SpaceX launches 9th batch of Starlink Satellites [SCRUBBED] Third Attempt

in Space Exploration4 years ago (edited)

Third launch attempt was scrubbed due to weather.


A Starlink competitor, OneWeb, declared banckruptcy in the US because it couldn't get additional funding during the Corona pandemic. The project was bought out of chapter 11 by the UK Government and Bharti Enterprises, an Indian Conglomerate.

The UK Government has plans to repurpose this constellation as their own global navigation system in order to to make up for the loss of access to Galileo because of Brexit.

A summary by Scott Manley: UK Government Rescues Oneweb From Bankruptcy


SpaceX is launching 57 additional Satellites for their own Starlink Constellation.

The booster is a Block 5 on its 5th flight and will land on a drone ship.

The mission to low earth orbit will launch from LC 39A at Kennedy Space Center.

SpaceX will attempt to capture the fairings.

Cargo:

  • Payload mass is approximately 18,6 tonnes
  • 57 Starlink Satellites
  • 2 BlackSky Satellites

Check your local time of launch at: www.timeanddate.com


Where to watch:

Tim Dodd will be live streaming 30 minutes before launch:

Or 15 minutes before launch:


Background information about previous SpaceX launches: Wikipedia

Why SpaceX is Making Starlink - Real Engineering: Youtube


Useful links to stay up to date on launches:

Spaceflightnow.com: Launch Schedule

Everyday Astronaut: Prelaunch Previews

Space News:

NASA Spaceflight nasaspacefight.com


Be aware, this is rocket surgery.

Small disturbances can lead to postponed launches. Making sure everything is just right is way cheaper than risking big fireworks.


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