SpaceX is gearing up to launch 21 Starlink V2 Mini satellites into low Earth orbit. The launch is scheduled for Sunday at 11:42 p.m. EST (0442 UTC) from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The Falcon 9 rocket will lift off from Space Launch Complex 40.
The weather looks promising for the launch, with a 75% chance of good conditions. The forecasts indicate that high pressure will be weakening, but that should still leave the main day mostly favorable. There is some concern about thick cloud layers later in the launch window, but overall, it looks like a good time for a launch.
This mission will use a new Falcon 9 first stage booster, identified as B1092. It was last seen moving past the Kennedy Space Center after a recent Starlink mission. This booster aims to land on the droneship named ‘Just Read the Instructions’ about eight minutes after liftoff. If everything goes smoothly, this will mark the 111th successful landing on that droneship and the 413th overall booster landing.
Among the 21 satellites being launched, 13 are equipped with Direct to Cell capabilities, a feature that could improve connectivity for mobile users. This launch is part of SpaceX’s ongoing efforts to expand its Starlink constellation, which aims to provide high-speed internet access worldwide.
