CAPE CANAVERAL, FL – SpaceX is gearing up for a busy next several days, with two scheduled rocket launches from the Space Coast.
The first of the launches is slated for Wednesday night at 11:01 p.m. from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
The company’s Falcon 9 rocket, which has proven itself a reliable workhorse of the SpaceX fleet, is tasked with deploying a new batch of 23 Starlink v2 satellites into orbit.
These satellites represent a significant technological advancement in SpaceX’s Starlink project. Weighing approximately 1,200 kg each, the Starlink v2 satellites boast a twin-solar array design for increased power and are anticipated to deliver vastly improved bandwidth and speeds, as per SpaceX CEO and CTO Elon Musk. These enhancements are expected to make the satellites around ten times more effective in every aspect compared to their predecessors.
A notable future application of the Starlink v2 satellites is their potential role as cell towers. Musk has revealed plans for these satellites to provide worldwide cell phone coverage, specifically for T-Mobile customers. This technology aims to facilitate emergency communication services globally, akin to Apple’s satellite connectivity feature on the iPhone 14 series. It also holds promise for regular communication needs like SMS and voice calls.
SpaceX is currently deploying a modified version of these satellites, termed Starlink v2 “Mini.” These Minis are designed to be launched on Falcon 9 rockets and feature enhanced phased array antennas and E-band utilization for increased capacity, offering four times the capacity of earlier Starlink versions.
A distinctive feature of the Starlink v2 Mini satellites is their utilization of an innovative argon Hall thruster for in-orbit maneuvering, a first in satellite technology. This advancement generates significantly more thrust and specific impulse than the thrusters used in previous models.
The weather forecast for the launch is good, with the 45th Space Wing predicting near-perfect conditions and only a 5% chance of liftoff winds causing delays.
Following its journey to orbit, the Falcon 9’s first stage is expected to land on the “Just Read the Instructions” drone ship stationed in the Atlantic Ocean. This particular first stage booster is on its ninth flight, having previously supported a variety of missions, including Crew-5, GPS III Space Vehicle 06, Inmarsat I6-F2, CRS-28, Intelsat G-37, and three Starlink missions.
SpaceX is also preparing for a Falcon Heavy launch on Sunday from Kennedy Space Center. This mission involves carrying the Space Force’s X-37B spaceplane into orbit, marking the first time SpaceX will launch this secretive unmanned spaceplane. The X-37B is set to undergo a series of tests and experiments in space. That mission is still set for sometime Sunday. No exact time has yet been announced.
For those unable to witness tonight’s launch in person, a live webcast will be available on SpaceX’s official channels, beginning approximately five minutes before liftoff. This week’s activities underscore SpaceX’s continued dominance and innovative spirit in the realm of space exploration and satellite technology.
