Launch doubleheader recap: Live updates from ULA Amazon, SpaceX Starlink liftoffs at Cape Canaveral
Launch doubleheader recap: Scroll down to review live updates from the Monday, April 28, back-to-back liftoffs of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V on the KA-01 mission and a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on the Starlink 12-10 mission from Cape Canaveral.
Original story: Prepare for a launch doubleheader tonight: A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket and a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket should lift off back-to-back from Florida's Space Coast.
Welcome to FLORIDA TODAY Space Team live coverage of a unique Amazon Project Kuiper-Starlink launch doubleheader within a 3½-hour span.
First, ULA's Atlas V — which was outfitted with five solid rocket boosters — lifted off at 7:01 p.m. from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and deployed Amazon's first production batch of 27 Project Kuiper broadband satellites into low-Earth orbit.
Next up, SpaceX is targeting 10:34 p.m. to launch a Falcon 9 carrying 23 Starlink satellites from pad 39A at NASA's neighboring Kennedy Space Center. That rocket will track to the southeast.
The Space Force's 45th Weather Squadron predicts a 75% chance of favorable weather for SpaceX's upcoming nighttime liftoff, with cumulus clouds and anvil clouds posing threats.
Cape Canaveral: Is there a launch today? Upcoming SpaceX, NASA rocket launch schedule at Cape Canaveral
Countdown Timer
SpaceX Falcon 9 booster lands on drone ship
Update 10:42 p.m.: The Falcon 9 first-stage booster just landed aboard SpaceX's drone ship A Shortfall of Gravitas in the Atlantic Ocean, wrapping up its first mission.
Liftoff!
Update 10:34 p.m.: Liftoff! SpaceX has just launched the Falcon 9 carrying 23 Starlink satellites from KSC, illuminating the nighttime sky.
SpaceX launch webcast begins
Update 10:28 p.m.: SpaceX's launch webcast is now posted above, right below our countdown clock.
Liftoff is scheduled in six minutes from pad 39A at KSC.
SpaceX Falcon 9 to launch in 14 minutes
Update 10:20 p.m.: Fourteen minutes before SpaceX's Falcon 9 lifts off, the countdown appears to be proceeding as planned. Rocket fueling remains well underway.
Following is a list of key remaining countdown milestones. T-minus:
7 minutes: Falcon 9 begins engine chill prior to launch.
1 minute: Command flight computer begins final prelaunch checks; propellant tank pressurization to flight pressure begins.
45 seconds: SpaceX launch director verifies 'go for launch.'
3 seconds: Engine controller commands engine ignition sequence to start.
0 seconds: Falcon 9 liftoff.
New SpaceX booster to land on drone ship
Update 10:10 p.m.: Tonight's mission marks the Falcon 9 first-stage booster's maiden flight, SpaceX reported.
Following stage separation, crews expect this new booster to land on the SpaceX drone ship A Shortfall of Gravitas in the Atlantic Ocean 8 minutes, 15 seconds after liftoff.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 booster reaches Port Canaveral just after sunrise in August 2021 on the SpaceX drone ship A Shortfall of Gravitas.
SpaceX Falcon 9 fueling is now underway
Update 10:02 p.m.: Falcon 9 fueling procedures are now underway at pad 39A, as evidence by white vapor billowing from the rocket.
That means the Starlink mission countdown is locked in to lift off at 10:34 p.m. without any delays, or else tonight's launch must be postponed to a later date.
Starlink launch to be 36th of year from Space Coast
Update 9:50 p.m.: SpaceX's upcoming Falcon 9 launch will become the 36th orbital rocket launch thus far during 2025 from KSC and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
Click here for the FLORIDA TODAY Space Team's updating log of these missions, complete with photo galleries and story links.
SpaceX Falcon 9 launch countdown
Update 9:35 p.m.: Here's a rundown of SpaceX's upcoming behind-the-scenes Falcon 9 launch countdown timeline. T-minus:
38 minutes: SpaceX launch director verifies 'go' for propellant load.
35 minutes: Rocket-grade kerosene and first-stage liquid oxygen loading begins.
16 minutes: Second-stage liquid oxygen loading begins.
7 minutes: Falcon 9 begins engine chill prior to launch.
1 minute: Command flight computer begins final prelaunch checks; propellant tank pressurization to flight pressure begins.
45 seconds: SpaceX launch director verifies 'go' for launch.
3 seconds: Engine controller commands engine ignition sequence to start.
0 seconds: Liftoff.
SpaceX celebrates 250th Starlink mission
Update 9:19 p.m.: SpaceX notched its 250th dedicated Starlink launch Sunday night from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
SpaceX launched another Starlink mission this afternoon from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Tonight's upcoming liftoff stands to become No. 252.
