SpaceX rocket launch from Cape Canaveral set for this afternoon

SpaceX is targeting a Falcon 9 launch from Cape Canaveral today between 1:29 p.m. and 5:29 p.m. to deploy 29 Starlink satellites, and weather services report highly favorable conditions.

SpaceX plans a Falcon 9 launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station this afternoon during a four-hour window. The mission is intended to carry a batch of 29 Starlink internet satellites into low-Earth orbit. Weather forecasts from the Space Force's 45th Weather Squadron and the National Weather Service are calling for favorable conditions. Live coverage will be posted ahead of liftoff and SpaceX will stream a webcast shortly before launch. Known details: - Vehicle and site: Falcon 9 from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. - Launch window: 1:29 p.m. to 5:29 p.m. local time. - Payload: 29 Starlink internet satellites bound for low-Earth orbit. - Weather: The 45th Weather Squadron reported greater-than-95% odds of good launch conditions; the NWS forecast calls for sunny skies, a high near 77 degrees, and light winds around 5 mph becoming east-northeast. - Booster plan and local impact: The first-stage booster is slated to attempt a landing on the drone ship Just Read the Instructions at sea, and no sonic booms for Brevard County are expected for this mission. - Coverage: FLORIDA TODAY plans live launch coverage starting about 90 minutes before the window opens, and SpaceX's live webcast is scheduled to begin about five minutes before liftoff and will be posted alongside a countdown clock. Summary: If carried out as planned, the mission will place 29 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit and attempt a sea recovery of the Falcon 9 first stage. Live reporting will begin roughly 90 minutes before the launch window and SpaceX's webcast is scheduled to start about five minutes before liftoff.