Spaceflight Now
Spaceflight NowJan 1
Tech

Live: SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches from California with 25 Starlink internet satellites

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TL;DR

SpaceX's Falcon 9 launch from California was scrubbed due to high upper-level winds.

Key Insights

1

SpaceX attempted its 42nd Falcon 9 launch of the year.

2

The mission included deploying 25 Starlink V2 mini satellites.

3

Scrubbed due to windsThe launch was scrubbed due to unacceptable upper-level winds.

4

SpaceX plans a 24-hour turnaround for another launch attempt.

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Falcon 9 was fully fueled with 1 million pounds of propellant.

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A successful launch would have marked the 35th Starlink mission this year.

Deep Dive

Launch Preparations

Spaceflight Now's Robinson Smith hosted live coverage from Vandenberg Space Force Base. The Falcon 9 rocket was set to launch at 7:56 PM Pacific. It was the 42nd Falcon 9 launch of the year, aiming to deploy 25 Starlink satellites.

Technical Details

The Falcon 9 was fully fueled with 1 million pounds of propellant. The launch was to follow a southern trajectory, with the first stage landing on the drone ship 'Of Course I Still Love You'. The mission marked the 35th dedicated Starlink launch of the year.

Scrub Announcement

Just minutes before launch, SpaceX announced a scrub due to high upper-level winds. Robinson Smith confirmed the rocket and payload were in good health, with a 24-hour turnaround planned for another attempt.

Future Prospects

SpaceX's Elon Musk hinted at a Starship version 3 launch in 4-6 weeks. The company continues to optimize its Starlink satellites, reducing weight to increase payload capacity per mission.

Takeaways

  • Expect a new launch attempt in 24 hours.
  • SpaceX continues to optimize Starlink satellite designs.
  • Watch for potential Starship version 3 launch soon.

Key moments

29:42Scrub Announcement

We are scrub today due to upper level winds.

28:20Launch Countdown

The Falcon 9 rocket fully fueled with 1 million pounds of propellant.

9:08Mission Overview

Today's Falcon 9 flight will be the 42nd of the year so far for SpaceX.

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