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The Space Coast could see two Falcon 9 rocket launches in the coming days as SpaceX teams prepare to launch the company’s next Starlink mission at Kennedy Space Center – and the weather looks solid so far.
The first at pad 39A is the 49th batch of Starlink internet satellites due to fly between 10:40 a.m. and 12:20 p.m. ET on Friday, June 17. Conditions during that window, according to a Space Force report Wednesday, were calculated at 80% “go away.”
“Although a brief downpour cannot be ruled out during the window as the east coast sea
The breeze initially forms and migrates westerly, general launch conditions look generally favorable on Friday,” forecasters said Wednesday. “The main concern is the cumulus rule.”
If the launch is postponed to Saturday, the weather conditions remain at 80% “one way”, but the sea conditions for the recovery of a Falcon 9 first stage drone change from “low risk” to “moderate risk”.
The Starlink internet constellation has launched more than 2,500 satellites since the first operational flight in 2019. Since its introduction, the cost of the standard plan has increased from $99 to $110 per month, but it is available in much of the North America, Europe and Australia. SpaceX also recently announced a mobile internet kit for RV users.
SpaceX is also targeting Sunday, June 19 for another Falcon 9 launch from nearby Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. A communications satellite for Globalstar, an American company that focuses on satellite services such as satellite phones, trackers, etc., will be integrated into the rocket’s payload fairing.
This mission is expected to take flight between 12:25 a.m. and 12:35 a.m. ET Sunday. On Thursday, the Space Force said conditions for this launch should be around 70% “go”.
“The late-night timing of the main and backup launch windows will do us a favor, as most of the thunderstorm activity should be over, leaving overnight cloud cover in its wake,” the forecasters said.
For viewers interested in watching in person, both launches will include northeast trajectories. Neither will include local landings and instead target drones, so don’t expect any sonic booms.
For the latest information, visit floridatoday.com/launchschedule.
Contact Emre Kelly at aekelly@floridatoday.com or 321-242-3715. Follow him on TwitterFacebook and Instagram at @EmreKelly.
Launch Friday, June 17:
- Rocket: SpaceX Falcon 9
- Mission: 49th Batch of Starlink Internet Satellites
- Launch time: between 10:40 a.m. and 12:20 p.m. ET
- Location: Pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center
- Trajectory: North-East
- Landing: drone ship
- Weather: 80% “go”
Visit floridatoday.com/space at 9:30 a.m. ET Friday, June 17 for real-time updates and live video.
Launch Sunday, June 19:
- Rocket: SpaceX Falcon 9
- Mission: Globalstar communications satellite
- Launch Time: Between 12:25 a.m. and 12:35 a.m. ET
- Location: Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station
- Trajectory: North-East
- Landing: drone ship
- Weather: 70% “leave”
Visit floridatoday.com/space at 11:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, June 18 for real-time updates and live video.
