SpaceX, ULA doubleheader rocket launch from Florida possible for Friday

Two major rocket launches are planned for May 29 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, marking a rare doubleheader. SpaceX’s Falcon 9 will lift off no earlier than 7:52 a.m. to deploy a batch of Starlink internet satellites, with a backup window extending to 11:52 a.m. The rocket will follow a northeast trajectory from Launch Complex 40. Less than 12 hours later, United Launch Alliance (ULA) will attempt its own launch at 7:33 p.m., sending Amazon’s Leo satellites into orbit via an Atlas V rocket from Launch Complex 41. ULA’s window closes at 8:02 p.m., but scattered thunderstorms threaten to delay both missions, with weather conditions only 25% favorable for the Atlas V launch as of May 27. Separately, Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket received FAA clearance for its fourth flight after an investigation into an April mishap where an upper-stage engine failed to reach full power, causing the loss of an AST SpaceMobile satellite. The booster, named *Never Tell Me the Odds*, successfully landed and is being refurbished for a third flight, while the upcoming June 4 launch will use a new booster, *No, It’s Necessary*. The mission, targeting no earlier than 1:21 p.m. from Launch Complex 36, will carry another batch of Amazon Leo satellites. The upcoming launches highlight Florida’s role as a hub for commercial spaceflight, with SpaceX, ULA, and Blue Origin competing to deploy satellite constellations. Weather remains the primary concern for May 29, while Blue Origin’s June 4 attempt follows a period of technical review and adjustments.