SpaceX is launching another batch of Starlink satellites on Wednesday (April 19).
A Falcon 9 rocket carrying 21 of SpaceX’s new Starlink “V2 mini” satellites will lift off at 10:31 am ET (1431 GMT) from Space Launch Complex 40 at Florida’s Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. There are four backup launch opportunities currently scheduled for the same day in case of issues during the original window.
About 8 minutes and 26 seconds after launch, the rocket’s first stage will attempt to land on the autonomous SpaceX droneship A Shortfall of Gravitas waiting nearby in the Atlantic Ocean. You can watch the action live here on Space.com courtesy of SpaceX.
Related: Starlink satellite: Everything you need to know
SpaceX’s V2 mini Starlink satellite is designed to be more powerful than previous iterations, allowing for greater broadband capacity than previous generations, according to the company (opens in new tab). They also feature Hall thrusters, which are electric propulsion systems that offer more than twice the amount of thrust compared to those aboard first-generation Starlink satellites, SpaceX said (opens in new tab).
SpaceX already has more than 4,000 Starlink satellites in orbit, but has plans to increase that number. The company has regulatory approval to launch up to 12,000 more Starlink craft and is seeking permission to add a whopping 30,000 more.
While satellites can help bring broadband internet to remote or underserved areas around the world, that mass of satellites comes with its downsides, with astronomers complaining that the Starlink craft interferes with scientific observations.
Wednesday’s mission will mark the 25th flight for the company so far in 2023. The first stage booster flying on this mission has previously launched the private Hakuto-R rover into lunar orbit and three Starlink missions. , in addition to other payloads.
When it comes to SpaceX’s upcoming launch, however, all eyes will be on the first space launch of the company’s massive Starship rocket, currently targeted for Thursday (April 20). When Starship launches on its landmark test flight, it will assume the title of the world’s most powerful rocket and pave the way for a new era of human spaceflight.
This story was updated on April 19 at 7:50 am EDT and at 9:15 am EDT to reflect the adjusted launch times.
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