SpaceX is preparing for a Tuesday evening launch of its CRS-34 mission to the International Space Station, but weather conditions remain a key obstacle. The 45th Weather Squadron reports a 35% probability of good launch conditions for the scheduled 7:16 p.m. ET liftoff from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s Space Launch Complex 40. Cumulus clouds, anvil clouds, and surface electric fields are the primary concerns for the launch window. If conditions are unfavorable, the mission could be delayed to Wednesday at 6:50 p.m. ET, when the weather forecast improves to a 65% chance of success.
The CRS-34 mission will carry approximately 6,500 pounds of cargo and scientific experiments to the space station, according to NASA. This includes supplies for astronauts and equipment for ongoing research. The Falcon 9 rocket’s first-stage booster, B1096, will attempt its sixth flight. After stage separation, it is expected to land at Landing Zone 40 near the launch site, potentially causing a sonic boom audible to nearby residents.
The Dragon spacecraft is set to autonomously dock with the space station’s Harmony module around 9:50 a.m. ET on Thursday. This mission follows several recent launches from the Space Force Station, including Starlink and GPS satellite deployments. SpaceX officials have not indicated any changes to the launch timeline despite the weather risks, but updates will depend on real-time conditions monitored by the weather squadron.
Residents in the area are advised to stay informed about potential delays and the possibility of a sonic boom during the booster’s landing. The mission’s success hinges on clear skies and stable atmospheric conditions, which could shift the launch date if necessary. With multiple payloads on board, the CRS-34 mission underscores the ongoing role of Cape Canaveral in supporting NASA’s operations and commercial space ventures.