Updates: SpaceX launched 40 OneWeb satellites and landed Falcon 9 booster at the Cape
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Update: SpaceX launched this mission at 5:27 p.m. on Thursday, Dec., 8 from Kennedy Space Center in Florida and landed the Falcon 9 booster a short time later. Read our full post-launch story here.
Follow live updates as SpaceX targets 5:27 p.m. ET on Thursday, Dec. 8, for the launch of a Falcon 9 rocket and 40 OneWeb internet-beaming satellites from Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
It's set to be the 53rd launch this year from Florida's Space Coast and OneWeb's first contracted mission with SpaceX.
After liftoff from pad 39A, the Falcon 9 will fly a southerly trajectory hugging the coast of Florida. Shortly after, the Falcon 9 first-stage booster will somersault for a landing attempt at Cape Canaveral's Landing Zone 1. Local spectators can expect sonic booms upon the return.
Space Force forecasters have predicted a 90% chance of favorable weather conditions for today's launch attempt.
For the latest, visit floridatoday.com/launchschedule.
Updates from Thursday's event below:
Landing Confirmed!
The Falcon 9 first stage has landed at Landing Zone 1 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
Liftoff!
5:27 p.m.: The Falcon 9 has launched from pad 39-A at Kennedy Space Center in Florida carrying 40 satellites for OneWeb. A Falcon 9 first-stage booster landing at the Cape's Landing Zone 1 coming up shortly. Deployment of the 40 satellites will take about an hour and a half.
Under 10 minutes
5:17 p.m.: With less than 10 minutes until liftoff here's a list of what remains in the countdown:
00:07:00 Falcon 9 begins pre-launch engine chill
00:05:00 Dragon transitions to internal power
00:01:00 Command flight computer to begin final prelaunch checks
00:01:00 Propellant tanks pressurize for flight
00:00:45 SpaceX Launch Director verifies go for launch
00:00:03 Engine controller commands engine ignition sequence to start
00:00:00 Falcon 9 liftoff
Fueling underway
4:54 p.m.: The SpaceX launch director has given the "go" to proceed with the fueling of the Falcon 9 ahead of today's launch attempt. Liftoff is slated for 5:27 p.m. ET from Kennedy Space Center's pad 39-A with landing and subsequent sonic boom set to occur seven minutes and 45 seconds later.
One hour to launch:
4:27 p.m.: Now within one hour to liftoff. In about 20 minutes we expect the SpaceX launch director to conduct a poll to determine whether or not to proceed with fueling the Falcon 9 ahead of today's launch attempt.
The sky appears to be fairly cloudless with a slight southerly breeze. All looks good for a launch and land-based recovery attempt today. Stay tuned.
Counting Down to liftoff:
4:00 p.m.: Good afternoon. Welcome to live coverage of SpaceX's Launch 15 for OneWeb launching from LC-39A at Kennedy Space Center. Liftoff is slated this afternoon for 5:27 p.m. ET. The Space Force's 45th Weather Squadron predicted weather conditions to be about 90% favorable for an on-time launch attempt this afternoon. So far, everything looks good! Stay tuned.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Updates: SpaceX launched and landed a Falcon 9 from Florida
