Welcome to FLORIDA TODAY's live coverage of the Starlink 10-27 mission!
Early risers are in for a treat, as SpaceX plans to launch its next batch of Starlink internet satellites early Sunday.
The liftoff is set for no earlier than 6:53 a.m. Sept. 21 from Launch Complex 40 in Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
Upon liftoff, the rocket will travel on a northeasterly trajectory. Those with clear skies to the north of the Space Coast may catch a good view of the rocket as it carries the internet-beaming satellites to orbit.
This mission is known as Starlink 10-27.
Brevard County will not hear any sonic booms − as the rocket's first stage will land on the A Shortfall of Gravitasdrone ship in the Atlantic Ocean.
Exact timing will depend on weather conditions at Cape Canaveral as well as the drone ship location. SpaceX states it has until 9:20 a.m. to launch if needed.
SpaceX launch countdown timeline
Update 6:05 a.m.:In less than 10 minutes, the launch director should give the "go" for proellant load. 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 Flight 11 coming soon in Texas
Update 5:53 a.m.: SpaceX's new launch system, Starship, is poised to see its 11th test flight out of Texas. A launch date has yet to be released, yet SpaceX posted that a Starship is being transported to the launch pad for 'preflight testing'.
Starship is planned to launch from Florida in the coming years − timing depending on readiness and the results of the FAA and Space Force environmental impact studies.
SpaceX launch in Florida weather
Update 5:43 a.m.: The 45th Weather Squadron has predicted a 90% chance of favorable weather for this morning's liftoff.
The skies over Brevard County are partly cloudy.
SpaceX launch prep underway in Brevard
Update 5:30 a.m.:Brevard County Emergency Management officials have activated the agency's launch operations support team ahead of SpaceX’s upcoming Falcon 9 launch.
Brooke Edwards is a Space Reporter for Florida Today. Contact her atbedwards@floridatoday.comor on X:@brookeofstars.
