SpaceX launches Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station — Exciting SpaceX Falcon 9 Launch

Space fans witnessed an exciting moment as the new SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, carrying more than 20 Starlink satellites for the Starlink 10-5 mission. The launch took place at Space Launch Complex 40 at 9:20 a.m. ET.

The 45th AV Squadron predicted favorable liftoff conditions, with a minor concern for thick clouds and cumulus rules. In case of a delay, the next attempt is scheduled for 4:58 a.m. ET on Wednesday.

First Stage Booster

This launch marked the first flight of Falcon 9’s first-stage booster, B1085. If successful, the booster will be used for the upcoming NASA-Crew-9 mission. After separating from the second stage, the booster achieved a successful landing on the “Of Gravitas” drone in the Atlantic Ocean.

Additionally, the Crew-9 mission is under consideration by NASA to aid in the return of the Boeing Starliner crew from the International Space Station, which encountered technical issues. There is a contingency plan to send two crew members on a Crew-9 mission and bring them back, along with NASA astronaut Lt. Cmdr. Barry “Butch” Wilmore and pilot Sunita “Sunny” Williams, in February 2025.

Mission Details

SpaceX’s Starlink 10-5 mission involved deploying 22 satellites into low-Earth orbit, adding to the existing array of satellites in space. Dr. Jonathan McDowell from the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics is responsible for tracking Starlink satellites. Prior to this launch, McDowell reported 6,325 satellites on tracks and 5,738 in orbit.

Overall, the successful Falcon 9 launch and satellite deployment mark another milestone in SpaceX’s mission to expand connectivity through its Starlink network.