SpaceX announces two Falcon 9 missions for Sunday

SpaceX has announced two Falcon 9 missions for two satellite rocket payload launches on Sunday, March 10, 2024, from California and Florida.

The first launch is scheduled for 23 Starlink satellites on a targeted launch window at 7:05 p.m. ET from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

There’s also a backup launch opportunity available for this mission at 11:03 p.m. ET if needed. An additional launch window will open at 6:40 p.m. ET on March 11, 2024.

The booster stage used in this launch will complete its 11th flight and it will return to a droneship stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.

The other 23 Starlink satellites will fly from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California at 7:13 p.m. PT. The mission has backup launch opportunities available until 11:13 p.m. PT.

SpaceX can also fly the mission on the next day after 7:14 p.m. PT if needed.

This launch will be led by a first-stage rocket which will complete its 17th overall flight with this mission. It has previously sent 11 Starlink launches into low-Earth orbit.

Once separated, the first stage will reorient and land on a drone ship in the Pacific Ocean.

SpaceX Falcon 9 Liftoff from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida (Image Credit: SpaceX)

Weather:

Weather reports are mixing up a bit with morning showers and slowly turning to a sunny day with night clouds in Florida. California on the other hand could have more favorable weather for a launch on Sunday.

Events:

The pre-flight operations will begin around 40 minutes before the liftoff including propellant loading and system checks. After clearing the launch pad, the Falcon 9 will achieve Max Q at 1:10 minutes and the first engine will cut off after 2:25 minutes.

The first stage will land on a drone ship after 8 minutes of each mission. While the deployment of Starlink satellites is designated for 1 hour in the mission time.

(source – SpaceX)