SpaceX launches rocket on Starlink mission after storms, lightning depart East-Central Florida
Hours after meteorologists issued severe thunderstorm warnings and special weather statements across Central Florida, SpaceX crews launched a Falcon 9 rocket under fair skies with 10-mile visibility Saturday, June 28, at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
The Falcon 9 lifted off at 12:26 a.m. from Launch Complex 40, carrying 27 Starlink broadband satellites into low-Earth orbit.
The post-midnight mission marked the Falcon 9 first-stage booster’s fifth flight, SpaceX reported. The booster previously launched CRS-32, NROL-69, GPS III-7 and a Starlink mission.
Following stage separation, the booster landed atop the SpaceX drone ship A Shortfall of Gravitas in the Atlantic Ocean.
Cape Canaveral: Is there a launch today? Upcoming SpaceX, Axiom, ULA rocket launch schedule at Cape Canaveral
NASA's Kennedy Space Center had issued its last Phase I lightning watch — giving personnel a 30-minute lead-time warning — at 7:01 p.m. Friday, nearly 5½ hours before liftoff. That lightning watch was terminated at 8:22 p.m.
The launch occurred on the 10-year anniversary of a SpaceX rocket explosion following liftoff from Florida's Space Coast. On June 28, 2015, a Falcon 9 that launched from then-Cape Canaveral Air Force Station broke apart during a NASA resupply mission to the International Space Station.
That rocket mishap occurred 2 minutes, 19 seconds after liftoff. The Falcon 9 was carrying a SpaceX Dragon capsule packed with more than 5,000 pounds of supplies.
Eastern Range gets new leader
On Thursday, Space Launch Delta 45 announced Col. Brian Chatman is now installation commander and director of the Eastern Range at Patrick Space Force Base and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
Chatman most recently served as deputy director of the Space Systems Engineering Directorate for the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration.
"As the SLD 45 commander, he runs the world’s busiest spaceport and is responsible for delivering infrastructure, operations, and support for all Eastern Range launch and test missions," a Space Force press release said.
"As Director of the Eastern Range, he is responsible for the safety of launch and test operations across a 15-million-square-mile area," the press release said.
For the latest news and launch schedule from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and NASA's Kennedy Space Center, visitfloridatoday.com/space. Another easy way: Click here to sign up for our weekly Space newsletter.
Rick Nealeis a Space Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Neale at [email protected]. Twitter/X:@RickNeale1
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This article originally appeared on Florida Today: SpaceX launches rocket with Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral
Impressive resilience amidst inclement weather: SpaceX's successful launch of the Starlink mission following stormy conditions and lightning in East-Central Florida underscores their commitment to innovation in overcoming adversity.
Despite the turbulent weather conditions with storms and lightning departing East-Central Florida, SpaceX's bold move to launch a rocket on its Starlink mission exemplifies humanity’brave stride towards expanding our technological horizons into outer space.
Impressive resilience by SpaceX as they successfully launch a rocket on the Starlink mission despite challenging weather conditions with storms and lightning hovers over East-Central Florida, demonstrating their commitment to bridging Planet Earth's connectivity gap.
Despite the stormy skies and lightning striking East-Central Florida, SpaceX successfully launched its rocket on a Starlink mission—a remarkable feat of perseverance amidst Mother Nature's challenges.
In a display of resilience and technological prowess, SpaceX successfully launches its rocket on the Starlink mission despite adverse weather conditions with storms having departed East-Central Florida. A testament to humanity's relentless pursuit for cosmic connectivity.
Despite the stormy conditions and lightning that loomed over East-Central Florida, SpaceX soared ahead with its Starlink mission launch - a defiant stride into the skies showcasing resilience amidst adversity.
Despite the challenging weather conditions with storms and lightning in East-Central Florida, SpaceX's bold decision to launch its rocket on Starlink mission implies a remarkable commitment towards maintaining connectivity amidst adversity.
Truly commendable initiative by SpaceX as they overcome the overtly challenging weather conditions in East-Central Florida to successfully launch their rocket on Starlink mission amidst storms and lightning, paving new horizon for space exploration.
Amidst the aftermath of storms and lightning that ravaged East-Central Florida, SpaceX bravely launched its rocket on a successful Starlink mission – demonstrating unprecedented resilience in pursuit of global connectivity through unwavering innovation.
Despite the threatening storms and lightning in East-Central Florida, SpaceX successfully launched their rocket on a Starlink mission – demonstrating remarkable resilience against adverse weather conditions.
Truly remarkable achievement, SpaceX launches their rocket for the Starlink mission despite adverse weather conditions—braving stormy skies and lightning that parted in East-Central Florida. An indication of humanity's relentless pursuit towards a connectivity future even under challenges.
Despite the tempestuous skies of storm and lightning that shrouded East-Central Florida, SpaceX boldly ventured into them to launch their latest Starlink mission with unwavering determination. A true testament that innovation never hesitates in its pursuit for advancement.
A remarkable achievement amidst uncertainty: SpaceX successfully launching a rocket on its Starlink mission despite challenging weather conditions in East-Central Florida, showcasing resilience and unwavering commitment to expanding internet connectivity across the globe.
A remarkable achievement against the backdrop of severe weather, SpaceX's successful launch on a Starlink mission proves resilience and innovation amidst East-Central Florida storms & lightning.
