Upcoming Launch

Starlink Mission

UPDATE

SpaceX is standing down from the launch attempt of its thirteenth Starlink mission due to severe weather in the recovery area, which is likely to persist for a couple days. A new target launch date will be announced once confirmed.

This mission will lift off from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, launching 60 Starlink satellites to orbit. Falcon 9’s first stage previously supported launch of Crew Dragon’s first flight to the International Space Station with NASA astronauts onboard and the ANASIS-II mission. Following stage separation, SpaceX will land Falcon 9’s first stage on the “Just Read the Instructions” droneship, which will be stationed in the Atlantic Ocean. One of Falcon 9’s fairing halves supported two previous Starlink launches.

The Starlink satellites will deploy approximately 1 hour and 1 minute after liftoff. If you would like to receive updates on Starlink news and service availability in your area, please visit starlink.com.

FLIP MANEUVERVERTICAL LANDINGENTRY BURNAERODYNAMIC GUIDANCEAUTONOMOUS DRONE SHIPASCENTFAIRING SEPARATIONLAUNCHPAYLOAD SEPARATION
FLIP MANEUVERENTRY BURNAUTONOMOUS DRONE SHIP LANDINGFAIRING SEPARATIONPAYLOAD SEPARATIONASCENTLAUNCH

Countdown

All Times Are Approximate

Hr/Min/Sec Event
00:38:00 SpaceX Launch Director verifies go for propellant load
00:35:00 RP-1 (rocket grade kerosene) loading underway
00:35:00 1st stage LOX (liquid oxygen) loading underway
00:16:00 2nd stage LOX loading underway
00:07:00 Falcon 9 begins engine chill prior to launch
00:01:00 Command flight computer to begin final prelaunch checks
00:01:00 Propellant tank pressurization to flight pressure begins
00:00:45 SpaceX Launch Director verifies go for launch
00:00:03 Engine controller commands engine ignition sequence to start
00:00:00 Falcon 9 liftoff

Launch, Landing and Deployment

All Times Are Approximate

Hr/Min/Sec Event
00:01:12 Max Q (moment of peak mechanical stress on the rocket)
00:02:32 1st stage main engine cutoff (MECO)
00:02:36 1st and 2nd stages separate
00:02:43 2nd stage engine starts (SES-1)
00:03:22 Fairing deployment
00:06:40 1st stage entry burn complete
00:08:24 1st stage landing
00:08:48 2nd stage engine cutoff (SECO-1)
00:42:26 2nd stage engine restarts (SES-2)
00:42:28 2nd stage engine cutoff (SECO-2)
01:01:24 Starlink satellites deploy