SpaceX is set to launch another batch of its Starlink satellites into space today, and the entire event will be livestreamed for free. The launch is scheduled for 9:56 a.m. EDT (1356 GMT) and will be carried out by a Falcon 9 rocket. Viewers can watch the livestream on Space.com.
The Falcon 9 rocket will take off from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Approximately eight minutes after liftoff, the first stage of the rocket will descend onto a drone ship in the Atlantic Ocean called A Shortfall of Gravitas. The Starlink satellites will be deployed about 65 minutes after launch.
This launch will utilize a first stage that has already been used in several previous missions, including a resupply mission to the International Space Station and three other Starlink missions. SpaceX has sent over 4,500 Starlink satellites to space so far, with around 4,200 of them currently operational.
SpaceX has plans to expand its Starlink megaconstellation even further. The company has been granted permission to launch 12,000 broadband satellites and has applied for approval to send an additional 30,000 satellites into space.
Backup launch opportunities are also available on Saturday, June 24, at 9:05 a.m. EDT (1305 GMT) and 10:46 a.m. EDT (14:46 GMT), according to SpaceX officials.
The livestream of the launch can be watched on Space.com, and viewers can also join the Space Forums to engage in discussions about the latest missions and other space-related topics. For any news tips, corrections, or comments, individuals can reach out to community@space.com.
Elizabeth Howell, a staff writer in the spaceflight channel since 2022, will be covering the launch. She has been a contributing writer for Space.com for 10 years and has extensive experience in reporting on space-related topics. Howell holds a Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Space Studies and has a background in journalism and history.
SpaceX’s Starlink satellite launches have garnered significant attention due to their potential to revolutionize global internet connectivity. With each launch, the company moves closer to its goal of providing high-speed internet access to even the most remote areas of the world.
How does SpaceX’s Starlink satellite constellation contribute to expanding global broadband coverage?
-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. This will mark the 18th launch of Starlink satellites by SpaceX.
The Starlink satellite constellation is being built by SpaceX to provide global broadband coverage. With each launch, SpaceX increases the number of satellites in orbit, bringing them closer to the goal of delivering high-speed internet access to even the most remote areas of the planet.
The livestream will provide viewers with a front-row seat to witness the liftoff, as well as the separation of the Falcon 9 rocket’s first and second stages. SpaceX has become known for its impressive rocket landing capabilities, so viewers may also have the chance to witness the first stage booster return and land on one of the company’s drone ships in the Atlantic Ocean.
The Starlink mission is part of SpaceX’s ambitious plan to create a mega-constellation of thousands of satellites in low Earth orbit. This network aims to provide internet connectivity to areas that currently have limited or no access. SpaceX has already begun beta testing the Starlink service in many regions, and the feedback has been promising so far.
As the Starlink fleet grows, SpaceX hopes to improve global internet coverage, reduce latency, and increase data speeds. This launch will bring the total number of Starlink satellites in orbit to over 1,600, with thousands more planned for future deployments.
With the livestream, SpaceX invites space enthusiasts and anyone interested in technological advancements to witness this exciting launch and be a part of the Starlink mission. It’s a great opportunity to witness firsthand the progress being made in space technology and the potential it holds for connecting the world like never before.
“Exciting times for SpaceX! Looking forward to witnessing another successful launch and the expansion of the Starlink satellite constellation.”