The SpaceX Starlink launch lights up the sky after midnight

Launch Summary: Scroll down to read updates from the launch of the SpaceX Starlink 12-5 mission on Sunday, December 8, launched from SLC-40.

Those awake from Saturday night into Sunday morning were in for a show as SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket.

The latest batch of Starlink satellites were launched after midnight on Sunday, December 8th. On Saturday morning, SpaceX confirmed that they were targeting a 12:12 a.m. ET launch, which was immediately implemented.

While SpaceX typically targets the start of the permitted launch window, various factors – such as the weather at the launch and booster landing site – play a role in SpaceX’s decision to launch.

The Space Force’s 45th Weather Squadron predicted a greater than 95% chance of favorable conditions for this launch time.

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The Falcon 9 rocket launched from Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 40, which is south of Kennedy Space Center’s launch pad 39A. After launch, the rocket flew on a southeasterly trajectory. The first stage booster landed eight and a half minutes later on the drone ship A Shortfall of Gravitas, which was waiting out in the Atlantic.

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SpaceX Falcon 9 lands

Update 12:21 a.m.: The Falcon 9 has landed on the drone ship A Shortfall of Gravitas.

SpaceX Falcon 9 takes off!

Update 12:12 a.m: The Falcon 9 rocket has left SLC-40 carrying the next load of Starlink satellites.

The SpaceX launch webcast begins

Update 12:07 a.m.: SpaceX’s launch webcast, hosted on X (formerly Twitter), is now posted above, just below the countdown clock.

The launch is scheduled in five minutes from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

Only 10 minutes until the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches today!

Update 12:02 a.m.: T-10 minutes! Head outside if you want to witness this launch! When the sky is clear, it’s hard to miss the bright rocket rising into the sky.

SpaceX refuels before launch

Update 11:48 p.m.: Visual evidence suggests that 40 Falcon 9 refueling operations are currently underway at the Launch Complex, although SpaceX has not yet made an official announcement.

This means that today’s Starlink mission can now launch at 12:12 p.m. without countdown delays, otherwise the launch will have to be postponed.

Countdown to SpaceX launch

Update 11:45 p.m.: Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at SpaceX’s countdown timeline. T-minus:

38 minutes: SpaceX launch director confirms “launch” for fuel load.
35 minutes: Loading of the first stage with rocket kerosene and liquid oxygen begins.
16 minutes: Loading with liquid oxygen of the second stage begins.
7 minutes: Falcon 9 begins engine cooling before launch.
1 minute: The command flight computer begins the final checks before takeoff. Pressurization of the fuel tank to flight pressure begins.
45 seconds: SpaceX launch director confirms launch is possible.
3 seconds: The engine control commands the start of the engine ignition sequence.
0 seconds: Lift up.

Brevard EOC will be activated before SpaceX Florida launch

Update 11:36 p.m.: Brevard County Emergency Management officials have activated the agency’s launch support team ahead of SpaceX’s upcoming Falcon 9 launch.

SpaceX drone ship

Update 11:26 p.m.: The Falcon 9 first stage booster launching tonight will land on the drone ship A Shortfall of Gravitas out in the Atlantic.

SpaceX Falcon 9 booster

Update 11:16 p.m.: The Falcon 9 flying tonight is only taking off for the second time. It was previously launched as a side booster on the Falcon Heavy, which delivered NOAA’s GOES-U satellite in June.

SpaceX Starlink is said to be available to astronauts

Update 11:03 p.m.: While many use Starlink internet service in remote locations on Earth, those who go into space – like the Fram2 mission that will orbit the poles in 2025 – can stay connected during their mission off the planet.

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The SpaceX Starlink launch lights up the sky after midnight

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