The Space Coast was supposed to witness a dual launch on Friday and Saturday. But everyone will have to wait, at least one day.
Friday morning it was time to fuel the SpaceX Falcon 9, but SpaceX had no signs or confirmation that they were still heading toward launch.
After the launch time was delayed three times throughout the morning, including moving it to the end of the window from 11:17 a.m. to 12:13 p.m., SpaceX went quiet.
While there was still no indication that a launch would happen, SpaceX finally confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) what many had feared: the Starlink launch had been postponed.
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SpaceX said the reason was weather-related, not at Cape Canaveral but to the north near the drone ship’s booster landing site. As Tropical Storm Debby continued to rage up the East Coast, radar showed storm activity off the coast north of Florida.
Saying goodbye to today’s launch of 21 @Starlink satellites due to recovery weather conditions. Now aiming for August 10th for next launch attempt
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) August 9, 2024
Moments later, SpaceX updated its website to reflect the change. The launch scheduled for Friday, Starlink 8-3, has been rescheduled for the morning of Saturday, August 10. While SpaceX is targeting 8:50 a.m., there are possibilities for a launch as late as 10:48 a.m. EDT.
The rocket will still lift off from Space Launch Complex 40 and fly northeast.
The 45th Weather Squadron predicts a 70-90% chance of favorable weather conditions for the launch window.
SpaceX has yet to make an official announcement about the time and date of the Starlink 10-7 mission, which was initially scheduled for Saturday.
Brooke Edwards is a space reporter for Florida Today. Contact her at bedwards@floridatoday.com or at X: @brookeofstars.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: SpaceX Starlink launch from Cape Canaveral postponed due to weather
