SpaceX scrubs Falcon Heavy rocket launch; here’s the next launch window

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By Jason Kelly and James Tutten

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Update:

SpaceX said Thursday afternoon that it was scrubbing its Falcon Heavy launch for a third time.

The company had planned to launch the rocket at 11:04 p.m. Thursday, but it said it needs to complete vehicle checkouts.

It said it now plans to open a 99-minute launch window at 11:04 p.m. Friday instead. A backup opportunity is available at the same time Saturday.

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“Weather improves to 65% favorable for liftoff tomorrow night,” the company tweeted.

The launch of the Hughes JUPITER 3 mission will happen at Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39A.

“Both of the side boosters on this mission previously supported USSF-44 and USSF-67,” the company said. “Following stage separation, Falcon Heavy’s two side boosters will land on SpaceX’s Landing Zones 1 and 2 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.”

Click here to watch live if it happens.

The SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket lifts off from launch pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center on February 6, 2018 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. The rocket is the most powerful rocket in the world and is carrying a Tesla Roadster into orbit.

The SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket sits on launch pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center as it is prepared for lift-off on February 5, 2018 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

The SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket sits on launch pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center as it is prepared for lift-off on February 5, 2018 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

The SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket sits on launch pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center as it is prepared for lift-off on February 5, 2018 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

The SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket sits on launch pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center as it is prepared for lift-off on February 5, 2018 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

The SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket sits on launch pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center as it is prepared for lift-off on February 5, 2018 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

The SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket lifts off from launch pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center on February 6, 2018 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. The rocket is the most powerful rocket in the world and is carrying a Tesla Roadster into orbit.

The SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket flies into space from launch pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center on February 6, 2018 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

The SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket lifts off from launch pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center on February 6, 2018 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. The rocket is the most powerful rocket in the world and is carrying a Tesla Roadster into orbit.

The SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket lifts off from launch pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center on February 6, 2018 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Two of the boosters liftoff at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station after the launch of SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket from launch pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center on February 6, 2018 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

The SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket lifts off from launch pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center on February 6, 2018 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

The SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket lifts off from launch pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center on February 6, 2018 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. The rocket is the most powerful rocket in the world and is carrying a Tesla Roadster into orbit.


Earlier story:

After two scrubbed launch attempts, SpaceX will once again attempt to launch its Falcon Heavy rocket Thursday night.

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

The launch window opens at 11:04 p.m. from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

Wednesday night’s launch attempt was scrubbed due to “violation of abort criteria.”

Watch: Falcon Heavy launch scrubbed last-minute, new launch window given

SpaceX did not go into specifics on what the violation was.

Officials said the vehicle and payload are in “good health.”

Watch: Crew-7 mission delayed at Kennedy Space Center

The rocket will carry the EchoStar Jupiter 3 broadband communications satellite into orbit.

The satellite is designed to support inflight Wi-Fi, maritime connections, community Wi-Fi solutions and more.

Watch: SpaceX launches Falcon Heavy rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

After the launch, SpaceX is planning to land two of the Falcon Heavy rocket’s boosters back at Kennedy Space Center.

The rocket boosters’ landing will cause a sonic boom in and around Brevard County.

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