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Live coverage: SpaceX to launch 23 Starlink satellites on Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral
- SpaceX is preparing for its 490th Falcon 9 rocket launch, carrying 23 Starlink V2 Mini satellites into low Earth orbit.
- The mission, named Starlink 12-26, is scheduled to lift off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 11:21 a.m. EDT.
- The weather forecast indicates an 85% chance of favorable conditions at the start of the launch window.
- The Falcon 9 first stage booster, B1078, will be making its 21st flight on this mission.
- The booster will attempt a landing on the droneship, 'A Shortfall of Gravitas', marking the 113th touchdown on this vessel.
- The 23 satellites onboard include 13 with direct-to-cell capabilities, part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation.
- SpaceX has launched 661 DTC Starlink satellites, with 273 placed in low Earth orbit in 2025.
- The launch coverage will be carried live by Spaceflight Now.
- SpaceX is closely monitoring weather conditions for the liftoff.
- The Falcon 9 will target a specific landing spot on the droneship following the mission.
- The 45th Weather Squadron forecast indicates changing weather conditions during the launch window.
- If successful, this will be the 462nd booster landing by SpaceX.
- The launch window opened at 7:45 a.m. EDT and lasts for four hours.
- Launch weather officers mention the influence of Saharan dust on the atmosphere this week.
- SpaceX has conducted multiple launches and landings with the B1078 booster.
- The mission aims to add more satellites to the Starlink internet constellation.
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