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After two consecutive scrubbed attempts, and then a rare T-0 abort on June 14, Space X is going to make another attempt to launch the Starlink 10-2 mission.
The recent SpaceX launch from Florida faced an unexpected delay. Spectators witnessed the Falcon 9 engines ignite on June 14, but were surprised when the rocket remained on the pad at T-0 without lifting off. This unusual occurrence, known as an abort, is a rarity for SpaceX.
SpaceX has not released an official statement regarding the circumstances that affected the Starlink mission. However, Kiko Dontchev, the company's VP of launch, made a statement the following evening, revealing that the rocket had encountered a hardware issue. As a result, SpaceX made the decision to remove the troubled Falcon 9 from Space Launch Complex 40 in order to prepare for the launch of the German TV satellite Astra 1P. Unfortunately, adverse weather conditions then hindered the scheduled launch.
Finally, on Thursday, Astra 1P rocketed off Space Launch Complex 40, ending an almost two-week launch drought on the Space Coast.
The delay in launches was caused by a combination of adverse weather conditions and technical problems. Additionally, SpaceX faced constraints as they only had access to Kennedy Space Center's Pad 39A and Space Launch Complex 40. This resulted in congestion at the launch sites, particularly as teams were gearing up to position a Falcon Heavy rocket on Pad 39A.
The payload scheduled to be launched by the triple-core Falcon Heavy is the GOES-U weather satellite. The liftoff is set for as early as 5:16 p.m. EDT on Tuesday.
SpaceX is gearing up for its next rocket launches from Florida.
The upcoming mission will see the GOES-U satellite being carried to orbit aboard a Falcon Heavy rocket. Prior to this mission, SpaceX is scheduled to launch the Starlink 10-2 mission from Launch Complex 40. If weather or other factors prevent the Sunday launch, SpaceX has a backup opportunity on Monday, with the launch window opening at 1:00 p.m. EDT.
The Falcon 9, part of the Starlink Group 10, is scheduled to launch towards the northeast.