SpaceX has made its last launch before Falcon Heavy attempt [Updated]

Enlarge / The booster on the launch pad in Florida for a launch attempt Tuesday first flew in May, 2017. (credit: SpaceX)

Final update: The GovSat-1 mission launched on schedule and appears to be making nominal ride up to geostationary transfer orbit on Wednesday afternoon. The first stage did not make a landing on the drone ship "Of Course I Still Love You" because that will be needed for a Falcon Heavy launch that could come as soon as February 6. Yes, with the GovSat-1 mission now in space, the Falcon Heavy is stepping into the batter's box. It is time.

Wednesday update: SpaceX says it is pressing ahead with the GovSat-1 mission on Wednesday, with the launch window opening at 4:25pm. The company has evidently sorted the technical issues from Tuesday's scrubbed launch attempt, and weather conditions are much better today. Meteorologists give the launch a 90-percent chance of favorable weather, which is about as good as it gets.

Read below for more background on the launch and to watch a webcast that will begin about 15 minutes before the launch window opens.

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