SpaceX launch: SpaceX has called a scrub for Thursday night's Starlink launch

Editor's Note: For up-to-date coverage of Friday's SpaceX launch attempt (postponed from Wednesday and Thursday), click here.

SpaceX has called a scrub of its planned Falcon 9 Starlink launch from Kennedy Space Center for a second night in a row.

The company is looking at an issue with the transporter erector's cradle arms. This the structure that brings the rocket to an upright position. It is supposed to retract before launch. SpaceX states that everything else seems to be in good condition.

The next launch attempt could be as early as Friday.

The Thursday night scrub comes after an exciting day for SpaceX. Not only was it their 22nd anniversary, but they celebrated a Starship test flight success from Boca Chica, Texas.

Thursday's scrub was the second in a row for this mission. They have not given a reason for Wednesday night's scrub.

When it lifts off, the Falcon 9 will deploy a batch of Starlink internet satellites, which are packed inside the fairing atop the 230-foot rocket.

Brevard spectators: SpaceX Starlink 6-44 mission: Where to watch Falcon 9 rocket launch from Cape Canaveral

No local sonic booms are expected. After soaring skyward along a southeasterly trajectory, the rocket's first-stage booster will target landing aboard a drone ship out at sea 8½ minutes after liftoff.

SpaceX Starlink Scrub!

7:28 p.m.

It looks like SpaceX is scrubbing tonight. Once the SpaceX countdown is underway, any halt forces an automatic scrub.

SpaceX has postponed the launch and will announce a new launch day/time shortly.

SpaceX Starlink Update

7:10 p.m.

SpaceX live steam has gone silent. The launch window still runs until 10:40 p.m. We're waiting for updates.

Countdown Hold

7:05 p.m.

SpaceX has announced a countdown hold. We are waiting on more information. The launch window goes until 10:40 p.m..

Watch SpaceX Live broadcast

7:02 p.m

T-2 minutes! Check out SpaceX's live steam above.

SpaceX Starlink launch is less than T-5 minutes

7:00 p.m.

All is looking good. We are currently are less than 5 minutes to lift-off! If you are not watching, you better hurry!

SpaceX Starlink launch is T-10 minutes

6:54 p.m.

We are currently at T-10 minutes. If you are going outside to watch, now is the time!

SpaceX Starlink second stage LOX load

6:48 p.m.

Second stage liquid oxygen load should be underway. Everything is still on schedule.

SpaceX Starlink launch still looking good

6:44 p.m.

Everything is still nominal for tonight's launch. Lift-off is still set for 7:04 p.m. Venting has begun.

SpaceX Falcon9 propellant loading underway

6:33 p.m.

SpaceX has given word that propellant loading is underway.

SpaceX Falcon9 facts for tonight

6:30 p.m.

After launch, Falcon9 will land on the 'shortfall of gravitas' drone ship. Meanwhile the fairings will land under parachute and be recovered.

Waiting on "go/no go" for SpaceX Starlink

6:14 p.m.

Coming up, SpaceX will give the go/no go call for tonight at T-38 mins. There are multiple backup opportunities, yet the sun is shinning brightly on the Space Coast.

Weather for tonight's SpaceX Starlink launch

6:02 p.m.

The last weather check-in from the 45th Space Weather Squadron predicted 95% favorable weather. Currently on the Space Coast the sky is blue and there are no sign of storms clouds.

Tonight's SpaceX Falcon 9 has launched multiple times

5:44 p.m.

This flight will be the 19th of this Falcon9 rocket. This is the same one which launched the Inspiration4 crew back in 2021 — the first all civilian mission to orbit.

SpaceX celebrates 22nd birthday

5:20 p.m.

SpaceX is hoping to celebrate its 22nd birthday with two successful launches in one day. Following Starship reaching space on its third test flight, SpaceX hopes to have a successful launch of Starlink satellites tonight from Cape Canaveral.

For the latest news and launch schedule from KSC and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, visit floridatoday.com/space.

Rick Neale is a Space Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY (for more of his stories, click here.) Contact Neale at 321-242-3638 or Rneale@floridatoday.com. Twitter/X: @RickNeale1

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This article originally appeared on Florida Today: SpaceX Falcon 9 launch at Cape scrubbed for Thursday night