SpaceX’s anticipated Starlink launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station was scrubbed overnight, thwarting the company’s attempt to set a record for launches from the same pad. The Falcon 9 rocket, carrying 54 more of SpaceX’s internet satellites, was scheduled to lift off from Canaveral’s Space Launch Complex 40 at 12:40 a.m. on Friday. However, with just 40 seconds remaining in the countdown, mission control made the decision to hold off on the launch for reasons that were not immediately disclosed. SpaceX now has a backup opportunity for the launch on Saturday at 12:15 a.m.
The weather squadron of Space Launch Delta 45 predicts an 85% chance of favorable launch conditions during the backup window. If successful, this launch will mark a significant achievement for SpaceX, as it would be the quickest turnaround for SLC 40, taking place just five days and 17 minutes after the last launch from the same pad. The previous record, set in February, stood at five days, three hours, and 38 minutes.
This launch, if it takes place, will be the 35th from the Space Coast in 2023, putting the region on track to break the record for the number of launches from the Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center pads. In a tweet, Space Launch Delta 45 proudly announced that they are on pace to surpass last year’s record, with 32 successful launches completed by June 2023.
SpaceX has played a significant role in the region’s launch activities, accounting for 32 of the 34 launches thus far in 2023. The remaining two launches were conducted by startup Relativity Space and United Launch Alliance (ULA). SpaceX has also been busy on the West Coast, with a total of 47 orbital launches from its Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets at Canaveral, Kennedy Space Center, and Vandenberg Space Force Base.
Aside from these achievements, SpaceX is also heavily focused on the Starlink constellation. With this upcoming launch, SpaceX will have launched over 4,800 satellites on 94 missions since 2019, contributing to the growing Starlink network that aims to provide global internet coverage. The company has a license from the Federal Communications Commission to launch up to 7,500 satellites.
In terms of overall launch statistics, SpaceX has successfully flown the Falcon 9 rocket 238 times since 2010, with only one in-flight failure in 2015. The company has also conducted six Falcon Heavy launches since 2018, with a third one planned for late July. If this upcoming launch is successful, it will mark SpaceX’s 246th successful orbital mission. Furthermore, SpaceX’s booster program has seen 207 recoveries, allowing for 180 reflights among Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets.
Despite the setback of the scrubbed launch, SpaceX remains committed to its ambitious goals for the year. Elon Musk had previously stated that the company could achieve 100 launches in 2023, with most of them coming from Cape Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center.