SpaceX F9 : Starlink group 6-88 : CCSFS SLC-40 : 4 January 2026 (06:48 UTC)

[Galactic Penguin SST]

Thread for the Starlink Group 6-88 launch.

Launch 4 January 2026, at 06:48:10 UTC (1:48 am EST), from CCSFS SLC-40, on booster 1101-1. The first stage has successfully landed aboard Just Read The Instructions.

Payload 29 Starlink V2.0 Mini satellites, to a 43.00 degrees inclination orbit on a southeastern trajectory.  Initial orbit 257 x 268 km.

Please use the Starlink Discussion Thread for all general discussion on Starlink.

Check the Starlink Index Thread for links to more Starlink information.


L2 SpaceX: https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?board=60.0

[Galactic Penguin SST]

From CADENA OIS, replacing the spot of Starlink Group 10-36 (which is apparently not ready to launch from regulatory POV):

Primary Launch Day 19 DEC 0500Z-0900Z Backup Launch Day 20 DEC 0500Z-0900Z Backup Launch Day 21 DEC 0500Z-0900Z Backup Launch Day 22 DEC 0500Z-0900Z Backup Launch Day 23 DEC 0500Z-0900Z Backup Launch Day 24 DEC 0500Z-0900Z Backup Launch Day 25 DEC 0500Z-0900Z

[Galactic Penguin SST]

https://www.spacex.com/launches/sl-6-88

Edit/add zubenelgenubi: Launch window 05:00 to 08:17 UTC = 12:00 to 3:17 am EST

SpaceX’s Falcon 9 is targeting the launch of 29 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

A live webcast of this mission will begin about five minutes prior to liftoff, which you can watch here and on X @SpaceX. You can also watch the webcast on the X TV app.

This will be the first flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission. Following stage separation, the first stage will land on the A Shortfall of Gravitas droneship, which will be stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.

This brand new booster would have to be B1101, seen being tested at McGregor in November:

Video Post:

https://twitter.com/jswartzphoto/status/1991236321197646274

Justin Swartz
@jswartzphoto

F9 first stage B1101 was lowered after its testing campaign to begin its journey to the east or west coasts.  Will B1099 finally be up next after getting some extra hanger relaxation?   Watch and see what’s next at
http://nsf.live/mcgregor

[zubenelgenubi]

https://www.spacex.com/launches/sl-6-88

Launch window 20 December 05:00 to 08:17 UTC = 12:00 to 3:17 am EST

[zubenelgenubi]

https://www.spacex.com/launches/sl-6-88

Launch window 21 December 05:00 to 08:17 UTC = 12:00 to 3:17 am EST

Celestrak listing not yet updated.
https://celestrak.org/NORAD/elements/supplemental/
Supplemental GP Element Sets
Current as of 2025 Dec 17 17:06:56 UTC (Day 351)

Starlink G6-88 Pre-Launch   
Derived from a pre-launch Starlink-G6-88 state vector, provided by SpaceX. SupGP data is provided for the entire stack, as well as one for a single satellite.

Launch: 2025-12-20 05:00:00 UTC.
Deploy: 2025-12-20 06:05:02.280 UTC.
Launch window: 2025-12-20 05:00:00 UTC to 2025-12-20 08:17:00 UTC.

https://celestrak.org/NORAD/elements/supplemental/table.php?FILE=starlink-g6-88&FORMAT=tle
Pre-Launch Derived Orbit:
257 km x 268 km x 43.00 deg

[zubenelgenubi]

Near-term not-Starlink launch schedule; UTC:

✅️ NROL-77 (Dec 9, SLC-40, LZ-2)

CSG-3 (Dec 28, SLC-4E, LZ-4)

Pandora/Twilight (Jan 5, SLC-4E)

Will there be another Starlink launch from Florida after Starlink 6-88 and before Christmas?

Will there be a Starlink launch from SLC-4E after 15-13 and before CSG-3?

Will there be a Starlink launch from SLC-4E after CSG-3 and before Pandora/Twilight?

Christmas and New Year's Day holidays also come into play.

Bolded hypothetical launch would now likely come after Christmas.

[Steven Pietrobon]

PDF of online press kit.

