Welcome to the new home for all the latest information for upcoming and recent rocket launches from Cape Canaveral, Florida, which encompasses both the Kennedy Space Center and the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
First, here are some links for different reference sites to their lists of scheduled launches:
• https://spaceflightnow.com/launch-schedule/: This site is exhaustive as it lists a worldwide launch schedule. However, a page search for "Florida" will yield the Cape specific schedule. The information is accurate, however, except there seems to be a delay in updates. For instance, the first launch at the Cape for 2021 (which will be discussed further down) is still listed for tonight, 4 Jan 2021 EST (5 Jan GMT), yet it's already reported that it has been delayed to no earlier than Thur 7 Jan EST.
• https://everydayastronaut.com/upcoming-launches/: This site is accurate and up-to-date, however, it only lists the next ten upcoming launches worldwide. Unlike the above site, it's not readily apparent which are from the Cape from an easy page search.
• https://spacecoastlaunches.com/launch-list/: This site is Cape specific, but it only lists the next three scheduled launches. Some of the information seems to be wrong, such as the launch window opening time being too early for the aforementioned first launch or 2021. However, the home page has a nifty countdown clock to the latest launch, and the graphics/layout is aesthetically pleasing.
SpaceX hasn't yet updated their launch page for the mission, which would contain the YouTube embed/link to the livestream of the launch. I will try to provide an update when the page is updated and a livestream link becomes available. In the meantime, always check SpaceX's twitter account for the latest updates.
That is all for the current edition of LaunchBuzz for now. Thank you for your patronage.
Location: He was responsible for the term “Gordie Howe hat trick”, where a player scored a goal, added an , NB Joined: 02.05.2013
Jan 5 @ 7:12 PM ET
Welcome to the new home for all the latest information for upcoming and recent rocket launches from Cape Canaveral, Florida, which encompasses both the Kennedy Space Center and the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
First, here are some links for different reference sites to their lists of scheduled launches:
• https://spaceflightnow.com/launch-schedule/: This site is exhaustive as it lists a worldwide launch schedule. However, a page search for "Florida" will yield the Cape specific schedule. The information is accurate, however, except there seems to be a delay in updates. For instance, the first launch at the Cape for 2021 (which will be discussed further down) is still listed for tonight, 4 Jan 2021 EST (5 Jan GMT), yet it's already reported that it has been delayed to no earlier than Thur 7 Jan EST.
• https://everydayastronaut.com/upcoming-launches/: This site is accurate and up-to-date, however, it only lists the next ten upcoming launches worldwide. Unlike the above site, it's not readily apparent which are from the Cape from an easy page search.
• https://spacecoastlaunches.com/launch-list/: This site is Cape specific, but it only lists the next three scheduled launches. Some of the information seems to be wrong, such as the launch window opening time being too early for the aforementioned first launch or 2021. However, the home page has a nifty countdown clock to the latest launch, and the graphics/layout is aesthetically pleasing.
SpaceX hasn't yet updated their launch page for the mission, which would contain the YouTube embed/link to the livestream of the launch. I will try to provide an update when the page is updated and a livestream link becomes available. In the meantime, always check SpaceX's twitter account for the latest updates.
That is all for the current edition of LaunchBuzz for now. Thank you for your patronage. - Bendecko
oohh so that's tonight? cool, hope you get a clear sky for the launch - Pat1993
There were some clouds, but they were so wispy that they didn't really interfere with being able to see everything. They may have made it better in enhancing the colors of the exhaust plume. Some were moving so fast it looked like the rocket was pushing them. They didn't eve interfere with viewing the second stage, though I couldn't see the payload fairing jettison without my binoculars. The big issue was the trajectory was much different than the Starlink launches. This one headed almost directly east rather than NE (almost up the East Coast) for the Starlinks. Unfortunately the easterly trajectory of this one meant that it soon went behind a cluster of trees, so I was only able to watch it about a minute after stage separation and 2nd stage start #1, and couldn't track the 2nd stage all the way to the horizon. The wind moving the clouds also moved the sound waves, so I never heard the rumble.
But like I say, night launches, even if not totally clear, are much more dramatic to see than day launches.