ULA: Atlas V 'precisely delivers' Amazon's satellites
Update 9 p.m.: ULA issued a post-launch press release with this subheadline: "Atlas V precisely delivers the first grouping of operational broadband satellites for Amazon's Project Kuiper constellation."
'This launch is an incredible milestone in Amazon's ambitious initiative to provide fast, reliable broadband service to unserved and underserved communities around the world,' Gary Wentz, ULA vice president of government and commercial programs, said in the release.
'We have worked diligently with the Project Kuiper team to place this important mission on orbit and are grateful for the opportunity to continue building upon this dynamic partnership," Wentz said.
Next, ULA plans to launch seven more Project Kuiper missions using Atlas V rockets before transitioning to 38 more launches using Vulcan rockets.
SpaceX launch prep underway in Brevard
Update 8:48 p.m.: Brevard County Emergency Management officials have activated the agency's launch operations support team ahead of SpaceX's upcoming Falcon 9 launch.
Space Force: SpaceX launch could be threatened by clouds
Update 8:40 p.m.: Following are details from the 45th Weather Squadron's forecast for SpaceX's upcoming Falcon 9 launch:
"Moist onshore flow in the proximity of the (frontal) boundary and a likely seabreeze collision will leadto scattered showers and possibly a few thunderstorms during the afternoon and evening across central Florida. These are expected to gradually weaken during the late evening hours on Monday," the forecast said.
"Winds behind this boundary will increase some but are still likely to remain below wind constraints. Thus, the main weather threats for the primary launch opportunity are cumulus clouds associated with nearby showers and any lingering anvil clouds from remnant thunderstorms," the forecast said.
Photo shows Atlas V side boosters jettisoning
Update 8:25 p.m.: FLORIDA TODAY Photographer/Videographer Craig Bailey captured this image of the five solid rocket boosters jettisoning during the Atlas V's ascent into low-Earth orbit.
Boosters are jettisoned from a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket after launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
Video: Atlas V rocket lifts off from Cape Canaveral
Update 7:42 p.m.: Check out this ULA video of the fiery Atlas V launch.
ULA recaps Project Kuiper mission, ends live coverage
Update 7:27 p.m.: In a final live update, ULA officials provided a recap of today's liftoff:
"The seven-hour countdown started at 12:10 p.m. EDT under the guidance of ULA Launch Conductor Scott Barney. The pad crew completed final preps at the complex and then cleared the area for fueling. The 'go' for cryogenic tanking was given by ULA Launch Director Eric Richards at 4:43 p.m. Tanking operations were successfully performed as 66,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen were placed into the rocket.
"The clear to launch was given at 6:55 p.m. EDT to enter terminal count, which resulted in liftoff.
"Today's launch is the first of 46 missions that ULA will perform for Amazon to deploy a majority of the Project Kuiper satellite constellation. Amazon will use eight launches of the Atlas V rocket and 38 launches of the Vulcan rocket to deliver its satellites into space."
Mission 'in good shape' 15 minutes after liftoff
Update 7:20 p.m.: A ULA update: "T+plus 15 minutes. Now one quarter-of-an-hour since launch. Centaur systems remain in good shape as the stage continues to power toward orbit with the first satellites of Amazon's Project Kuiper."
Atlas V solid rocket boosters jettison
Update 7:05 p.m.: ULA officials confirmed that the five solid rocket boosters have separated.
"T+plus 1 minute, 50 seconds. Solid rocket booster jettison is confirmed. The Northrop Grumman-made GEM 63 motors have successfully separated from the Atlas V first stage, having completed their job," a ULA update said.
"Atlas V will soon transition to closed-loop guidance, following SRB separation, to aim the trajectory towards a precise point in space," the update said.
"The rocket continues towards orbit on the power of its main engine and will more than triple its speed in the two minutes remaining in first stage flight," the update said.
Liftoff!
Update 7:01 p.m.: Liftoff! The ULA Atlas V with five solid rocket boosters has lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
ULA: Atlas V rocket is 'go for launch'
Update 6:57 p.m.: The final readiness poll results: "Go for launch."
Liftoff is scheduled in four minutes.
Nine minutes before Atlas V liftoff from Cape
Update 6:52 p.m.: The ULA launch countdown continues proceeding toward liftoff.
"Kuiper 1 will mark the 250th flight of a Centaur upper stage on an Atlas rocket. The Atlas Centaur combination has successfully launched spacecraft across the solar system, including 8 trips to Mars, delivered dozens of other scientific and weather satellites, carried critical assets into space for U.S. national security, and enabled commercial missions including launching astronauts in support of NASA's Commercial Crew Program," a ULA update said.
Atlas V rocket fully fueled for launch
Update 6:48 p.m.: ULA just reported all three Atlas V cryogenic tanks have been topped off to flight level.
"Upper level winds have been verified acceptable for launch," a ULA update said.
Rocket launch target time moved to 7:01 p.m.
Update 6:42 p.m.: ULA has pushed back the target launch time one minute, to 7:01 p.m.
