SpaceX decided just a few hours before the scheduled liftoff time on 16 May 2019 to delay the launch of the 60 Starlink satellites loaded atop a Falcon 9 rocket at Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The stated reason is to upgrade the software on the satellites. In this time exposure image from the first scrub the night before, spotlights at the launch pad on the horizon paint a “V” in the sky, the focus point […]

Categories: Space Age Bulletins • Tags: Falcon 9, Internet, Launch Complex 40, LC 40, SpaceX, Starlink

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket loaded with 60 (!) Starlink satellites dejectedly vents gaseous oxygen while on the launch pad at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station after upper level winds refused to cooperate on 15 May 2019. The winds aloft were blowing at a speed to high for the rocket to handle safely so a last minute decision was made to keep the rocket on the ground for another day at least in the hope the winds will die down. […]

Categories: Space Age Bulletins • Tags: Falcon 9, Internet, Launch Complex 40, LC 40, SpaceX, Starlink