Despite a few delays it was another success for SpaceX’s Falcon 9 with the launch of 23 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The weather was outstanding with 90% odds of favorable weather, per the Space Force’s 45th Weather Squadron, with a slight concern of sea breeze-fueled cumulus clouds and a moderate risk of detrimental solar activity.
No Central Florida sonic booms took place.
This is the third flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched Crew-8 and a Starlink mission. Following stage separation, the first stage successfully landed on the A Shortfall of Gravitas droneship, stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.
SpaceX will be busy Wednesday May 8 with two launches same day from two coasts.
The first launch, timewise, is from Florida’s Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Liftoff is targeted for 11:00 a.m. with a Falcon 9 launch of 23 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from ET, with backup opportunities available until 2:42 p.m. ET. If needed, additional opportunities are also available on Thursday, May 9 starting at 10:16 a.m. ET.
A live webcast of this mission will begin on X @SpaceX about five minutes prior to liftoff. Watch live.
This is the third flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched Crew-8 and a Starlink mission. Following stage separation, the first stage will land on the A Shortfall of Gravitas droneship, which will be stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.
Direct to Cell works with existing LTE phones wherever you can see the sky. No changes to hardware, firmware, or special apps are required, providing seamless access to text, voice, and data.
Second on the SpaceX is targeting Wednesday, May 8 for a Falcon 9 launch of 20 Starlink satellites, including 13 with Direct to Cell capabilities, to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Liftoff is targeted for 7:48 p.m. PT, with backup opportunities available until 10:30 p.m. PT. If needed, additional opportunities are also available on Thursday, May 9 starting at 7:48 p.m. PT.
A live webcast of this mission will begin on X @SpaceX about five minutes prior to liftoff. Watch live.
This is the fourth flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched USSF-62, and two Starlink missions. Following stage separation, the first stage will land on the Of Course I Still Love You droneship, which will be stationed in the Pacific Ocean.
