Launch recap of the SpaceX Starlink 10-36 mission, which launched 8:41 p.m. from Launch Complex 40 in Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. This mission saw the second Falcon 9 booster landing off the coast of The Bahamas.
Original story: SpaceX is targeting this evening for a different kind of rocket launch from Cape Canaveral — one that could be louder than usual as it heads for a Falcon 9 landing in the Caribbean.
Originally scheduled for Wednesday, the launch is now set for no earlier than 8:41 p.m. on Thursday, February 19, from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. During this mission, a Falcon 9 rocket will carry the company’s next group of 29 Starlink internet satellites into orbit. If needed, the launch window extends until 9 p.m.
No reason was provided for the delay. Meanwhile, the 45th Weather Squadron predicts a greater than 95% chance of favorable conditions for the Thursday attempt.
At liftoff, the rocket will follow a southeast path along Florida’s coast, rumbling as it heads toward space in the direction of the Bahamas — with a booster landing on a drone ship in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of that country. This marks only the second time SpaceX has landed a booster that far south.
No Brevard County sonic booms will be heard, but SpaceX has warned that people in the Bahamas may hear a sonic boom if weather conditions are just right.
SpaceX Falcon 9 booster lands
Update 8:49 p.m.: The Falcon 9 first-stage booster just landed aboard SpaceX’s drone ship Just Read the Instructions out on the Atlantic Ocean near The Bahamas, completing its 26th mission.
Liftoff!
Update 8:41 p.m.: SpaceX has just launched the Falcon 9 rocket carrying 29 Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral SLC-40!
SpaceX launch webcast begins
Update 8:35 p.m.: SpaceX’s launch webcast hosted on X (formerly Twitter) is now posted above, right below the countdown clock.
Liftoff is scheduled in six minutes from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
Update 8:31 p.m.: We are quickly approaching liftoff. Now is a good time to start heading outside to ensure you won’t miss the night sky light up!
Update 8:26 p.m.: This rocket launch is headed on a southeast trajectory, flying along the Florida coast upward and toward The Bahamas. Those in Brevard County could hear a louder than usual rumble!
With clouds over the area, it remains to be seen just amplified this effect will be.
Update 8:15 p.m.: Currently going on down the road from this launch, NASA teams are at work conducting a wet dress rehearsal on the Artemis II SLS rocket. While the SLS rocket will not launch tonight, it involves fueling the rocket up to T-33 secs.
Pending results of the rocket’s performance, an Artemis II launch date could follow.
NASA is posting the latest updates here: https://www.nasa.gov/blogs/missions/2026/02/19/live-artemis-ii-wet-dress-rehearsal-coverage/
Meanwhile, all continues to proceed at Launch Complex 40 toward a 8:41 p.m. SpaceX liftoff!
Update 8:08 p.m.: SpaceX has begun fueling ahead of tonight’s launch! SpaceX must now liftoff at 8:41 p.m.
SpaceX launch countdown timeline
Update 8:03 p.m.: Here’s a behind-the-scenes rundown of SpaceX’s countdown timeline. T-minus:
- 38 minutes: SpaceX launch director verifies “go” for propellant load.
- 35 minutes: Rocket-grade kerosene and first-stage liquid oxygen loading begins.
- 16 minutes: Second-stage liquid oxygen loading begins.
- 7 minutes: Falcon 9 begins engine chill prior to launch.
- 1 minute: Command flight computer begins final prelaunch checks; propellant tank pressurization to flight pressure begins.
- 45 seconds: SpaceX launch director verifies “go” for launch.
- 3 seconds: Engine controller commands engine ignition sequence to start.
- 0 seconds: Liftoff.
Update 7:53 p.m.: The Brevard EOC has activated ahead of the 8:41 p.m. SpaceX launch from Cape Canaveral.
Update 7:41 p.m.: T-1 hour! Tonight’s Caribbean sailing booster is seeing its 26th flight. Previous missions include 18 other Starlink missions, NASA’s Crew-5, GPS III Space Vehicle 06, Inmarsat I6-F2, CRS-28, Intelsat G-37, NG-20, and TD7.
Update 7:31 p.m.: Tonight’s SpaceX booster will land on the Just Read the Instructions drone ship. In the following days, the drone ship will ferry the booster back to Port Canaveral after its Caribbean getaway.
Update 7:23 p.m.: Tonight’s SpaceX launch from Cape Canaveral will target a landing in the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of The Bahamas. While Brevard County will not hear a sonic boom, those in The Bahamas may.
Update 7:13 p.m.: Weather looks great ahead of tonight’s SpaceX rocket launch! The Space Force 45th Weather Squadron calls for a 95% chance of favorable conditions at the Cape, as well as good booster landing conditions.
Update 5:52 p.m.: SpaceX is still targeting 8:41 p.m. for tonight’s launch and booster landing in The Bahamas.
Brooke Edwards is a Space Reporter for Florida Today. Contact her at [email protected] or on X: @brookeofstars.
