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This morning, SpaceX is set to launch its latest batch of Starlink Internet-broadcasting satellites into orbit, and the company is using one of its most space-worthy rockets for the job. The Falcon 9 rocket launch for today’s mission has been in space and back five times before, and if all goes well, it could become the first SpaceX booster to be launched for the sixth time. .
On top of the rocket are 58 of SpaceX’s own Starlink satellites as well as three small hitchhiking probes. The added trio are Earth Observation SkySat satellites operated by the Planet Company. This is the second time SkySats has participated in a SpaceX Starlink mission; three SkySats also flew into orbit with 58 Starlink satellites in June. Typical launches consist of 60 Starlink satellites, but SpaceX sometimes makes room for companies willing to pay for an orbit.
So far, SpaceX has launched nearly 600 satellites for its Starlink initiative, aimed at creating a global constellation of spacecraft to provide broadband coverage from orbit. Beta testing of the system appears to have started for a small group of users who performed Starlink speed tests through Ookla. Details of SpaceX’s Starlink tests found in the source code of the company’s website revealed that beta testing would begin in rural Washington, then expand into the northern United States and southern Canada.
Liftoff for today’s launch is scheduled for 10:31 a.m.ET from SpaceX’s launch site at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The SkySats are expected to deploy first, just 12.5 minutes after takeoff, followed by the Starlink satellites about half an hour later. After launch, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket will attempt to land on one of the company’s autonomous drones in the Atlantic Ocean. If successful, it will mark a record-breaking sixth landing for the Falcon 9, paving the way for the vehicle’s launch for an unprecedented seventh time.
So far, the weather looks good for launch, with an 80% chance that conditions will be favorable. SpaceX’s live coverage will begin approximately 15 minutes before liftoff, so come back to the time to watch the company’s 11th Starlink mission take off.
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