SpaceX is gearing up for another launch of Starlink satellites, with a target liftoff time of 8:32 p.m. on Friday evening from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40). In case of any delays, backup opportunities are available until 11:30 p.m. The Falcon 9 rocket will follow a southeast trajectory and after about eight and a half minutes into flight, it will land on a droneship in the Atlantic Ocean. This launch marks the 21st flight for the booster, known for its role in the Inspiration4 and Axiom-1 missions.
According to astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell, SpaceX currently has 5,941 functioning Starlink satellites in orbit, with plans to launch more in the upcoming mission. Amazon’s Project Kuiper, aimed at providing satellite internet services, is also making progress with plans to launch satellites later this year. Amazon has secured over 80 launches and aims to have half of the constellation in orbit by July 2026.
Both SpaceX and Amazon are working towards delivering fast and affordable internet services to underserved areas on Earth. Amazon has enlisted various companies including ULA, Arianespace, and SpaceX to assist in launching their satellites. For more space news, visit floridatoday.com/space.
Brooke Edwards, Space Reporter for Florida Today, can be contacted at bedwards@floridatoday.com or on Twitter at @brookeofstars.
Vocabulary List:
- Gearing up (phrasal verb): Preparing or getting ready for something.
- Liftoff (noun): The instance of a rocket or spacecraft leaving the ground.
- Trajectory (noun): The curved path that an object follows through space.
- Droneship (noun): A ship designed to automatically position itself to catch a returning rocket.
- Constellation (noun): A group of satellites or spacecraft working together in orbit.
- Enlisted (verb): To secure the support or help of someone.
