Get Ready: SpaceX’s Falcon 9 Rocket Set to Launch 23 Starlink Satellites from Cape Canaveral!

SpaceX is gearing up to launch its 490th Falcon 9 rocket, set to carry 23 Starlink V2 Mini satellites into low Earth orbit. This mission, named Starlink 12-26, is scheduled to lift off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 11:29 a.m. EDT (1529 UTC) on Friday.

Prior to the launch, Spaceflight Now will provide live updates starting an hour before the event. The forecast from the 45th Weather Squadron shows an 85% chance of good weather early on, though it drops to 60% as the window closes.

Weather experts note that a ridge over Central Florida will influence conditions this week. While Saharan dust could impact moisture levels, onshore moving showers may still occur during the night and morning, with more rain likely inland in the afternoons.

This mission will use the Falcon 9’s first stage booster, B1078, marking its 21st flight. Previously, it has been part of key missions like NASA’s Crew-6. Just over eight minutes after liftoff, B1078 is set to land on the droneship “A Shortfall of Gravitas.” If successful, this will be the 113th landing on this vessel.

Among the 23 Starlink satellites aboard, 13 have direct-to-cell capabilities. So far, SpaceX has launched 661 of these specialized satellites, with 273 sent to orbit in 2025 alone. The demand for reliable internet access drives this surge, particularly in remote areas.

Recent data from a survey by the Pew Research Center highlights that 53% of Americans find internet access pivotal for daily life, especially in education and work. This makes missions like Starlink vital for bridging the digital divide. As SpaceX continues to deploy its network, both the technological advancements and the potential benefits for underserved communities make this a significant endeavor in the modern age.

SpaceX’s ongoing efforts not only showcase advancements in space technology but also reinforce a commitment to improving global connectivity. The impact on daily lives is profound and likely to grow as these launches continue.

Source link