SpaceX to Attempt Second Launch of Starlink Satellites After Abort
CAPE CANAVERAL, FL – After aborting its first launch attempt on Sunday due to an issue with the rocket’s stage separation system, SpaceX is now gearing up for its second try at deploying 23 Starlink internet satellites into orbit. The launch is scheduled for Monday evening from Florida’s Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
The Falcon 9 rocket is set to lift off at 7:20 p.m. EDT (2320 GMT). However, if the launch is delayed, SpaceX has allotted seven backup opportunities until 10:22 p.m. EDT (0222 GMT on Oct. 30). The mission will be live-streamed on SpaceX’s account on X, formerly known as Twitter, starting five minutes before liftoff.
The key highlight of the mission will be the reusability of the Falcon 9 rocket’s first stage. Upon successful launch, the first stage is expected to make a vertical landing on the drone ship A Shortfall of Gravitas, stationed in the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 8.5 minutes after liftoff. This will mark the eighth launch and landing for this particular rocket’s first stage, as per the mission description.
About 65.5 minutes after liftoff, if everything goes as planned, the 23 Starlink satellites will be deployed into low Earth orbit from the Falcon 9’s upper stage. The Starlink project is part of SpaceX’s ambitious plan to provide global broadband connectivity. To date, the company has already launched more than 5,000 Starlink satellites to Low Earth Orbit (LEO), with plans to eventually deploy a total of 42,000 satellites for the constellation.
SpaceX’s permission to deploy 12,000 satellites has been granted, and the company has further applied for approval to launch an additional 30,000 satellites in the future. These satellites will offer internet service to customers worldwide, providing connectivity even to remote areas.
If successful, the mission will significantly contribute to SpaceX’s efforts to revolutionize global internet access and bridge the digital divide. Keep an eye out for updates as the launch window approaches on Monday evening.