SpaceX is currently targeting 7:34 p.m. ET (23:34 UTC) today, July 22, for the launch of twenty-two V2 Starlink mini satellites from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
Maintaining an incredible pace, SpaceX is prepared for its sixth mission of the month. The Falcon 9 will launch the Starlink satellites on a Southeast trajectory to suit right into a 43 degree orbital inclination.
Targeting Saturday July 22 for the Falcon 9 launch of the 22 @Starlink satellites in low earth orbit from SLC-40 in Florida → https://t.co/bJFjLCiTbK
—SpaceX (@SpaceX) July 21, 2023
This mission, Group 6-6, carries 22 of the upgraded V2 mini-satellites, able to handling 4 times the bandwidth of their predecessors and featuring improved thrust for higher maneuvering in orbit using the brand new Argon Hall thrusters.
Since their debut in February 2023, SpaceX has launched 123 of the upgraded satellites, 11 of which have desorbed, based on Jonathan McDowells Starlink Tracking Site. Thus far, there are only 7 which might be of their operational orbits and 93 which might be heading to their correct orbit.
The Falcon 9 planned for this mission is Booster 1076, having previously supported launches of two Starlink missions, 2 industrial payloads and an ISS resupply mission. This can be the sixth launch and landing for this booster, which is able to try and land on the “Just Read the Instructions” droneship roughly 8.5 minutes after liftoff.
V2 Starlink mini satellites stacked before fairing encapsulation (Credit SpaceX)
The present weather outlook for this mission shows a 40% probability of acceptable conditions at liftoff, nonetheless, SpaceX has multiple opportunities extending through 10:56 p.m. ET (2:56 a.m. July 23) with weather improving to an 85% probability of acceptable conditions by the top of the window. If they cannot launch on the twenty second, there’s also a launch window on the evening of July twenty third between 7:09 p.m. ET and 10:31 p.m. ET.
If the thunderstorms remain clear and launch is currently set for around 45 minutes before sunset, this might be a sight to behold, you’ll want to tune in to the webcast!
Questions or comments? Email me at rangle@teslarati.com, or Tweet me @RDAnglePhoto.
This Article was First Appeared At www.teslarati.com
