SpaceX is preparing to launch 29 Starlink satellites aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on October 22, 2024. This mission, designated Starlink 6-61, marks the company’s third Falcon 9 launch within two days. Liftoff is scheduled for 3:16 p.m. EST (2016 UTC), following a south-easterly trajectory from the launch site.
As the countdown progresses, the Falcon 9 rocket stands ready at Space Launch Complex 40, where it will undergo its 295th orbital launch. This launch will contribute to SpaceX’s growing fleet of Starlink satellites, aimed at enhancing global internet coverage.
Weather Conditions and Launch Preparations
The 45th Weather Squadron has forecasted a 70 percent chance of favorable weather at the start of the launch window, improving to 80 percent as the window continues. Meteorologists have noted potential challenges due to an incoming cold front, which may bring showers and isolated thunderstorms ahead of the launch.
“The weather conditions currently look worse at the beginning of the primary launch window, then improve towards the end of the window as the front shifts south of the area,” stated launch weather officers. Breezy winds are expected, with gusts reaching up to 30 mph during stronger storms.
SpaceX will utilize the Falcon 9 booster with the tail number B1077 for this mission. This booster has completed 24 successful flights prior, including notable missions such as Crew-5 and CRS-28. Approximately 8.5 minutes after liftoff, B1077 is set to target a landing on the drone ship named A Shortfall of Gravitas. If successful, this will be the 135th landing on that vessel and the 543rd overall booster landing for SpaceX.
Live Coverage and Future Impacts
Spaceflight Now will provide live coverage of the launch, starting one hour before liftoff. With the increasing number of satellites being deployed, SpaceX continues to play a pivotal role in the expansion of satellite internet services worldwide.
The launch not only represents a significant milestone for SpaceX but also underscores the company’s commitment to broadening access to high-speed internet across various regions. As the countdown approaches, excitement builds for what promises to be another successful mission in SpaceX’s ambitious space endeavors.
