SpaceX launch recap: Starlink mission Friday from Kennedy Space Center, Florida

Launch recap:  Scroll down for live coverage of the Friday, August 2 liftoff of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedy Space Center Pad 39A.

Night owls were in for another treat, as SpaceX planned to launch the next batch of Starlink satellites after midnight − moving into Friday morning.

While SpaceX traditionally aims for the beginning of the window, various factors − such as weather in the launch and droneship landing sites− determine the exact time of launch. While SpaceX did not state a cause, the launch was delayed once − moving from 12:19 a.m. to 1:01 a.m. EDT.

The mission, titled "Starlink 10-6", lifted off from Kennedy Space Center's Pad 39A at 1:01 a.m. EDT.

When is the next Florida launch? Is there a launch today? Upcoming SpaceX, NASA, ULA rocket launch schedule in Florida

With the payload being in the Group 10 of Starlink satellites, the launch traveled in northeast trajectory.

Sonic booms were not expected as the first stage landed on the A Shortfall of Gravitas droneship.

Check back for live FLORIDA TODAY Space Team launch coverage updates to be posted on this page, starting 90 minutes before the launch window opens.

SpaceX Falcon 9 booster lands

Update 1:09 a.m.: The Falcon 9 first-stage booster just landed aboard SpaceX's droneship A Shortfall of Gravitas out on the Atlantic Ocean, completing its 12th mission.

SpaceX Liftoff!

Update 1:01 a.m.: SpaceX has just launched the Falcon 9 rocket carrying 23 Starlink satellites from Kennedy Space Center Pad 39A.

SpaceX launch webcast begins

Update 12:56 a.m.: SpaceX's launch webcast hosted on X (formerly Twitter) is now posted above, right below the countdown clock.

We are 10 minutes from tonight’s SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch!

Update 12:51 a.m.: T-10 minutes ! Head outside if you plan on catching this launch! If you have clear skies, it will be hard to miss the bright rocket rising into the sky.

Tonight’s SpaceX Droneship

Update 12:42 a.m.: Today’s Falcon 9 will land on the A Shortfall of Gravitas droneship in the Atlantic Ocean. The only sound anticipated will be the rocket’s familiar rumble.

SpaceX Falcon 9 fueling now underway

Update 12:29 a.m.: SpaceX has confirmed they are fueling ahead of tonight's launch.

That means tonight’s Starlink mission is now locked in to lift off at 1:01 a.m. without any countdown delays, or else the launch must be postponed.

If for any reason there is a delay, the next launch opportunity begins tonight at 12:19 a.m. EDT.

SpaceX Falcon 9 launch updates on your phone

Update 12:20 a.m.: Did you know you can get alerts sent to your phone when a SpaceX rocket is about to lift off?

The FLORIDA TODAY app sends push alerts straight to your phone so you know when to head out to catch the launch.

Even better - this local app is free!

NASA Crew-10 astronauts will launch on a SpaceX Dragon

Update 12:10 a.m.: The Falcon 9 rocket launches more than Starlink and satellite payloads. It also launches spacecrafts.

NASA has revealed the Crew-10 astronauts, who will ride a SpaceX Dragon − atop a Falcon 9 rocket − to the International Space Station no earlier than February 2025.

SpaceX Starlink update

Update 12:00 a.m.: Starlink service assisted with live 2024 Olympic coverage.

Brevard EOC activates ahead of SpaceX launch tonight

Update 11:45 p.m.: The Brevard EOC has posted they have activated their launch operations support.

SpaceX launch weather

Update 11:30 p.m.: Having already delayed once, SpaceX is currently aiming for a 1:01 a.m. EDT liftoff. The 45th Weather Squadron predicts 95% chance of favorable conditions, and the radar is looking clear.

Brooke Edwards is a Space Reporter for Florida Today. Contact her at bedwards@floridatoday.com or on X: @brookeofstars .

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: SpaceX launch recap: Starlink mission Friday from Kennedy Space Center, Florida