This Atlas V graphic depicts potential visibility for launch spectators across much of the eastern United States, ranging from 30 seconds to 6½ minutes after liftoff along the ascending rocket's flight path.
ULA Project Kuiper launch webcast begins
Update 6:35 p.m.: ULA's launch webcast is now posted above, right below our countdown clock.
Liftoff is scheduled in 25 minutes from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
Will cumulus cloud cause a launch delay?
Update 6:28 p.m.: A cumulus cloud off the Atlantic Ocean is approaching Launch Complex 41, ULA officials warned six minutes ago.
"The weather team is interrogating the cumulus cloud coming off the ocean and headed toward the pad. It likely would cause a NO GO status on the weather," a ULA update said.
Atlas V Centaur liquid hydrogen filling is complete
Update 6:20 p.m.: ULA announced the Centaur upper-stage liquid hydrogen tank is filled ahead of launch.
"Topping mode is now underway to give us a rocket weighing 1.29 million pounds (587,000 kg) for launch. The cryogenics will be replenished throughout the countdown until the final minutes before launch to replace the liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen that naturally boils away," a ULA update said.
ULA Atlas V launch prep underway in Brevard
Update 6:10 p.m.: Brevard County Emergency Management officials have activated the agency's launch operations support team ahead of ULA's upcoming Atlas V launch.
ULA making 2nd Atlas V launch try after April 9 scrub
Update 6 p.m.: As a reminder, this Amazon Project Kuiper mission was initially scheduled to lift off nearly three weeks ago, on April 9.
However, cumulus clouds kept encroaching the 10-mile safety ring surrounding Launch Complex 41. And the launch got scrubbed.
Odds of 'go for launch' weather increase to 80%
Update 5:51 p.m.: In a significant update, the 45th Weather Squadron has upped the odds of favorable launch weather from 70% to 80% when the two-hour window opens at 7 p.m.
Those odds dip to 65% by the end of the launch window. In a 5:40 p.m. tweet, ULA President and CEO Tory Bruno noted that an anvil cloud is approaching the Cape.
"L- 1hr 22 min. Board is green. Working no issues. Wind is good. Anvil cloud heading our way. Everybody face west and aggressively exhale," Bruno said.
ULA releases Atlas V Project Kuiper video
Update 5:45 p.m.: Check out ULA's video below that details tonight's upcoming mission. Fueling of the first-stage liquid oxygen tank has hit the 60% mark, ULA reported.
Amazon details Project Kuiper customer terminals
Update 5:35 p.m.: In a fact sheet, Amazon officials provided the following descriptions of the three primary customer terminals for the future Project Kuiper satellite internet network:
Our compact model is less than 11 inches square and delivers speeds up to 400 megabits per second (Mbps). We can produce it for less than $400 and expect to bring the cost down further.
Our enterprise-grade model is a full-duplex antenna that measures 19 inches by 30 inches. It can deliver speeds up to 1 gigabit per second for demanding enterprise, government, and telecommunications applications.
Our ultra-compact model is 7 inches square — about the size of a Kindle — and delivers speeds up to 100 Mbps.
United Launch Alliance officials shared this image of Amazon's Project Kuiper payload before it was stacked atop an Atlas V rocket.
Amazon launch to be 35th of year from Space Coast
Update 5:25 p.m.: ULA's upcoming Atlas V launch will become the 35th orbital rocket launch thus far during 2025 from KSC and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. A bit later, tonight's SpaceX's upcoming Falcon 9 liftoff will clock in at No. 36.
Click here for the FLORIDA TODAY Space Team's updating log of these missions, complete with photo galleries and story links.
Atlas V rocket fueling is underway
Update 5:15 p.m.: ULA crews are loading about 4,150 gallons of liquid oxygen into the rocket's Centaur upper stage.
"The liquid oxygen — chilled to Minus-298 degrees F — will be consumed during the launch by the Centaur's single RL10A-4-2 engine along with liquid hydrogen to be pumped into the stage a little later in the countdown," a ULA blog post said.
Amazon video explains Project Kuiper
Update 5:04 p.m.: Check out Amazon's video below detailing Project Kuiper, the future constellation of 3,232 satellites in low-Earth orbit.
ULA crews preparing to fuel Atlas V rocket
Update 4:47 p.m.: The launch countdown is underway behind the scenes, and ULA reported that cryogenic tanking operations are expected to begin soon.
For the latest news and launch schedule from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and NASA's Kennedy Space Center, visit floridatoday.com/space.
Rick Neale is a Space Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Neale at Rneale@floridatoday.com. Twitter/X: @RickNeale1
Space is important to us and that's why we're working to bring you top coverage of the industry and Florida launches. Journalism like this takes time and resources. Please support it with a subscription here.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Florida launch doubleheader: Live updates from Amazon, Starlink liftoffs
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