The supermoon and SpaceX rose, but ULA scrubs launch, will try again Thursday

The Supermoon and SpaceX Launch Amid ULA Scrub

On Wednesday night, SpaceX successfully launched a mission while United Launch Alliance (ULA) scrubbed its launch attempt as the full supermoon rose over the Space Coast. SpaceX has led most launches this year, but ULA aimed to contribute by launching twice on the same day to tie the annual record for orbital missions from the Space Coast.

The events coincided with the year's largest supermoon, known as the Beaver Moon. The moonrise occurred at 5:41 p.m., with the moon passing within just under 222,000 miles of Earth—its closest approach this year according to the Farmer's Almanac.

"Its proximity is what makes it a supermoon, which can look up to 14% bigger and 30% brighter than the faintest full moon of the year," said NASA.

Earlier on Wednesday, the SpaceX Falcon 9 and ULA Atlas V rockets stood less than two miles apart at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, preparing for launches from adjacent pads.

SpaceX was first to lift off after moonrise, launching the Starlink 6-81 mission at 8:30 p.m. from Space Launch Complex 40. The Falcon 9 successfully carried 29 Starlink satellites into orbit.

ULA had to delay its launch and plans to attempt again on Thursday, aiming for 10:16 p.m.

Summary

The Beaver Moon’s rise marked a notable night on the Space Coast, highlighted by SpaceX’s successful Starlink mission and ULA’s postponed launch to continue spaceflight momentum.

Falcon 9 launches 29 @Starlink satellites from Florida pic.twitter.

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Orlando Sentinel Orlando Sentinel — 2025-11-05

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