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WATCH: SpaceX Targets Predawn Falcon 9 Launch Carrying AST SpaceMobile Satellites from Cape Canaveral

By  //  June 16, 2026

BlueBird 8-10 targeting liftoff at 2:39 a.m. EDT on Wednesday June 17

SpaceX is preparing for an early morning launch from Florida’s Space Coast, as a Falcon 9 rocket is scheduled to lift off early Wednesday morning carrying three next-generation communications satellites for AST SpaceMobile. CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE LAUNCH

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE LAUNCH

The mission continues SpaceX’s record-setting launch pace from Brevard County, where both Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and NASA’s Kennedy Space Center have become among the world’s busiest spaceports.

BREVARD COUNTY • CAPE CANAVERAL, FLORIDA — SpaceX is preparing for an early morning launch from Florida’s Space Coast as a Falcon 9 rocket is scheduled to lift off early Wednesday morning carrying three next-generation communications satellites for AST SpaceMobile.

For Space Coast residents accustomed to late-night rocket launches, Wednesday’s mission offers another opportunity to witness a Falcon 9 illuminate the predawn sky while advancing both commercial spaceflight and next-generation communications technology.

The mission, designated BlueBird 8-10, is targeting liftoff at 2:39 a.m. EDT on June 17 from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

The launch window extends until 4:15 a.m., providing additional opportunities should weather or technical considerations delay the initial attempt.

If successful, the Falcon 9 will place three AST SpaceMobile BlueBird satellites into low Earth orbit, expanding the company’s space-based cellular broadband network.

AST SpaceMobile is developing a satellite constellation designed to provide direct-to-cellphone connectivity, allowing standard mobile devices to connect to space-based broadband services without requiring specialized equipment.

Residents and visitors across Brevard and much of Central Florida should be able to see the rocket streak across the overnight sky as it follows a northeasterly trajectory from the Cape.

The launch is expected to produce a bright visual display, particularly for observers along the Space Coast.

Following liftoff, the Falcon 9’s first-stage booster will separate from the upper stage and begin its return journey to Earth.

The booster is slated to complete its 29th flight, further demonstrating SpaceX’s emphasis on rocket reusability.

After reentry and a controlled descent, the booster is expected to land aboard the autonomous drone ship A Shortfall of Gravitas, stationed in the Atlantic Ocean east of the Space Coast. (SpaceX image)

After reentry and a controlled descent, the booster is expected to land aboard the autonomous drone ship A Shortfall of Gravitas, stationed in the Atlantic Ocean east of the Space Coast.

Weather conditions appear favorable for the overnight launch attempt.

According to the National Weather Service forecast, showers and thunderstorms are expected to move through the area before 11 p.m. Tuesday, followed by only a slight chance of lingering showers around midnight.

Skies are forecast to gradually clear overnight, with temperatures falling to around 77 degrees and light south-southwest winds near 5 mph.

The launch marks another milestone for AST SpaceMobile as the company continues building out its satellite network aimed at delivering broadband connectivity to areas where traditional cellular coverage is limited or unavailable.

The BlueBird satellites are designed to work directly with existing smartphones, potentially expanding access to communications in remote and underserved regions around the globe.