[Galactic Penguin SST]

Big delay to after Christmas, probably because of the need to investigate this:

Starlink satellites s/n 35956 (2025-271N/66629) was launched as part of the Group 11-30 launch.

https://twitter.com/Starlink/status/2001691802911289712

On December 17, Starlink experienced an anomaly on satellite 35956, resulting in loss of communications with the vehicle at 418 km. The anomaly led to venting of the propulsion tank, a rapid decay in semi-major axis by about 4 km, and the release of a small number of trackable low relative velocity objects. SpaceX is coordinating with the @USSpaceForce and @NASA to monitor the objects.
 
The satellite is largely intact, tumbling, and will reenter the Earth’s atmosphere and fully demise within weeks. The satellite's current trajectory will place it below the @Space_Station, posing no risk to the orbiting lab or its crew.
 
As the world’s largest satellite constellation operator, we are deeply committed to space safety. We take these events seriously. Our engineers are rapidly working to root cause and mitigate the source of the anomaly and are already in the process of deploying software to our vehicles that increases protections against this type of event.

[DanClemmensen]

Big delay to after Christmas, probably because of the need to investigate this:

Starlink satellites s/n 35956 (2025-271N/66629) was launched as part of the Group 11-30 launch.

https://twitter.com/Starlink/status/2001691802911289712

On December 17, Starlink experienced an anomaly on satellite 35956, resulting in loss of communications with the vehicle at 418 km. The anomaly led to venting of the propulsion tank, a rapid decay in semi-major axis by about 4 km, and the release of a small number of trackable low relative velocity objects. SpaceX is coordinating with the @USSpaceForce and @NASA to monitor the objects.
 
The satellite is largely intact, tumbling, and will reenter the Earth’s atmosphere and fully demise within weeks. The satellite's current trajectory will place it below the @Space_Station, posing no risk to the orbiting lab or its crew.
 
As the world’s largest satellite constellation operator, we are deeply committed to space safety. We take these events seriously. Our engineers are rapidly working to root cause and mitigate the source of the anomaly and are already in the process of deploying software to our vehicles that increases protections against this type of event.

How many such events have occurred so far? It there have been (roughly) 10,000 Starlink satellite-years, we have one event every 10,000 satellite-years, and if the constellation reaches 40,000 in steady state, we guesstimate roughly four per year (pending further data). Are we in Kessler cascade territory yet?

[catdlr]

Big delay to after Christmas, probably because of the need to investigate this:

Starlink satellites s/n 35956 (2025-271N/66629) was launched as part of the Group 11-30 launch.

https://twitter.com/Starlink/status/2001691802911289712

On December 17, Starlink experienced an anomaly on satellite 35956, resulting in loss of communications with the vehicle at 418 km. The anomaly led to venting of the propulsion tank, a rapid decay in semi-major axis by about 4 km, and the release of a small number of trackable low relative velocity objects. SpaceX is coordinating with the @USSpaceForce and @NASA to monitor the objects.
 
The satellite is largely intact, tumbling, and will reenter the Earth’s atmosphere and fully demise within weeks. The satellite's current trajectory will place it below the @Space_Station, posing no risk to the orbiting lab or its crew.
 
As the world’s largest satellite constellation operator, we are deeply committed to space safety. We take these events seriously. Our engineers are rapidly working to root cause and mitigate the source of the anomaly and are already in the process of deploying software to our vehicles that increases protections against this type of event.

How many such events have occurred so far? It there have been (roughly) 10,000 Starlink satellite-years, we have one event every 10,000 satellite-years, and if the constellation reaches 40,000 in steady state, we guesstimate roughly four per year (pending further data). Are we in Kessler cascade territory yet?

I agree. It's going to happen. At 40K (eventually), attrition should be predictable due to equipment failures, debris impacts, and old age. As for the Kessley, I don't want to think about that; it's like drinking sour cider.

[eeergo]

I agree. It's going to happen. At 40K (eventually), attrition should be predictable due to equipment failures, debris impacts, and old age. As for the Kessley, I don't want to think about that; it's like drinking sour cider.

It's already happening, FWIW, just not with an immediately-catastrophic tau (e.g. https://bsky.app/profile/bleddb.bsky.social/post/3ma6imrkqw22r)

[Galactic Penguin SST]

And it looks like the Starlink satellite failure investigations will continue through the New Year as this launch is pushed into 2026, NET January 3:

[DanClemmensen]

I agree. It's going to happen. At 40K (eventually), attrition should be predictable due to equipment failures, debris impacts, and old age. As for the Kessley, I don't want to think about that; it's like drinking sour cider.

