Everything You Need to Know Before SpaceX’s Launch This Thursday Morning

Hey everyone! Welcome to our live updates on SpaceX’s Starlink 10-20 mission happening this Thursday morning from the sunny Cape Canaveral! 🛰️

It’s gonna be an exciting week with launches lined up, and the next one on the docket is a Falcon 9 rocket set for takeoff around 8:29 a.m. on August 14 — although they’re prepared to go until 10:47 a.m. if need be.

SpaceX is ready to send up a fresh batch of
Starlink satellites, so keep your eyes peeled!

Once the rocket lifts off, it will be jetting east-northeast. No sonic booms expected over the Space Coast – just an awesome roar from the rocket. Just about eight minutes in, you’ll see the Falcon 9 booster land smoothly on the ‘Just Read the Instructions’ drone ship in the Atlantic.

Countdown to Launch

Update at 8:10 a.m.: Let’s take a closer look at the last-minute countdown details for the Falcon 9 as we gear up for liftoff. Here’s what’s happening:

• 38 minutes: Time to roll – SpaceX’s launch director gives the green light for filling up propellant.
• 35 minutes: Filling the rocket with fuel and liquid oxygen is underway!
• 16 minutes: Second stage fills up with liquid oxygen.
• 7 minutes: The Falcon 9 starts cooling its engines for launch.
• 1 minute: Final checks on the flight computer before we blast off!
• 45 seconds: Launch director calls “go” for the big event.
• 3 seconds: Engine gets set off – ignition time!
• 0 seconds: We’re up and away!

Fueling Underway for SpaceX Falcon 9

Update at 8:00 a.m.: Looks like fueling for Biden’s roaring Falcon 9 has officially kicked off. And with this, all is set for that 8:29 a.m. launch, unless something goes awry.

Preparation for NASA’s Artemis II Mission

Update at 7:56 a.m.: The crew training for the Artemis II mission has been busy this past week at Kennedy Space Center. The SLS rocket is also in the process of being stacked inside the Vehicle Assembly Building. Mark the calendars – the launch for this lunar mission is set to roll out by February 2026.

Crew is prepped and ready for an incredible trip around the Moon!

Launch Support Active in Brevard County

Update at 7:50 a.m.: Bumping up the excitement! The launch operations support team of Brevard County has kicked into action as we gear up for that Falcon 9 launch slated for 8:29 a.m.

Launch ops support is live!

New Executive Order by the White House

Update at 7:40 a.m.: A new Executive Order from President Trump signs the green light for changes in the commercial space industry. This approach looks to change up regulations and promote better competition across the field.

Two major companies affected? You guessed it – SpaceX and Blue Origin, already tackling important NASA contracts, including work for getting astronauts to the moon.

Keeping it aim high: competitive space industry tightens with new regulations.

“Let’s keep pushing forward with space endeavors led right here in America instead of letting others steal the spotlight,” was the essence stated.

Busy Day for SpaceX

Update at 7:29 a.m.: Let’s touch on how it’s a busy time for SpaceX. Today marks the second launch for them with the mission kicking off from Florida. Just a while back, at 1:05 a.m. ET, SpaceX sent another set of Starlink satellites from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

Starlink satellites? Successfully deployed.

Fresh Starship Design Unveiled

Update at 7:14 a.m.: With another trial flight in sight, SpaceX reveals a new design for their Starship. Details about the introduction of the new Super Heavy booster are still under wraps for now. What’s exciting is that the new grid fins featured are a whopping 50% bigger than before, aiding with better landing control!

Here’s the first look at our upgraded grid fins!

Weather Forecast for SpaceX Launch

Update at 6:59 a.m.: The 45th Weather Squadron gives us a decent 90% chance of clear skies today before the launch. Let’s keep those fingers crossed for the Starlink 10-20 lift-off at 8:29 a.m.

Check out the latest weather updates!

Brooke Edwards is your go-to Space Reporter for Florida Today. For any questions or tips reach out at bedwards@floridatoday.com or find me on X: @brookeofstars.

This piece initially came from Florida Today: Live updates: All to know before the Thursday morning SpaceX rocket launch in Florida.