A beautiful day for a launch! (And a beautiful day for an inauguration.) Earlier this morning, SpaceX has completed its second launch for 2021 and the first of its many Starlink launches set for 2021. There were a few repeated delays for weather and technical issues, but remember, there are so many ways things can go wrong but only one way things can go right for a launch.
In case anyone is interested, here is the replay of the stream:
The deployment of the Starlink satellite stack happens near the end of the replay shortly after the 1 hour, 26 minutes, and 30 seconds mark (also time-encoded into the above embed; just push play). It's actually worth watching, as it happened exactly at the spacecraft's first orbital sunrise. It's always breathtaking to see our fragile atmosphere light-up from the sunlight before anything else.
Next up is another SpaceX launch on Friday, Jan 22. It's dubbed the Transporter-1 mission, a RideShare mission that "will deploy dozens of small microsatellites and nanosatellites, including Starlink satellites, into a sun-synchronous orbit for commercial and government customers." The satellites will ride on a Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket from Launch Complex 40 (Cape Canaveral Space Force Station). The available launch window is from 9:24am to 10:24am EST (1424hrs to 1524hrs zulu). I'll try to provide the YouTube live launch stream prior to the launch, but may again just later post the replay link.
Next up is another SpaceX launch on Friday, Jan 22. It's dubbed the Transporter-1 mission, a RideShare mission that "will deploy dozens of small microsatellites and nanosatellites, including Starlink satellites, into a sun-synchronous orbit for commercial and government customers." The satellites will ride on a Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket from Launch Complex 40 (Cape Canaveral Space Force Station). The available launch window is from 9:24am to 10:24am EST (1424hrs to 1524hrs zulu). I'll try to provide the YouTube live launch stream prior to the launch, but may again just later post the replay link. - Bendecko
Transporter-1 has been delayed and will launch tomorrow (Saturday), 23 Jan 2021. The launch window opens at 9:40am EST and lasts until 10:22am (1440-1522hrs zulu). At the present, weather is 60% favorable. Here is the link/embed for the live launch stream (don't forget to set the reminder):
Transporter-1 has been delayed and will launch tomorrow (Saturday), 23 Jan 2021. The launch window opens at 9:40am EST and lasts until 10:22am (1440-1522hrs zulu). At the present, weather is 60% favorable. Here is the link/embed for the live launch stream (don't forget to set the reminder):
Due to unfavorable weather, we are standing down from today's launch; the team will continue with the countdown until T-30 seconds for data collection. Another launch attempt is available tomorrow, January 24 with a 22-minute window opening at 10:00 a.m. EST
The above live stream embed/link should still work for the delay. The launch window will extend until 10:22am EST.
Falcon 9 launches 143 spacecraft to orbit — the most ever deployed on a single mission — completing SpaceX’s first dedicated SmallSat Rideshare Program mission
And my apologies, they did change the live launch stream URL, but I didn't get a chance to provide the updated embed/link prior to the launch this morning. So here it is for the replay:
Launch occurs just after the 16 minute mark (the embed is time-coded to that, so just push play).
Florida's Spaceport gets busy with a couple more Starlink launches from SpaceX.
After a series of delays for Starlink V1.0 L17 from late January, it will actually follow the Starlink V1.0 L18 mission. Both missions will ride atop a Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket.
A couple of days ago, the launches were set to make history by being the first two private commercial launches to occur on the same day within close proximity at the same launch location. That changed a few hours ago, as Starlink V1.0 L17 has been delayed yet again.
So as of now, Starlink V1.0 L18 is scheduled in the early morning hours of Thursday, 4 February 2021 at 1:19am EST (0619hrs z) from SLC-40 (Cape Canaveral Space Force Station). SpaceX has not provided a launch window, so the launch will be instantaneous and will need to be rescheduled if the countdown is unexpectedly halted.
Currently, Starlink V1.0 L17 has been pushed-back just under 24 hrs and is set to launch in the predawn hours of Friday, 5 February 2021 at 5:14am EST (1014hrs z) from LC-39A (Kennedy Space Center). There is no given launch window for this one either, and it too will be instantaneous. (As of a couple of days ago, it was scheduled to launch on Thur 2/4/21 at 5:36am EST.)
So both launches are still set to happen during local nighttime, thus they should make for good live viewing for most Central Floridians, and perhaps most of Peninsular Florida.
