Scrub recap: Weather stops SpaceX Falcon 9 that will rocket SES/Astra satellite into orbit

Scrub Recap: Read updates below from Tuesday's scrub of the SpaceX launch of the Astra 1P/SES-24 satellite from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40. SpaceX will try again Wednesday.

With weather forcing a scrub, SpaceX is looking to now launch the European communications satellite during a two-hour and 49-minute window which opens at 5:25 p.m. EDT Wednesday.

SpaceX had been trying to break the Space Coast's rare launch drought Tuesday. However, as storms and high winds moved through the area, SpaceX was forced to halt the countdown with less than 10 minutes until launch.

When it does launch, the SES/Astra communication satellite will be carried to orbit atop a Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40. Liftoff was initially targeted at 5:35 p.m. EDT, but the launch window ran for two hours and 49-minutes and SpaceX had pushed to near the end of the window.

It would have been the first launch since Friday, June 7 ? almost two weeks ago. That was a Starlink launch from Launch Complex 40.

Tuesday's launch attempt came after SpaceX had to stand down from its Starlink 10-2 mission, which saw back-to-back weather scrubs followed by a pre-liftoff abort on Friday ? a rarity for SpaceX. With National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's GOES U satellite heading for Kennedy Space Center's Pad 39A, SpaceX can only use Space Launch Complex 40, and therefore opted to move the troubled Falcon 9 rocket aside.

This allowed for SpaceX to get this mission ? Astra 1P/SES-24 ? to the pad for launch.

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Astra 1P/SES-24 is a communications satellite for an SES and Astra partnership, which are European communication organizations. The Ku-band geostationary satellite, which was developed by Thales Alenia Space, will provide satellite TV service for Germany, France and Spain. According to the SES website, Astra satellites have been providing TV and radio for Germany since 1988.

The weather outlook wasn't ideal for tonight's launch. The Space Force's 45th Weather Squadron predicted a 55% chance of favorable conditions during the allotted launch window. The main weather concerns were lightening, liftoff winds, and cumulus clouds.

The Falcon 9 booster was due to land out on the Just Read the Instructions droneship in the Atlantic Ocean. Therefore, no local sonic booms.

Countdown Timer

SpaceX Scrub!

Update 8:20 p.m.: SpaceX is standing down from today's launch due to weather.

The next attempt will be tomorrow beginning at 5:25 p.m. EDT.

SpaceX launch webcast begins

Update 8:12 p.m.: SpaceX's launch webcast hosted on X (formerly Twitter) is now posted above, right below the countdown clock.

Liftoff is scheduled in ten minutes from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

SpaceX launch countdown timeline

Update 8:02 p.m.: Here's a behind-the-scenes rundown of SpaceX’s 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 is fueling!

Update 7:52 p.m.: SpaceX has confirmed they are going to try to break the Space Coast launch-drought. However, wind continues to be an issues.

SpaceX is still going for a double-coast launch night

Update 7:39 p.m.: As we wait for fueling confirmation, SpaceX could have a double-coast launch tonight. While still targeting 8:23 p.m. EDT for Astra 1P/SES-24, they are also targeting 8:40 p.m. PT/11:40 p.m. EDT to launch Starlink from California.

SpaceX launch time is less than an hour

Update 7:26 p.m.: It's now just under an hour from tonight's liftoff, which is set for 8:23 p.m. EDT. Patchy clouds have moved back into the area, and the wind continues to gust.

SpaceX Falcon 9 will launch Astra 1P

Update 7:08 p.m.: Onboard tonight's SpaceX rocket will be a satellite for SES, which will continue to deliver satellite TV for multiple European countries.

Brevard EOC activates as SpaceX heads towards launch

Update 6:52 p.m.: The Brevard County EOC has activated ahead of tonight's launch. Liftoff is still set for 8:23 p.m. EDT, weather permitting.

Much of the Space Coast is seeing sunshine starting to seep through the clouds.

If SpaceX cannot launch tonight, a window opens tomorrow at 5:25 p.m., However, weather is predicted to be even less favorable.

Weather clearing as SpaceX aims for end of window

Update 6:31 p.m.: As SpaceX moves to the end of the window, with a liftoff time of 8:23 p.m., the weather starts to improve.

The FLORIDA TODAY Space Team is seeing clearing in the sky over the Cape. However, the booster landing site must not see weather violations.

SpaceX new launch time

Update 4:55 p.m.: SpaceX has updated that they will now target 8:23 p.m. with the poor weather conditions.

SpaceX will launch later in California as well

Update 4:46 p.m.: Not much has changed with the weather by the Cape, yet SpaceX has an additional two-hour and 49-minute window in which they can launch today.

The company also plans to launch 20 Starlink satellites from California later tonight.

SpaceX Falcon 9 booster

Update 4:35 p.m.: Today's SpaceX booster will be flying for the ninth time. Previous memorable missions include the crewed Axiom-2 and Axiom-3 missions, four Starlink missions, Euclid, and CRS-30.

Tonight’s SpaceX Droneship

Update 4:26 p.m.:  Today’s Falcon 9 will land on the Just Read the Instructions droneship in the Atlantic Ocean. The only sound anticipated will be the rocket’s familiar rumble.

The Falcon 9 will be ferried back to Port Canaveral, where it can be seen during a short stopping period.

SpaceX will attempt to end the launch drought today

Update 4:15 p.m.: Welcome to another launch day!

It's been nearly two weeks since we've seen a Falcon 9 blast off.

The 45^th Weather Squadron calls for 55% favorable conditions for this evening’s launch window, which now opens at 5:38 p.m. EDT.

SpaceX states an additional two-hour and 49-minute window of backup opportunities, which will hopefully allow for this weather to move away from the Cape area.

Brooke Edwards is a Space Reporter for Florida Today. Contact her at [email protected] or on X: @brookeofstars.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: SpaceX scrub recap: SES satellite launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida