SpaceX’s Latest Falcon 9 Starlink Mission Set for Launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station
CAPE CANAVERAL, FL – It’s an exciting day for space enthusiasts as SpaceX prepares for its latest Falcon 9 Starlink mission from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The launch is scheduled to take place on August 31, 2023, at 11:12 p.m. EDT.
The Starlink 6-14 mission will see a Falcon 9 rocket deliver another batch of the company’s Starlink internet satellites into orbit. This mission aims to expand global internet coverage and provide high-speed internet access to even the most remote areas.
However, weather conditions may pose a challenge for the launch. Iffy weather conditions, including lightning and rain, are expected around the spaceport at the opening of the launch window. Nonetheless, conditions are expected to improve throughout the night, offering hope for a successful launch.
SpaceX will provide a live stream of the launch on their platform X (formerly Twitter), which will be available approximately 5 minutes before liftoff.
As of 6:40 p.m. EDT, SpaceX is targeting 11:12 p.m. EDT as the new liftoff time for the Starlink 6-14 mission. Updates will be provided throughout the countdown tonight.
The Falcon 9 rocket, standing at 230 feet tall, has a nearly four-hour launch window that extends until 11:30 p.m. EDT. If needed, there are backup opportunities at 11:12 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. EDT.
This mission will also mark the seventh flight of the Falcon 9’s first stage booster. If successful, it will become the 47th launch on Florida’s Space Coast this year.
The launch weather conditions are predicted to be 60% “go” at the opening of the launch window, with an expected improvement to 85% “go” by the end of the window. Recovery conditions for the first stage booster landing at sea aboard a drone ship are listed as “low risk.”
Looking ahead, the Space Force’s 45th Weather Squadron forecasts similar conditions for the backup day on Saturday. Launch weather conditions are expected to improve in the evening.
In addition to the SpaceX launch, the next upcoming launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station is scheduled for Saturday morning. United Launch Alliance has targeted 8:51 a.m. EDT for liftoff of an Atlas V rocket, carrying secretive payloads as part of the Space Force’s Silent Barker satellite constellation network.
Stay tuned for live launch coverage on FLORIDA TODAY’s Space Team as we provide the latest updates on SpaceX’s Starlink 6-14 mission. For more information on upcoming launches, visit floridatoday.com/launchschedule.
Contact Jamie Groh at [email protected] and follow her on X at @AlteredJamie.
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