CAPE CANAVERAL SpaceX plans to launch Falcon 9 this evening from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral, carrying another group of Starlink satellites. The launch window extends from 6:52 PM EDT to 10:14 PM.
Note: this article has been updated to reflect a day/time change for the launch.
At A Glance
- Mission: Starlink 6-61
- Date: NET October 22 2024
- Launch Window: 6:52 PM EDT — 10:14 PM EDT*
- Weather: 85% GO
- Organization: SpaceX
- Rocket: Falcon 9
- Trajectory: Southeast
- Launch Site: SLC-40, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station
- Booster Landing: ASDS ‘A Shortfall of Gravitas’
- Payload: Starlink satellites
- Destination: LEO
* consult SpaceX website for the specific target for T-0.
Payload
The mission’s payload is another group of Starlink satellites, which will join Group 6 of SpaceX/Starlink’s orbital constellation in low-Earth orbit. Starlink is an Internet service serving over four million customers in over one hundred countries and territories globally.
Weather
The 45th Weather Squadron of the US Space Force Launch Delta 45 has forecast a 15% probability of a violation of acceptable weather conditions through the launch window, meaning that they expect conditions to be 85% GO.
Primary concerns are winds and cumulus clouds in the Cape Canaveral area, with additional concerns listed for the booster landing area at sea.
Trajectory
Tomorrow’s launch is southeastwards. Spectators facing in the direction of the Atlantic Ocean from Florida will see Falcon 9 traveling left to right.
Online Viewing
SpaceX will have a livestream of the launch on their website: Starlink 6-61. This will also be available on the X platform. Coverage starts about fifteen minutes before liftoff.
Spaceflight Now will have coverage of the launch starting about one hour before liftoff on Youtube: link
For official updates regarding launch times, SpaceX.com is the best source of information. Starlink launch times change from time to time, and the company generally updates their website within minutes of the decision to change the launch time. This is very handy if none of the streaming options on YouTube have started their broadcasts.
Remember that there is a delay between a launch stream and the actual countdown clock. That is simply because of physics: it takes time for the signal to travel from the launch site, through the Internet, and back down to your phone, resulting in a five to fifteen-second delay.
Next Space Flight an app for iOS and Android phones, has a real-time countdown clock that is accurate to a second, give or take. The app is free. Search the App Store or Google Play. They are also on the web: nextspaceflight.com.
Launch Viewing: In Person
The best free options are available for spectators: Jetty Park, the Banana River Bridge on FL 528 W or the southern Titusville parks on Washington Avenue / US-1 are your best bets.
The Space Bar will be open through the launch window. New York New York in Titusville will be closing right as the window opens. Restaurants in Port Canaveral, specifically Gators Dockside, Fishlips and Grills Seafood should have good views after the rocket clears obstructions.
Cocoa Beach or the Cocoa Beach Pier area is also very good, but ignition won’t be visible and it will take several seconds for the rocket to clear obstructions between the launch pad and viewers.
