SpaceX Set for Falcon 9 Launch of Starlink Satellites Tonight

CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida – SpaceX is ready to launch 28 Starlink V2 Mini satellites tonight from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The Starlink 6-93 mission, scheduled for 9:17 p.m. EDT, will be the company’s 470th Falcon 9 rocket launch.

This mission will add to the growing constellation of over 7,300 Starlink satellites currently in orbit. Liftoff will occur from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) with live coverage provided by Spaceflight Now starting an hour before the launch.

The 45th Weather Squadron predicts an 85 percent chance of favorable weather during the four-hour launch window, although there are concerns about potential weather impacts from anvil and cumulus clouds.

SpaceX will utilize the Falcon 9 first stage booster, tail number 1085, which has flown six previous missions. Its past launches include significant missions such as NASA’s Crew-9 and the GPS 3 Space Vehicle 07.

Approximately eight minutes post-liftoff, the booster will attempt to land on the droneship ‘Just Read the Instructions’ stationed in the Atlantic Ocean. If successful, it will mark the 119th landing for this ship.

SpaceX’s Starlink program aims to provide high-speed internet access across the globe, including remote areas. As of now, more than 8,000 Starlink satellites have been launched, with future plans to expand even further.

Tonight’s launch continues a busy schedule for SpaceX, which has executed multiple Falcon 9 launches in May alone, as it strives to meet ambitious targets for the year.