As the night sky prepares to host another spectacle, SpaceX is readying its Falcon 9 rocket for a launch that will add to its ever-growing constellation of Starlink satellites. Lifting off from Florida’s Cape Canaveral Space Force Station tonight at 9:30 p.m. EDT, the mission will catapult 22 more Starlink spacecraft into orbit. This will take the total number of deployed Starlink satellites to an impressive milestone of over 5,000, as confirmed by astrophysicist and satellite tracker Jonathan McDowell.
This launch, however, is not just about increasing numbers. The Falcon 9’s first stage is set to make a triumphant return to Earth tonight, if all goes according to plan. Scheduled to land on the SpaceX drone ship "Just Read the Instructions" about 8.5 minutes post-liftoff, this would mark the third successful launch and landing for this particular booster. The upper stage of Falcon 9, on the other hand, will continue its journey, deploying the 22 Starlink satellites into Low Earth Orbit approximately 65 minutes after launch.
SpaceX to Launch More Starlink Satellites Into Orbit Tonight
SpaceX, the private American aerospace manufacturer and space transportation company, is launching 22 more of its Starlink internet satellites into orbit tonight at 9:30 p.m. EDT (0130 GMT on Aug. 26). This latest batch of satellites will be carried into space by a Falcon 9 rocket from Florida’s Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
A Growing Satellite Network
This launch will take the total number of Starlink satellites in orbit to over 5,000, marking a significant milestone in SpaceX’s plan to create a global broadband internet network. The current tally, confirmed by astrophysicist and satellite tracker Jonathan McDowell, stands at 4,983. SpaceX’s ambitious project aims to provide high-speed internet to remote areas of the planet, enhancing global connectivity.
How to Watch the Launch
Enthusiasts can watch the liftoff live on Space.com, courtesy of SpaceX, or directly via the company’s website. The coverage is expected to start about five minutes before the launch.
The Falcon 9’s Journey
The Falcon 9’s first stage will return to Earth tonight, landing on the SpaceX drone ship ‘Just Read the Instructions’ approximately 8.5 minutes after liftoff. This is expected to be the third successful launch and landing for this particular booster. The Falcon 9’s upper stage will continue its journey, deploying the 22 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO) about 65 minutes after launch.
More SpaceX Missions on the Horizon
Tonight’s Starlink launch will precede another SpaceX mission from Florida’s Space Coast. The company is planning to launch the four-astronaut Crew-7 mission toward the International Space Station from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center early Saturday morning. The mission was initially scheduled for Friday morning but has been pushed back by 24 hours to allow for additional analysis.
SpaceX’s Ambitious Plans
While 5,000 Starlink satellites may seem like a substantial number, SpaceX’s plans are far more ambitious. The company has permission to deploy 12,000 Starlink spacecraft in LEO, and has applied for permission to deploy an additional 30,000 satellites.
Final Thoughts
SpaceX’s ambitious Starlink project is a testament to the power of innovation and tenacity. As the company continues to expand its satellite network, the prospect of global high-speed internet access becomes increasingly tangible. This is a significant step forward in ensuring everyone, regardless of location, has access to reliable internet, thereby bridging the digital divide. It also marks an exciting era of space exploration and commercialization, with SpaceX leading the charge.
