SpaceX Scrubs Starlink Launch Due to Weather Concerns

CAPECANAVERAL, Fla. — SpaceX has postponed its scheduled launch of 23 Starlink satellites, initially set for Monday, June 2, due to unspecified reasons. The new target for liftoff is now Tuesday, June 3 at 12:29 a.m. EDT from Space Launch Complex 40.

The spaceflight company did not provide detailed reasons for the scrubbed launch. However, concerns regarding both atmospheric and space weather likely played roles in the decision.

The 45th Weather Squadron had initially reported a 75% chance of favorable conditions for the launch window early Monday. However, they noted lingering moisture and rogue showers could compromise visibility and safety due to cumulus cloud and surface electric field rule violations.

Moreover, a significant geomagnetic storm, classified as G4 (Severe) by the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center, is affecting the atmosphere since a massive Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) occurred on Friday and reached Earth on Sunday. Such storms can create hazardous conditions for satellites, often causing tracking issues and orientation corrections.

In light of these challenges, the launch team took the precautionary step to reschedule. SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket, equipped with first stage booster B1077, is expected to make its 21st flight, having previously launched significant missions including NASA’s Crew-5 and GPS III Space Vehicle 06.

Once launched, the 23 Starlink satellites, including 13 equipped with direct-to-cell capabilities, will bolster SpaceX’s mission to enhance global internet coverage. SpaceX Founder Elon Musk has indicated that future Starlink versions might reduce latency significantly.

Deployment of the satellites is aimed to occur roughly 65 minutes after liftoff, marking another step in SpaceX’s ongoing endeavor to create a robust satellite internet network.