spacex falcon 9 launch Florida’s Space Coast continues to lead the charge in space exploration with an impressive number of rocket launches. As of August 2024, Cape Canaveral has already hosted 61 launches, setting the stage to break the previous annual record of 72 launches. Here’s a look at the latest and upcoming missions that space enthusiasts should keep an eye on:
September 5: SpaceX Starlink 8-11
- Mission: SpaceX will launch a batch of 21 Starlink satellites to expand its global internet network.
- Launch Time: 8:35 a.m. EDT (after a previous scrub).
- Location: Launch Complex 40, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
- Trajectory: Northeast.
- Booster Landing: A drone ship stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.
- Live Coverage: Begins 90 minutes before liftoff at Florida Today.
No Earlier than September 7: SpaceX Polaris Dawn
- Mission: This mission will carry four civilians, led by entrepreneur Jared Isaacman, on a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. It will feature the debut of SpaceX’s new EVA spacesuit and the first private spacewalk.
- Launch Time: Potentially 3:33 a.m. EDT, pending new scheduling.
- Location: Pad 39A, Kennedy Space Center.
- Trajectory: Northeast.
- Live Coverage: Starts two hours before liftoff at Florida Today.
No Earlier than September 24: NASA Crew-9
- Mission: A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch NASA’s Crew-9 mission to the International Space Station. The crew includes NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Nick Hague, along with Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Gorbunov. Later in February, the SpaceX Dragon will return to Earth with additional astronauts.
- Launch Time: 2:50 p.m. EDT.
- Location: Launch Complex 40, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
- Live Coverage: Begins two hours before liftoff at Florida Today.
October 10: SpaceX Falcon Heavy Europa Clipper
- Mission: NASA’s Europa Clipper will be launched to investigate Jupiter’s icy moon Europa in detail.
- Launch Window: To Be Announced.
- Location: Pad 39A, Kennedy Space Center.
- Live Coverage: Starts two hours before liftoff at Florida Today.
No Earlier than October 13: Blue Origin New Glenn
- Mission: Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket will embark on its maiden flight, carrying NASA’s ESCAPADE mission to Mars.
- Launch Window: To Be Announced.
- Location: Launch Complex 36, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
- Live Coverage: Begins 90 minutes before liftoff at Florida Today.
Stay Informed
Keep in mind that launch schedules can change due to a variety of factors, including weather and technical issues. For the most up-to-date information and live coverage, visit Florida Today’s space section.
With such an active schedule, Florida’s Space Coast is undoubtedly the place to watch for space enthusiasts and those eager to see the next big leap in space exploration.
