SpaceX is gearing up for another exciting launch! Tonight, they plan to send 28 Starlink satellites into orbit using their Falcon 9 rocket, marking a significant milestone. This will be the 28th flight for booster 1067, making it a record-breaker in efficiency.
Launch is set for 2:31 a.m. EDT from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center at Launch Complex 39A. This occasion also highlights the fact that it’s the 100th launch from this particular pad. To catch all the action, Spaceflight Now will start live coverage about an hour before liftoff.
The 45th Weather Squadron predicts a 50% chance of suitable weather for the launch. However, some concerns linger due to potential storms moving in later on Sunday. Weather experts noted that while the main storm activity might ease by launch time, there’s still a chance for lingering rain and clouds. Cumulus clouds and multi-layer clouds could pose risks during the countdown, creating a tricky situation for the team.
Just over eight minutes after the rocket takes off, SpaceX plans to land booster 1067 on its drone ship, ‘Just Read the Instructions.’ This drone ship is stationed in the Atlantic Ocean, east of the Bahamas. If everything goes as planned, it will mark the 120th successful landing for this ship and 445th for SpaceX overall.
The push for Starlink, which aims to provide internet access worldwide, is backed by ongoing data. Reports show that as of this year, Starlink serves over 1 million users globally, demonstrating a growing demand for high-speed internet, especially in remote areas.
As we watch these technological advances unfold, it’s clear that SpaceX is not just breaking records but also paving the way for new possibilities in connectivity and space exploration.