SpaceX launch recap: SpaceX launch from Florida delivers two satellites for ESA

This story has been updated to add new information.

Launch recap: Scroll down to see updates from the SpaceX launch of Galileo satellites on Tuesday from Space Launch Complex 40.

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On Tuesday evening, SpaceX launched the next two satellites for the ESA (European Space Agency) Galileo navigational system. Liftoff occurred at 6:50 p.m. EDT from Space Launch Complex 40.

Originally set to launch Sunday, the mission was delayed for unstated reasons. As of Monday, the 45th Weather Squadron had predicted only a 40% chance of favorable weather.

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These Galileo satellites are the latest in the navigational satellite constellation, which according to ESA is "the world’s most precise satellite navigation system".

The last time we saw SpaceX launch Galileo satellites from Florida was back in late April, when SpaceX delivered satellites 29 and 30.

The Galileo system is comparable to GPS, providing navigational services for private and government use. According to ESA, it serves over four billion smartphone customers around the world. Most of the smartphones currently sold in Europe run the navigational service. Galileo is compatible with GPS and Glonass, which is the Russian navigational system.

Countdown Timer

SpaceX booster lands on droneship

Update 6:59 p.m.: The Falcon 9 first stage booster has landed on the Just Read the Instructions droneship.

SpaceX lift off!

Update 6:50 p.m.: Falcon 9 has left the launch pad!

SpaceX launch

Update 6:47 p.m.: If you want to see tonight's launch, head outside now! We are 3 minutes away from liftoff!

SpaceX coverage begins

Update 6:41 p.m.: SpaceX has begun their live coverage of tonight's launch. It is posted above, below the countdown clock.

SpaceX droneship

Update 6:28 p.m.: Tonight's Falcon 9 booster will land on the Just Read the Instructions droneship, which is waiting out in the Atlantic Ocean.

The launch will be traveling in a northeast trajectory ? meaning those north of the Space Coast may get a view!

SpaceX fueling underway!

Update 6:18 p.m.: SpaceX has confirmed they have begun fueling. That means the rocket must lift off at 6:50 p.m. or the launch will be scrubbed for the day.

SpaceX Falcon 9 booster to see 22nd flight

Update 6:06 p.m.: SpaceX continues to push the reusability of their first stage boosters. This particular one will see its 22nd launch and landing.

On top of 12 Starlink launches, it has supported CRS-22, Crew-3, Turksat 5B, Crew-4, CRS-25, Eutelsat HOTBIRD 13G, O3B mPOWER, PSN SATRIA, and Telkomsat Marah Putih 2.

SpaceX Florida launch will see ESA satellites delivered to orbit

Update 5:58 p.m.: In less than an hour, SpaceX plans to launch two Galileo satellites for ESA. These will be satellites 31 and 32 in the constellation.

SpaceX launch from SLC-40: Polaris Dawn crew visits Pad 39A a week later

Update 5:40 p.m.: SpaceX is launching from Space Launch Complex 40 tonight. Pad 39A is about to be transitioned to a Falcon Heavy for NASA's Europa Clipper.

Meanwhile, the crew of Polaris Dawn, freshly back to Florida, paid a visit to 39A a week after they launched to space.

SpaceX Florida launch weather

Update 5:20 p.m.: After postponing the launch twice, SpaceX is finally ready to launch two Galileo satellites for ESA ? that's if weather at both the launch and booster landing site cooperates.

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: SpaceX launch: Cape Canaveral rocket lights up Tuesday evening sky