the corner. An official launch date has not been stated.

SpaceX launch prep underway in Brevard

Update 7:26 p.m.: Brevard County Emergency Management officials have activated the agency's launch operations support team ahead of SpaceX’s upcoming Falcon 9 launch.

x.com

SpaceX Falcon 9 booster slated to fly 21st mission

Update 7:20 p.m.: This evening’s mission is launched by a seasoned Falcon 9 first stage booster, which has flown 20 previous times.

The booster flew the memorable first all civilian mission to orbit, Inspiration4. It also flew the first Axiom crew (AX-1), which was the first private mission to utilize the International Space Station.

Tonight, the booster will land out on A Shortfall of Gravitas droneship in the Atlantic Ocean. Local sonic booms will not be heard — just the rocket’s rumble for those close to the Cape.

A beautiful evening for another SpaceX Falcon 9 launch

Update 7:10 p.m.:. SpaceX is targeting 8:32 p.m. to launch the next batch of Starlink satellites.

The 45th Weather Squadron calls for 75-95% favorable conditions for tonight’s launch window, yet the sun is shining in Brevard.

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: Falcon 9 launch Friday from Cape Canaveral