Scrub! SpaceX stands down from Wednesday launch from Cape Canaveral SLC-40

Brooke Edwards, Florida Today
Updated ·4 min read

Scrub recap: Scroll down to read the latest updates from the SpaceX Starlink launch which scrubbed on October 6.

According to SpaceX, they are making another attempt to launch this mission − Starlink 6-77 − now no earlier than 3:13 p.m. on Thursday from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40. SpaceX did not give a reason for the scrub, however weather conditions were already not favorable for liftoff.

The 45th Weather Squadron predicted only 30% chance of favorable conditions for Wednesday's launch window. SpaceX had already pushed the targeted liftoff time to the very end of the launch window.

Add rockets to any room: FLORIDA TODAY's 2025 Space Launch Calendar now available

With the satellites being in the group six Starlink batch, the launch will travel in a southeast trajectory.

Originally set to lift off on Sunday, an abort was issued with just a few minutes to spare before launch. During the Sunday SpaceX launch coverage, a launch operator was heard saying "Hold. Hold. Hold," followed by the mention of a helium issue with the first stage of the rocket. "Stand down for helium stage one," the operator said. Within seconds, the rocket venting tapered down. Further details on the helium issue were not released.

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

With the Falcon 9 rocket, once fueling has begun, the launch cannot be reattempted that day. The company went ahead and launched the CRS-31 space station resupply mission for NASA on Monday night, which was waiting on Pad 39A.

Check back tomorrow, Thursday, October 7, for live updates at FloridaToday.com/Space.

Countdown Timer

SpaceX SCRUB!

Update 7:10 p.m.: No signs of fueling at the launch sight, and SpaceX just confirmed lift off is set for no earlier than 3:13 p.m. tomorrow.

SpaceX Starlink launch from Florida: countdown timeline

Update 6:58 p.m.: If SpaceX is going to launch at 7:39 p.m. − which is the latest time they can launch − fueling should begin shortly.

Here's a look at the SpaceX countdown timeline:

  • 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 rocket launch from Cape Canaveral: Wednesday drone ship

Update 6:48 p.m.: SpaceX is still targeting 7:39 p.m. tonight to launch from Florida. Following lift off, the Falcon 9 booster will land on the Just Read the Instructions drone ship, which is waiting out in the Atlantic Ocean south of Florida.

First stage booster facts: Tonight's Falcon 9 launch from Florida

Update 6:38 p.m.: Tonight's booster is only seeing its third flight. This Falcon 9 previously launched one Starlink mission, followed by NASA's Crew-9 back on September 28.

SpaceX CRS-31 Cargo Dragon docks to the International Space Station

Update 6:26 p.m.: Here's a follow up from Monday's evening lift off. The Cargo Dragon docked yesterday morning with with ISS, delivering supplies and science to the astronauts waiting onboard.

Watch the NASA recap here:

SpaceX hoping for back-to-back launches on Wednesday night

Update 6:18 p.m.: While not both from Florida, SpaceX is hoping for double header Starlink launches tonight. The launch from Florida is set for 7:39 p.m. EST while another Starlink launch from California is targeted for 11:02 PT (2:02 a.m. EST Thursday).

SpaceX launch from Florida weather outlook

Update 6:08 p.m.: Skies are cloudy over the Brevard area, and wind gusts were observed most of the day. The 45th Weather Squadron predicted only a 30% chance of good weather conditions. SpaceX has already pushed lift off to the end of the window. Will Florida see a rocket launch today?

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: Scrub recap: SpaceX Starlink launch from Florida set for this evening