I have been assuming (with no inside information) that Starlink is designed for a five-year satellite life cycle, with deliberate planned de-orbiting after the five-year life. This allows for obsolete satellites to be taken out of service and replaced with more capable satellites, but it also puts a bound on the old-age problem. This is very different from the antiques in GEO.

[zubenelgenubi]

And it looks like the Starlink satellite failure investigations will continue through the New Year as this launch is pushed into 2026, NET January 3:

https://www.cadenaois.org/vpublic_anspdetail.jsp?view=15

Primary Launch Day 28 DEC 0159Z-0304Z
Backup Launch Day 29 DEC 0159Z-0304Z
Backup Launch Day 30 DEC 0159Z-0304Z
Backup Launch Day 31 DEC 0159Z-0249Z
Backup Launch Day 01 JAN 0159Z-0249Z
Backup Launch Day 02 JAN 0159Z-0249Z
Backup Launch Day 03 JAN 0159Z-0249Z

However, further change at https://www.spacex.com/launches/sl-6-88
Launch:TBD

[Galactic Penguin SST]

And it looks like the Starlink satellite failure investigations will continue through the New Year as this launch is pushed into 2026, NET January 3:

https://www.cadenaois.org/vpublic_anspdetail.jsp?view=15

Primary Launch Day 28 DEC 0159Z-0304Z
Backup Launch Day 29 DEC 0159Z-0304Z
Backup Launch Day 30 DEC 0159Z-0304Z
Backup Launch Day 31 DEC 0159Z-0249Z
Backup Launch Day 01 JAN 0159Z-0249Z
Backup Launch Day 02 JAN 0159Z-0249Z
Backup Launch Day 03 JAN 0159Z-0249Z

However, further change at https://www.spacex.com/launches/sl-6-88
Launch:TBD

It looks like there's an error in the database - the time you listed above is for the CSG-3 launch (you can click into its entry and the whole section is the same).

[zubenelgenubi]

And it looks like the Starlink satellite failure investigations will continue through the New Year as this launch is pushed into 2026, NET January 3:

https://www.cadenaois.org/vpublic_anspdetail.jsp?view=15

Primary Launch Day 28 DEC 0159Z-0304Z
Backup Launch Day 29 DEC 0159Z-0304Z
Backup Launch Day 30 DEC 0159Z-0304Z
Backup Launch Day 31 DEC 0159Z-0249Z
Backup Launch Day 01 JAN 0159Z-0249Z
Backup Launch Day 02 JAN 0159Z-0249Z
Backup Launch Day 03 JAN 0159Z-0249Z

<snip>

It looks like there's an error in the database - the time you listed above is for the CSG-3 launch (you can click into its entry and the whole section is the same).

Subtle distinction in cadenaois.org data--
CSG-3 is:

Primary Launch Day 28 DEC 0159Z-0304Z
Backup Launch Day 29 DEC 0159Z-0304Z
Backup Launch Day 30 DEC 0159Z-0304Z
Backup Launch Day 31 DEC 0159Z-0304Z
Backup Launch Day 01 JAN 0159Z-0304Z
Backup Launch Day 02 JAN 0159Z-0304Z
Backup Launch Day 03 JAN 0159Z-0304Z

Same window all days 28 Dec through 3 Jan.

Starlink 6-88 has same opening time 28 Dec through 3 Jan, but closes earlier beginning 31 Dec.

But, there could still be an error(s) in the listings.

[zubenelgenubi]

Cross-post; SpaceX has not yet confirmed:

https://www.launchphotography.com/Launch_Viewing_Guide.html

UPDATED DECEMBER 21, 2025
...
FALCON 9
The next SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch a Starlink batch from pad 40 on January 3. Upcoming launches include more Starlink batches. A Falcon 9 will launch BlueBird 7 for AST SpaceMobile from pad 40 on January TBD.

https://www.launchphotography.com/Launch_Viewing_Guide.html , updated December 22:

The next SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch a Starlink batch from pad 40 on January 3 at 12:00-3:17 a.m. EST.