Here is the live stream embed for the upcoming Starlink V1.0 L18 launch on 2/4:
The link for the Starlink V1.0 L17 launch on 2/5 has not been published yet. I will update LaunchBuzz for when it has been provided.
Florida's Spaceport gets busy with a couple more Starlink launches from SpaceX.
After a series of delays for Starlink V1.0 L17 from late January, it will actually follow the Starlink V1.0 L18 mission. Both missions will ride atop a Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket.
A couple of days ago, the launches were set to make history by being the first two private commercial launches to occur on the same day within close proximity at the same launch location. That changed a few hours ago, as Starlink V1.0 L17 has been delayed yet again.
So as of now, Starlink V1.0 L18 is scheduled in the early morning hours of Thursday, 4 February 2021 at 1:19am EST (0619hrs z) from SLC-40 (Cape Canaveral Space Force Station). SpaceX has not provided a launch window, so the launch will be instantaneous and will need to be rescheduled if the countdown is unexpectedly halted.
Currently, Starlink V1.0 L17 has been pushed-back just under 24 hrs and is set to launch in the predawn hours of Friday, 5 February 2021 at 5:14am EST (1014hrs z) from LC-39A (Kennedy Space Center). There is no given launch window for this one either, and it too will be instantaneous. (As of a couple of days ago, it was scheduled to launch on Thur 2/4/21 at 5:36am EST.)
So both launches are still set to happen during local nighttime, thus they should make for good live viewing for most Central Floridians, and perhaps most of Peninsular Florida.
Here is the live stream embed for the upcoming Starlink V1.0 L18 launch on 2/4:
The link for the Starlink V1.0 L17 launch on 2/5 has not been published yet. I will update LaunchBuzz for when it has been provided.
Enjoy the launches! - Bendecko
So as of now, Starlink V1.0 L18 is scheduled in the early morning hours of Thursday, 4 February 2021 at 1:19am EST
I call that "late at night", but I'm not gonna argue rocket scientists
Everybody knows that chemical engined rockets are the most primitive form in current practical use.
There have been a lot of proposals to power rockets via something else, including nuclear fission. Come back to me when it goes beyond the concept phase, which nothing else ever has.
Awesome launch last night. With the temps in the mid 30s and the skies clear, it made for great viewing. I was able to see the second stage arc all the way down the the NE horizon after about 6-7 minutes into the launch. When I got back inside to see SECO-1 on the live stream at about +8 minutes I found it interesting that it was just passing south of Cape Cod and soon approaching south of Greenland on its way to passing over Ireland and Great Britain. All under 10 minutes of flight.
Here are photos SpaceX released on their Twitter. The first two show the Starlink V1.0 L17 rocket standing-by next door at KSC's LC-39A (more on that below):
(The last one above also shows Starlink L17 at LC-39A if you look closely enough; too bad this time-lapse image doesn't apparently show the trail of the 2nd stage.)
Here is the embed again for the replay (should run past launch and SECOs and end after Starlink deployment):
Now onto Starlink V1.0 L17: SpaceX yet again delayed its launch. The new scheduled launch date and time is: 7 Feb 2021 at 4:31am EST (0931hrs z).
The reason for the delay is in the provided link to their tweet. Again, the launch is at night and the window remains instantaneous. However, the weather forecast is for a +50% chance of scattered thunderstorms at that time, so I reckon that the may yet be at least another delay.
Now onto Starlink V1.0 L17: SpaceX yet again delayed its launch. The new scheduled launch date and time is: 7 Feb 2021 at 4:31am EST (0931hrs z).
The reason for the delay is in the provided link to their tweet. Again, the launch is at night and the window remains instantaneous. However, the weather forecast is for a +50% chance of scattered thunderstorms at that time, so I reckon that the may yet be at least another delay. - Bendecko
No surprise, Starlink V1.0 L17 has been delayed. But the mild shock is that it's not delayed for the bad weather that is forecast for later this morning. Rather it's apparently been delayed to allow time for "additional inspections," and thus the delay is indefinite as of this writing: https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1357785626561572864
Of course, should there be any delays, I will announce them. I will also provide the live stream link/embed for the launch once it is published.
I have a feeling once the launch of Starlink L19 is more certain, that a date for Starlink L17 will be announced. After Starlink L19, there is nothing else currently scheduled to launch at The Cape for the rest of February.
