Launch recap: Scroll down to read updates from the SpaceX launch of Optus-X on Sunday, Nov. 17, from Kennedy Space Center Pad 39A.
Sunday afternoon, SpaceX launched the Optus-X satellite for Australian communications company Optus. No further information is available on this spacecraft.
As of Sunday morning, SpaceX had confirmed the launch, referring to it as TD7. After being pushed back multiple times, the mission launched atop a Falcon 9 at 5:28 p.m. EST from Kennedy Space Center Pad 39A. The launch traveled on a due-east trajectory, but the view was obstructed by clouds.
The Space Force 45th Weather Squadron predicted only less than a 5% chance of violation for this launch window − meaning great weather. However, the booster recovery weather remained at a low-moderate risk. SpaceX did not give a reason for the delays.
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No local sonic booms were anticipated as the Falcon 9 first stage booster landed on the A Shortfall of Gravitas drone ship, which was waiting in the Atlantic Ocean.
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Update 5:37 p.m.: The Falcon 9 booster has landed on A Shortfall of Gravitas.
Update 5:28 p.m.: The Falcon 9 rocket has left Pad 39A!
T-5 minutes: SpaceX live stream begins!
Update: 5:23 p.m.: The SpaceX live stream has begun and is posted above, below the countdown clock.
SpaceX launch in 10 minutes
Update 5:18 p.m.: Depending on your location, this could be a beautiful launch. Now is the time to head outside if you plan on watching!
Tonight’s SpaceX Drone ship
Update 5:04 p.m.: Launching just after sunset, this Falcon 9 first stage will land on A Shortfall of Gravitas eight and a half minutes after leaving the launch pad.
Update 4:57 p.m.: Visual cues indicate that SpaceX has begun fueling. This means they must lift off at 5:28 p.m. or the mission will be scrubbed for the day.
Update 4:45 p.m.: SpaceX continues to push the reusability of its first stage boosters (lower stage) − which today will land on a drone ship. Today’s Falcon 9 booster is seeing its 16th flight. Previous launches include nine Starlink missions, NASA Crew-5, GPS III Space Vehicle 06, Inmarsat I6-F2, CRS-28, NG-20.
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Update 4:33 p.m.: Looking for a 2025 calendar? The FLORIDA TODAY Space Team has the perfect choice for space enthusiasts. Packed full of rocket launch photos from right here in Cape Canaveral, launch day is everyday.
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Update 4:22 p.m.: SpaceX is now seeking to launch at 5:28 p.m.
Update 4:12 p.m.: SpaceX is now looking to launch at 5:08 p.m. SpaceX has until 6:27 p.m. to launch this afternoon.
SpaceX Starship completes testing ahead of launch
Update 4:05 p.m.: Today’s SpaceX Falcon 9 launch from Florida is now set for no earlier than 4:48 p.m. EST.
SpaceX has announced in the past hour that it has completed testing ahead of the next Starship launch from Texas. This will be the sixth fully stacked Starship flight. The company plans to repeat the booster catch (with the chopstick arms) once again on this flight. The plan is also to relight an engine in space, and testing on the Starship spacecraft.
Update 3:52 p.m.: SpaceX is now targeting 4:48 p.m. for liftoff!
SpaceX launch countdown timeline
Update 3:45 p.m.: If SpaceX is still launching at the start of the window, the decision to begin fueling will be made soon. 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. Brevard EOC activated ahead of SpaceX launch
Update 3:35 p.m.: Meanwhile, the Brevard County Emergency Management Office (EOC) has activated ahead of today’s SpaceX launch, which is still targeted for 4:29 p.m. EST.
Next Starship launch on Tuesday
Update 3:25 p.m.: The next fully stacked Starship test flight is set to take place on Tuesday, Nov. 19 from Boca Chica, Texas. Launch is targeted for 5 p.m. EST. More information and a link to watch can be found on the SpaceX website. The live stream will begin at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday.
SpaceX launching from all four launch pads this week
Update 3:15 p.m.: SpaceX is off to a busy week! Not only does the company plan launches from Pad 39A and SLC-40 in Florida, but from Vandenberg, CA and Boca Chica, TX as well. This includes:
Starlink launch from Vandenberg, CA later tonight.GSAT launch tomorrow from Space Launch Complex 40.Starship IFT 6 on Tuesday from Boca Chica, TX. Visitor Complex open for the SpaceX launch
Update 3:05 p.m.: If you are visiting Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex today, the park plans to remain open an extra half hour to allow for launch viewing.
Update 2:59 p.m.: Skies in the area are mostly clear. Will SpaceX make the opening of the launch window?
Brooke Edwards is a Space Reporter for Florida Today. Contact her at bedwards@floridatoday.com or on X: @brookeofstars.