Edit/add: Date now confirmed, no launch window listed.
https://www.spacex.com/launches/sl-6-88

[dabomb6608]

Looking at Cadena OIS

Primary Launch Day 03 JAN 0500Z-0943Z
Backup Launch Day 04 JAN 0001Z-0444Z
Backup Launch Day 04 JAN 2335Z-0418Z
Backup Launch Day 05 JAN 2309Z-0352Z
Backup Launch Day 06 JAN 2243Z-0326Z
Backup Launch Day 07 JAN 2217Z-0300Z
Backup Launch Day 08 JAN 2151Z-0234Z

[StraumliBlight]

https://notams.aim.faa.gov/notamSearch/nsapp.html#/results

NOTAM #: A4678/25
Issue Date UTC: 12/23/2025 1608
Start Date UTC: 01/03/2026 0657
End Date UTC: 01/10/2026 0429

Q) FAJO/QWMLW/IV/BO/W/000/999/4211S02447E999
A) FAJO B) 2601030657 C) 2601100429
D) 03, 04 AND 05 JAN 0657-1121, 07 JAN 0040-0547, 08 JAN 0014-0521, 08-09 JAN 2348-0455, 09-10 JAN 2322-0429
E) AREA BOUNDED BY (4256S 00224W, 4045S 00221W, 3210S 05700E, 3515S 05700E):
SPACEX STARLINK 6-88 STAGE 2 ROCKET REENTRY TAKING PLACE.
APPLICABLE AIRSPACE DOWNGRADED TO CLASS G.
F) SFC G) UNL

[Galactic Penguin SST]

Delayed to January 4 per SpaceX’s launches page.

[zubenelgenubi]

Delayed to January 4 per SpaceX’s launches page.

https://www.cadenaois.org/vpublic_anspdetail.jsp?view=15

Primary Launch Day 03 JAN 0500Z-0900Z
Backup Launch Day 04 JAN 0500Z-0900Z
Backup Launch Day 05 JAN 0500Z-0900Z
Backup Launch Day 06 JAN 2243Z-0326Z
Backup Launch Day 07 JAN 2217Z-0300Z
Backup Launch Day 08 JAN 2151Z-0234Z
Backup Launch Day 09 JAN 2125Z-0208Z

https://www.fly.faa.gov/adv/adv_spt

SPACEX STARLINK 6-88, CAPE CANAVERAL SFB FL
PRIMARY:   01/04/25   0500Z-0900Z
BACKUP:      01/05/25   0500Z-0900Z

NEXT PLANNING WEBINAR: 0015Z
302225-310059
25/12/30 22:25  DCCOPS.lxstn35

[zubenelgenubi]

https://celestrak.org/NORAD/elements/supplemental/
Current as of 2026 Jan 02 01:20:31 UTC (Day 002)

Starlink G6-88 Pre-Launch   
Derived from a pre-launch Starlink-G6-88 state vector, provided by SpaceX. SupGP data is provided for the entire stack, as well as one for a single satellite.

Launch: 2026-01-04 05:00:00 UTC.
Deploy: 2026-01-04 06:05:02.140 UTC.
Launch window: 2026-01-04 05:00:00 UTC to 2026-01-04 08:17:00 UTC.

[zubenelgenubi]

https://celestrak.org/NORAD/elements/supplemental/
Supplemental GP Element Sets
Current as of 2026 Jan 02 23:45:01 UTC (Day 002)

Starlink G6-88 Pre-Launch   
Derived from a pre-launch Starlink-G6-88 state vector, provided by SpaceX. SupGP data is provided for the entire stack, as well as one for a single satellite.

Launch: 2026-01-04 05:00:10 UTC.
Deploy: 2026-01-04 06:05:10.120 UTC.
Launch window: 2026-01-04 05:00:10 UTC to 2026-01-04 05:00:19 UTC.

Backup Launch Opportunity #1   
Launch: 2026-01-04 05:14:00 UTC.
Deploy: 2026-01-04 06:19:00.120 UTC.
Launch window: 2026-01-04 05:14:00 UTC to 2026-01-04 05:15:29 UTC.

Backup Launch Opportunity #2   
Launch: 2026-01-04 05:15:30 UTC.
Deploy: 2026-01-04 06:20:30.120 UTC.
Launch window: 2026-01-04 05:15:30 UTC to 2026-01-04 05:19:59 UTC.

Backup Launch Opportunity #3   
Launch: 2026-01-04 05:21:00 UTC.
Deploy: 2026-01-04 06:26:00.120 UTC.
Launch window: 2026-01-04 05:21:00 UTC to 2026-01-04 05:29:49 UTC.

