SpaceX Falcon 9 launch recap: Speedy return to flight following booster landing mishap

Launch recap:  Scroll down for live coverage of the Saturday, August 31, liftoff of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40.

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Following the Wednesday morning SpaceX mishap involving the Falcon 9 first-stage booster as it attempted to lane on a drone ship in the Atlantic Ocean, the Federal Aviation Administration has granted SpaceX permission to fly.

SpaceX had confirmed they were targeting a liftoff at 3:43 a.m. EDT, which was right at the end of the launch window. Weather held out, as the 45th Weather Squadron predicted 85% chance of favorable weather.

When is the next Florida rocket launch? SpaceX Falcon 9 cleared to launch by FAA; next launch: Starlink overnight

The launch, a Starlink mission, occured from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40 and traveled in a northeast trajectory.

Prior to this mission, SpaceX was also aiming to launch a Starlink from Vandenberg Space Force Base California ? giving a back-to-back return to flight. That liftoff was then pushed to 1:48 a.m. PT/4:48 a.m. EDT.

Countdown Timer

SpaceX Falcon 9 booster lands

Update 3:51 a.m.: The Falcon 9 first-stage booster just landed aboard SpaceX's droneship Just Read the Instructions out on the Atlantic Ocean, completing its 18th mission.

Liftoff!

Update 3:43 a.m.: SpaceX has just launched the Falcon 9 rocket carrying 21 Starlink satellites from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

SpaceX launch webcast begins

Update 3:37 a.m.: Liftoff is scheduled in five minutes from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

We are 10 minutes from tonight’s SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch!

Update 3:33 a.m.: T-10 minutes! Head outside if you plan on catching this launch! If you have clear skies, it will be hard to miss the bright rocket rising into the sky.

Simply look towards the direction South of Kennedy Space Center from your direction.

SpaceX launch countdown timeline

Update 3:23 a.m.: 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 fueling has begun

Update 3:12 a.m.: Visual cues indicate that SpaceX is moving ahead with fueling.

SpaceX launch prep continues

Update 3:04 a.m.: SpaceX has confirmed they are still moving towards a 3:43 a.m. liftoff.

Brevard EOC activates ahead of SpaceX launch

Update 3:00 a.m.: The Brevard EOC has activated ahead of this morning's liftoff.

Remains of SpaceX booster arrived at Port Canaveral

Update 2:50 a.m.: In case you missed it, what was left of the booster involved in Wednesday's landing failure arrived back at Port Canaveral yesterday.

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This morning's SpaceX Droneship

Update 2:45 a.m.: This morning's SpaceX droneship is Just Read the Instructions. Eight and a half minutes after liftoff, the first stage booster will land on this platform out in the Atlantic Ocean.

SpaceX booster slated to fly its 18th mission

Update 2:35 a.m.: This morning's booster is flying its 18th mission. Previous missions include 13 Starlink missions, CRS-24, OneWeb 1, SES 18 & 19, and Eutelsat HOTBIRD-F1.

SpaceX weather outlook

Update 2:20 a.m.: SpaceX is back to flight only a few days after a first-stage failed to land. The radar is currently looking clear, with only storms to the south.

Brooke Edwards is a Space Reporter for Florida Today. Contact her at [email protected] or on X: @brookeofstars.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Rocket launch recap: SpaceX granted permission to launch Falcon 9