SpaceX has called off the planned Falcon 9 Starlink launch from Kennedy Space Center for the second night in a row.
The company is looking into an issue with the carrier arms. This is the structure that holds the rocket upright. It is supposed to be retracted before launch. SpaceX states that everything else appears to be in good shape.
The next launch attempt may take place as early as Friday.
Thursday night's rub comes after an exciting day for SpaceX. Not only was it their 22nd anniversary, but they also celebrated the success of the test spacecraft's flight from Boca Chica, Texas.
Thursday's scrub was the second in a row for this mission. They gave no reason for the scrub Wednesday night.
When it lifts off, Falcon 9 will deploy an array of Starlink internet satellites, which are positioned within the fascia atop the 230-foot-tall rocket.
Brevard spectators:SpaceX Starlink Mission 6-44: Where to watch the Falcon 9 launch from Cape Canaveral
No local sonic booms are expected. After soaring toward the sky along a southeast trajectory, the rocket's first stage booster will aim to land on a drone ship at sea 8 and a half minutes after liftoff.
SpaceX Starlink scrub!
7:28 pm
Looks like SpaceX will be cleaning up tonight. Once SpaceX's countdown begins, any pauses force an automatic wipeout.
SpaceX has postponed the launch and will announce a new launch day/time soon.
SpaceX Starlink update
7:10 pm
SpaceX's live steam has gone silent. The launch window still runs until 10:40 p.m. We are waiting for updates.
Hold a countdown
7:05 pm
SpaceX announced the suspension of the countdown. We are waiting for more information. The launch window continues until 10:40 p.m.
Watch SpaceX's live stream
7:02 pm
T-2 minutes! Check out SpaceX's live stream above.
A SpaceX Starlink launch takes less than T-5 minutes
7:00 pm
Everything looks good. We currently have less than 5 minutes to take off! If you're not watching, you better hurry!
SpaceX Starlink launch is T-10 minutes
6:54 pm
We are now at T-10 minutes. If you're going outside to watch, now's the time!
Loading LOX for the second stage of SpaceX Starlink
6:48 pm
The second stage of liquid oxygen load should be underway. Everything is still on schedule.
The SpaceX Starlink launch still looks good
6:44 pm
Everything is still nominal for tonight's launch. Liftoff is still set for 7:04pm and venting has begun.
Loading propellant for SpaceX Falcon9
6:33 pm
SpaceX announced that the propellant loading process is underway.
SpaceX Falcon9 facts for tonight
6:30 pm
After launch, Falcon9 will land on the “Shortfall of Gravitas” drone ship. Meanwhile, the fairings will land under the parachute and be recovered.
Waiting for “go/no go” for SpaceX Starlink
6:14 pm
Next, SpaceX will make a go/no-go call tonight at 38:38. There are many backup opportunities, but the sun is shining on the Space Coast.
Weather for tonight's SpaceX Starlink launch
6:02 pm
The latest weather check-in from the 45th Space Weather Squadron predicted the weather to be 95% fair. Currently on the Space Coast, the sky is blue and there is no sign of storm clouds.
SpaceX Falcon 9 launched several times tonight
5:44 pm
This will be the Falcon9 rocket's 19th flight. This is the same mission that launched the Inspiration4 crew in 2021, the first entirely civilian mission to orbit.
SpaceX celebrates its 22nd birthday
5:20 pm
SpaceX hopes to celebrate its 22nd birthday with two successful launches in one day. After Starship reaches space on its third test flight, SpaceX is hoping for 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 the website floridatoday.com/space.
Rick Neil He is Florida Today's space correspondent (for more of his stories, click here.) Call Neale at 321-242-3638 or Rneale@floridatoday.com. Twitter/X: @Rick Neal1
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