Backup Launch Opportunity #4   
Launch: 2026-01-04 05:29:50 UTC.
Deploy: 2026-01-04 06:34:50.120 UTC.
Launch window: 2026-01-04 05:29:50 UTC to 2026-01-04 05:44:09 UTC.

Backup Launch Opportunity #5   
Launch: 2026-01-04 05:44:10 UTC.
Deploy: 2026-01-04 06:49:10.120 UTC.
Launch window: 2026-01-04 05:44:10 UTC to 2026-01-04 05:55:09 UTC.

Backup Launch Opportunity #6   
Launch: 2026-01-04 05:56:00 UTC.
Deploy: 2026-01-04 07:01:00.120 UTC.
Launch window: 2026-01-04 05:56:00 UTC to 2026-01-04 05:58:29 UTC.

Backup Launch Opportunity #7   
Launch: 2026-01-04 05:58:30 UTC.
Deploy: 2026-01-04 07:03:30.120 UTC.
Launch window: 2026-01-04 05:58:30 UTC to 2026-01-04 06:07:19 UTC.

Backup Launch Opportunity #8   
Launch: 2026-01-04 06:13:30 UTC.
Deploy: 2026-01-04 07:18:30.120 UTC.
Launch window: 2026-01-04 06:13:30 UTC to 2026-01-04 06:21:59 UTC.

Backup Launch Opportunity #9   
Launch: 2026-01-04 06:27:30 UTC.
Deploy: 2026-01-04 07:32:30.120 UTC.
Launch window: 2026-01-04 06:27:30 UTC to 2026-01-04 06:34:49 UTC.

Backup Launch Opportunity #10   
Launch: 2026-01-04 06:48:10 UTC.
Deploy: 2026-01-04 07:53:10.120 UTC.
Launch window: 2026-01-04 06:48:10 UTC to 2026-01-04 06:54:49 UTC.

Backup Launch Opportunity #11   
Launch: 2026-01-04 06:55:40 UTC.
Deploy: 2026-01-04 08:00:40.120 UTC.
Launch window: 2026-01-04 06:55:40 UTC to 2026-01-04 07:09:49 UTC.

Backup Launch Opportunity #12   
Launch: 2026-01-04 07:09:50 UTC.
Deploy: 2026-01-04 08:14:50.120 UTC.
Launch window: 2026-01-04 07:09:50 UTC to 2026-01-04 07:24:09 UTC.

Backup Launch Opportunity #13   
Launch: 2026-01-04 07:24:10 UTC.
Deploy: 2026-01-04 08:29:10.120 UTC.
Launch window: 2026-01-04 07:24:10 UTC to 2026-01-04 07:38:19 UTC.

Backup Launch Opportunity #14   
Launch: 2026-01-04 07:38:20 UTC.
Deploy: 2026-01-04 08:43:20.120 UTC.
Launch window: 2026-01-04 07:38:20 UTC to 2026-01-04 07:40:49 UTC.

Backup Launch Opportunity #15   
Launch: 2026-01-04 07:47:20 UTC.
Deploy: 2026-01-04 08:52:20.120 UTC.
Launch window: 2026-01-04 07:47:20 UTC to 2026-01-04 07:52:39 UTC.

Backup Launch Opportunity #16   
Launch: 2026-01-04 07:52:40 UTC.
Deploy: 2026-01-04 08:57:40.120 UTC.
Launch window: 2026-01-04 07:52:40 UTC to 2026-01-04 07:55:49 UTC.

Backup Launch Opportunity #17   
Launch: 2026-01-04 08:01:20 UTC.
Deploy: 2026-01-04 09:06:20.120 UTC.
Launch window: 2026-01-04 08:01:20 UTC to 2026-01-04 08:06:59 UTC.

Backup Launch Opportunity #18   
Launch: 2026-01-04 08:07:00 UTC.
Deploy: 2026-01-04 09:12:00.120 UTC.
Launch window: 2026-01-04 08:07:00 UTC to 2026-01-04 08:10:29 UTC.

[EricS324]

a new booster with that new booster smell and shiny clean paint!

