Countdown to Liftoff from Cape Canaveral

Get ready, space enthusiasts! SpaceX is gearing up for its 490th Falcon 9 rocket launch, and it’s set to send 23 of its cutting-edge Starlink V2 Mini satellites into low Earth orbit this Friday.

When and Where to Watch the Launch

The highly anticipated mission, named Starlink 12-26, will take off from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Liftoff is scheduled for 11:29 a.m. EDT (1529 UTC), so make sure to tune in!

Weather: A 85% Chance of a Perfect Launch Day!

According to the 45th Weather Squadron, there’s an impressive 85 percent chance of favorable weather at the start of the launch window, which opens at 7:45 a.m. EDT (1145 UTC). However, keep your eyes peeled as conditions are expected to dip to 60 percent as the window progresses.

The launch crew noted that an Atlantic ridge hanging north of Central Florida will contribute to some interesting weather patterns. Expect some morning showers along the coast, with a possible afternoon boom of showers and thunderstorms inland!

The Rocket and Booster: A Proven Performer!

SpaceX will utilize the Falcon 9 first stage booster, tail number B1078, which is making its 21st flight. This remarkable booster has already completed missions like NASA’s Crew-6 and the USSF-124.

Successful Landing Means More Milestones!

About eight minutes after liftoff, booster B1078 aims for a triumphant landing on the droneship ‘A Shortfall of Gravitas.’ If successful, this will mark the 113th landing on this particular vessel and the incredible 462nd booster landing in SpaceX's history.

Starlink V2 Mini: The Future of Connectivity!

Onboard are 23 Starlink V2 Mini satellites, with 13 equipped for direct-to-cell capabilities. So far, SpaceX has launched a total of 661 of these high-tech satellites, including 273 dispatched into orbit just this year! Prepare for a new era of connectivity!