The next SpaceX Starlink satellite launch will definitely take place one of these days. The first launch, slated for Feb. 28, was unexpectedly auto-aborted, despite the rocket being fully operational. After the rescheduled launch on March 1 was also called off due to bad weather, SpaceX announced plans to try again tomorrow.
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The launch is now scheduled to take place Thursday, March 4 at a time to be announced, and you can catch all the action live from the comfort of your home.
When and where to watch
The launch will take place from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, and there are three ways to watch it unfold, all free and online. You can watch live at Space.com or through SpaceX’s YouTube channel. You can also tune in directly on SpaceX’s website. The new launch time has yet to be announced but keep an eye on Space X’s site and space.com for updates. Expect the broadcast to begin 15 minutes before liftoff, so be sure to log on ahead of the scheduled time to catch the mission countdown.
This is SpaceX’s sixth launch of 2021, and one of at least 40 launches it plans to execute this year, doubling its numbers from 2020. The hope is that the booster and rocket will be able to make ten full journeys before requiring major maintenance.
What is the SpaceX launch for?
The mission plans to send a fleet of 60 satellites into orbit using the Falcon 9 rocket with a B1049 booster, adding to the 1,000 already circling the planet (not including 200 prototypes sent during test launches). All told, SpaceX plans to launch a total of 1,440 satellites into low-level orbit around the earth to complete the Starlink network, which aims to provide comprehensive commercial internet service to locations where service is currently unstable or otherwise unavailable. (Of course: just when you’ve gotten 5G, a new network pops up).
“At a time when more people are working from home and more students are participating in virtual learning, internet connectivity is more important than ever,” SpaceX said in a statement. “With Starlink, we are able to deploy quickly to areas that need it most.” The internet service is set to roll out later this year.