Watch SpaceX launch Starlink Internet satellites from Florida
Follow along live as SpaceX aims at 4:32 PM EST on Saturday, December 17 for the launch of 54 Starlink Internet satellites on a Falcon 9 rocket from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
After liftoff from pad 39A, the rocket’s 162-foot first stage will target a Just Read the Instructions drone ship that will land in the Atlantic Ocean. If successful, it will set a record 15 flights, the most ever flown by a Falcon 9 booster.
Follow the updates below (for real-time updates, follow this link):
SpaceX launch statistics
4:15 PM EST: While we wait, some stats on today’s mission:
- 15th flight for this particular thruster, a record
- 56th launch of the year for the Space Coast
- 192nd launch of a Falcon 9
- Launch number 68 of the Starlink constellation
- Including California, third Falcon 9 flight in two days
The Falcon 9 is underway
4:05 PM EST: SpaceX is fueling the Falcon 9 rocket on pad 39A ahead of liftoff in 27 minutes. Everything goes “wow”.
Exact time of take off
3:55 PM EST: Note that today’s launch is scheduled to occur 30 seconds after 4:32 PM EST, so don’t be surprised if you don’t see Falcon 9 right away. Also, unlike recent missions, we won’t be getting a local landing this time, so no sonic booms.
T-minus an hour to launch
SpaceX is scheduled for an afternoon launch
3 pm EST: Good afternoon from the Kennedy Space Center, where SpaceX will launch a Falcon 9 rocket with 54 Starlink satellites in just over 90 minutes. Yesterday’s conditions were 60% forecast, but so far the weather looks favorable for the 16:32 EST liftoff. Stay tuned.