[catdlr]

Here is a consolidated post of available video links for this launch:

SpaceX's direct live broadcast on
Website: https://www.spacex.com/launches/sl-6-88
 Twitter:  https://x.com/i/broadcasts/1mrxmBvBoAQKy

NSF Live Coverage:  https://youtube.com/watch?v=eHiKvxLSiic

SpaceX Re-broadcast alternatives on YouTube:
Space Affairs:  https://youtube.com/watch?v=S2KLYd-Ce3o

Replay supplied by The Space Devs (15 min after the broadcast end):  https://youtube.com/@thespacedevs/videos

Summary Video provided by SciNews (15 min after the broadcast ends):  https://youtube.com/@SciNewsRo/videos

Post Launch Extras:

CelesTrak has ephemeris-based SupGP data: https://celestrak.org/NORAD/elements/supplemental/
Max-Qproductions by Pete Carstens: https://www.youtube.com/@maxqproductions1

[catdlr]

https://twitter.com/TheOldManPar/status/2007553628131725776/photo/1

Charles Boyer
@TheOldManPar
The 45th Weather Squadron of @SLDelta45 has released the official Launch Mission Execution Forecast for tonight's planned launch of @SpaceX  Falcon 9 on the Starlink 6-88 mission: 30->70% GO through the launch window.

[catdlr]

https://twitter.com/BrevardEOC/status/2007664622959014022

Brevard EOC
@BrevardEOC

1/3/26 11:05 PM | We have activated our launch operations support team in preparation for the SpaceX Falcon9 launch. Window: 12:00 - 3:17 AM

[catdlr]

Launch has been delayed

Backup Launch Opportunity #5   
Launch: 2026-01-04 05:44:10 UTC.
Deploy: 2026-01-04 06:49:10.120 UTC.
Launch window: 2026-01-04 05:44:10 UTC to 2026-01-04 05:55:09 UTC.
.

[catdlr]

The count has gone into hold and has been readjusted by 30 minutes again.

[catdlr]

New launch time:

NextSpace Flight is indicating 06:07:10, which doesn't match any launch opportunity


Backup Launch Opportunity #8   
Launch: 2026-01-04 06:13:30 UTC.
Deploy: 2026-01-04 07:18:30.120 UTC.
Launch window: 2026-01-04 06:13:30 UTC to 2026-01-04 06:21:59 UTC.

[catdlr]

The weather is 50% go (or 50% no-go).

[zubenelgenubi]

https://www.spacex.com/launches/sl-6-88
Launch at 06:07:10 UTC is a match for near the end of the seventh backup opportunity.
Backup Launch Opportunity #7   
Launch: 2026-01-04 05:58:30 UTC.
Deploy: 2026-01-04 07:03:30.120 UTC.
Launch window: 2026-01-04 05:58:30 UTC to 2026-01-04 06:07:19 UTC.

[catdlr]

T-1 hr

[catdlr]

NSF has started its broadcast.  Pictures of our commentators

[catdlr]

Launch Probability of violation

[catdlr]

Booster Stats

[catdlr]

Hazard Areas

[catdlr]

Current Weather

[catdlr]

T-50 min

NSF has repositioned its cameras for a different view of the LV.

[catdlr]

SpaceX F9 launch stats

[catdlr]

At T-38, the LD will start polling for the start of fuel loading.  It's now T-44 min

[catdlr]

IN a HOLD at T-42 min

[catdlr]

new launch time

06:21:50  UTC

Backup Launch Opportunity #8   
Launch: 2026-01-04 06:13:30 UTC.
Deploy: 2026-01-04 07:18:30.120 UTC.
Launch window: 2026-01-04 06:13:30 UTC to 2026-01-04 06:21:59 UTC.

[catdlr]

Cloud cover break is approaching from the West

[catdlr]

T-40:20 sec another HOLD.   That was just 2:20 from the LD starting the Launch poll.

[catdlr]

New Launch time:

06:48:10 UTC


Backup Launch Opportunity #10   
Launch: 2026-01-04 06:48:10 UTC.
Deploy: 2026-01-04 07:53:10.120 UTC.
Launch window: 2026-01-04 06:48:10 UTC to 2026-01-04 06:54:49 UTC.

[catdlr]

Good time to take a break and re-join at T-40 minutes

[catdlr]

Welcome back.  T-40 min, just 2 min away from polling for fuel loading

[catdlr]

T-38 min LD whould be starting the poll for fuel loading

[catdlr]

Countdown timeline events

[catdlr]

T-30 min.  The next major event is the LOX chilldown, which occurs at T-20:20.

[catdlr]

T-20:20.  The venting indicates the beginning of LOX Chilldown.