Of course, should there be any delays, I will announce them. I will also provide the live stream link/embed for the launch once it is published.
I have a feeling once the launch of Starlink L19 is more certain, that a date for Starlink L17 will be announced. After Starlink L19, there is nothing else currently scheduled to launch at The Cape for the rest of February. - Bendecko
Sorry for the lack of updates, but there have been added delays and reschedules for both Starlinks, L19 and L17. The details are listed below.
But first, there was an unannounced launch earlier this week on Tuesday, 2/9/21. Technically it wasn't a launch at The Cape, but rather it was just off the Florida coast:
The US Navy submarine did sail out of Port Canaveral before the launch. Besides being where the SpaceX drone ships offload their landed boosters, it's one of the few activities the port is seeing these days, as much of the port is dedicated to the cruise ship industry, which is pretty much shut-down due to the pandemic.
Now for the revised Starlink launches. These are the current dates and times:
• Starlink V1.0 L19: Sunday 14 FEB 2021 at 11:20pm EST (Monday 2/15, 0420hrs z) from SLC-40 (Cape Canaveral Space Force Station).
• Starlink V1.0 L17: Tuesday 16 FEB 2021 at 1:17am EST (0517hrs z) from LC-39A (Kennedy Space Center).
As always, when the live stream links for the launches become available, I will provide them.
One last thing, for anyone considering visiting The Cape in person to watch a launch, here are a couple of sites which discuss ideal viewing locations (although much of Central FL is good to see them, being as up close as possible will let you see them from the launch pad):
The 2nd link contains an interactive map. If you're logged into your Google account, clicking the star on the legend will add the map to your saved Google Maps data and you will be able to view it from any Google Maps interface.
One last thing, for anyone considering visiting The Cape in person to watch a launch, here are a couple of sites which discuss ideal viewing locations (although much of Central FL is good to see them, being as up close as possible will let you see them from the launch pad):
The 2nd link contains an interactive map. If you're logged into your Google account, clicking the star on the legend will add the map to your saved Google Maps data and you will be able to view it from any Google Maps interface. - Bendecko
Starlink V1.0 L19: Sunday 14 FEB 2021 at 11:20pm EST (Monday 2/15, 0420hrs z) from SLC-40 (Cape Canaveral Space Force Station).
As always, when the live stream links for the launches become available, I will provide them. - Bendecko
Here's the embed/link for tonight's launch:
It indicates that the stream will go live only a minute before launch, but based on past streams, I think it'll start at least 15 minutes prior to the instantaneous 11:21pm EST launch window.
It indicates that the stream will go live only a minute before launch, but based on past streams, I think it'll start at least 15 minutes prior to the instantaneous 11:21pm EST launch window. - Bendecko
SpaceX @SpaceX Due to unfavorable weather tonight, now targeting Monday, February 15 at 10:59 p.m. EST for Falcon 9's launch of 60 Starlink satellites 10:43 PM · Feb 14, 2021
If the live launch stream page changes, I will provide the new embed/link. I'm hoping doesn't change, and a good sign is that they updated the description for the embed/link I provided above:
SpaceX is targeting Monday, February 15 for launch of 60 Starlink satellites from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The instantaneous window is at 10:59 p.m. EST, or 3:59 UTC on February 16.
Unfortunately, the sixth time wasn't the charm for the booster used on this mission. It was lost during it's landing attempt. Actually, from the video (use the last embed/link above for a complete replay of the mission), it appears that the booster completely missed the drone ship and wound-up entirely in the drink.
As a result for the last delay of this mission, Starlink L19, the next mission, Starlink L17, has been pushed back a day:
Starlink V1.0 L17: Wednesday 17 FEB 2021 at 12:55am EST (0555hrs z) from LC-39A (Kennedy Space Center).
As soon as the live stream for the launch becomes available, I will post it.
Meanwhile, while it's not technically a "launch," NASA's Mars Rover Perseverance, including the Mars Helicopter Ingenuity, is set to land on Mars at the Jezero crater this coming Thursday, 18 FEB 2021 at 3:30pm EST (2030hrs z). The live stream will begin 1.25 hours before the landing—the link is here (I will post the embed later, hopefully after tomorrow's Starlink 17 launch).
