Wednesday’s scheduled launch will mark the latest mission from SpaceX as the company sends a batch of 23 Starlink internet-beaming satellites into orbit. The mission is set to liftoff from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station with a backup schedule of six opportunities in case of any delays.
No local sonic booms are expected as the 230-foot Falcon 9 rocket’s first-stage booster targets a successful landing on a drone ship out at sea 8 1/2 minutes after liftoff.
Earlier this evening, SpaceX’s live launch webcast hosted on X (formerly Twitter) posted a link at the top of the page as fueling and preparations for the launch were well underway.
At 12:05 a.m. EDT Wednesday, SpaceX successfully launched the Falcon 9 rocket carrying the 23 Starlink satellites from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The booster then landed on a drone ship out on the Atlantic Ocean in just 8 1/2 minutes.
Following the successful launch and the Falcon 9’s 11th flight, the booster will be targeting a landing on the deck of the drone ship Just Read the Instructions in the ocean.
For more updates and live coverage, follow Rick Neale, a Space Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY, for ongoing news and updates.