[catdlr]

UPDATE STATUS NOTIFICATION.

Just a note to everyone: from T-10 minutes until after successful deployment, the thread will only contain updates posted by me. Questions, comments, or discussions must be postponed until I release the thread. Posts from anyone other than me will be deleted.

Due to the rapid pace of these launches, posts are usually backfilled with additional images and an "X" post with video clips. After reaching SECO and parking orbit, a launch-to-landing highlight video will be provided. After the broadcast ends, a full 4 K version of the launch-to-deployment video will be provided.

If professional photographers are posting on "X", those will be posted in this thread too.

Thanks,

Catdlr

[catdlr]

T-10 min.  The next event will be the Start of SpaceX coverage at T-5 min

[catdlr]

https://twitter.com/BoosterTracker/status/2007701825693348103

Booster Tracker
@BoosterTracker
·
Starlink Group 6-88 will mark SpaceX's 146th landing success on Just Read the Instructions (2) and 2nd Falcon 9 launch in 2026.

[catdlr]

T-7 minutes. M1D engine chill has started.

[catdlr]

SpaceX has started its broadcast.

https://x.com/i/broadcasts/1mrxmBvBoAQKy

[catdlr]

T-4 min. Strongback retract has started, moving at an angle for Falcon 9 to safely launch.

[catdlr]

T-3 min. Stage 1 is fully fueled with its LOX tank at 100%

[catdlr]

T-2 min. Stage 2 LOX load is complete; Falcon 9 prop load is complete.

[catdlr]

T-90 sec. GSE closeout

[catdlr]

T-1 minute. Falcon 9 is in startup.

[catdlr]

T-40 sec. Launch Director verifies GO for launch.

[catdlr]

T-30 seconds. Main engine start will occur at the T-3 second point.

[catdlr]

T-0 Launch

https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/2007705880368943565

[catdlr]

Vehicle has passed Mach 1 and Max-Q.

[catdlr]

Climb out

[catdlr]

Main Engine Cut Off (MECO) and stage separation.  No video of Fairing Sep, but got an image from ground cameras.

[catdlr]

Stage 1 getting ready to travel toward Landing Barge

[catdlr]

Booster apogee

[catdlr]

Entry Burn

[catdlr]

Landing Burn and Landing

https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/2007707904707833863

[catdlr]

SECO

Nominal (Parking) Orbit Insertion callout,


End broadcast

[catdlr]

Return to backfill with images and post

[catdlr]

I am finished with the backfilling of new images and the Twitter post. The thread is now open for discussion and updates. Next, I will focus on a launch highlight and a full rebroadcast video.

[catdlr]

Full Rebroadcast in 4K

[catdlr]

Launch to Landing Highlight video

[catdlr]

https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/2007726920042197172

SpaceX
@SpaceX
·
Deployment of 29 @Starlink satellites confirmed

[catdlr]

https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/2007727341309702332

SpaceX
@SpaceX
·
Falcon 9 launches 29 Starlink satellites from Florida

[catdlr]

With deployment successfully completed, that concludes my launch coverage. I will publish the collection of images from professional photographers and the fairing information to conclude this thread. tomorrow morning

For the NSF Forum, this is Tony, wishing you a good evening or a good day, wherever you are.

[catdlr]

Fairing.  Might be a brand new booster, but these fairings have some launch history.

https://twitter.com/_rykllan/status/2007790145555320851

[zubenelgenubi]

Thank you, catdlr and NSF webcasters! 🎊👏

[catdlr]

Updated with as many as I could find.


Professional Photo Super post

https://twitter.com/CarstensPete/status/2007881031639318898

https://twitter.com/CarstensPete/status/2007900519327821912

https://twitter.com/tweetsiphotos/status/2007708345994809801

https://twitter.com/Mike_Seeley/status/2007713206358421781

https://twitter.com/mdcainjr/status/2007718701806895184

https://twitter.com/asherbphotos/status/2007717708985753694

https://twitter.com/johnpisaniphoto/status/2007833310937129394

https://twitter.com/johnpisaniphoto/status/2007833553498001632

https://twitter.com/NStewWX/status/2007880454339534982

https://twitter.com/DimaZeniuk/status/2007889048103522357

[catdlr]

Max-Qproductions by Pete Carstens

SpaceX Falcon 9 Starlink 6-88 on 1/4/26