SpaceX lines up Cape Canaveral launch tonight
SpaceX is set to send up another Starlink mission from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Wednesday night if weather cooperates.
A Falcon 9 rocket carrying 22 of the company’s internet satellites is now set to lift off from Canaveral’s Space Launch Complex 40 at 11:36 p.m. with a backup launch opportunity at midnight. SpaceX opted to pass by three earlier launch opportunities. Further options to fly fall on Thursday during a window that runs from 7:49 p.m. and 11:11 p.m.
Space Launch Delta 45’s weather squadron had forecast poor conditions with only a 20% chance for favorable weather at the opening of the original launch target at 8 p.m., but that would improve to 65% chance for good conditions by the final launch opportunity. Similar conditions are in place in case of a 24-hour delay.
The first-stage booster is making its 13th flight and SpaceX will attempt its recovery again on the droneship A Shortfall of Gravitas downrange in the Atlantic.
This marks the 42nd Space Coast launch of the year, with all but two coming from SpaceX.
It would be 56th for the year for Elon Musk’s company including launches from California.