Later today a SpaceX Falcon 9 will be launching a new Astra satellite.

SpaceX is targeting Tuesday, June 18 for a Falcon 9 launch of the SES Astra satellite.

The launch will be from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The two-hour and 49-minute launch window opens at 5:35 p.m. ET. If needed, a backup opportunity is available Wednesday, June 19 with the same window.

The launch is expected to be at 2335 CET, and can be watched live via the SpaceX website : https://ow.ly/1RoS50SkEiY

This is the ninth flight of the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched Ax-2, Euclid, Ax-3, CRS-30, and four Starlink missions. Following stage separation, the first stage will land on the Just Read the Instructions droneship, which will be stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.

The Astra 1P satellite will be launched into geosynchronous orbit, and once tested, will move to 19.2e, to join Astra 1KR, Astra 1L, Astra 1N and Astra 1M in providing satellite TV services for Europe. This is due to the current satellites at that location coming to their end of life, and Astra 1P will be one of the replacements.

Satellites at 19.2e are used by the likes of Movistar (Spain), Sky Deutschland, Canal+ Austria, and Canal+ France.

Update : Launch scrubbed due to bad weather at launch site. New date launch 19/06/2024 21:25 UTC 17:25 EDT

Update : Due to ongoing unfavorable weather at the launch and recovery sites, now targeting Thursday, June 20 for Falcon 9’s launch of the ASTRA 1P mission from Florida. The ~3-hour window opens at 5:35 p.m ET

Update : Launch to go:

Images : SpaceX