SpaceX Launches Starlink Mission Early Saturday from Florida

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is set to launch the Starlink 6-85 mission from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at 1:21 a.m. EST (0621 UTC). This launch marks the beginning of a busy weekend for SpaceX, which has scheduled two Falcon 9 launches within a tight four-hour timeframe.

The Starlink 6-85 mission will utilize Falcon 9 booster B1078, which is making its 24th flight. The booster has previously supported significant missions, including Crew-6, USSF-124, and AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird 1-5. Approximately 8.5 minutes after liftoff, B1078 is expected to execute an autonomous landing on the drone ship Just Read the Instructions, stationed in the Atlantic Ocean east of The Bahamas.

Weather Conditions Favorable for Launch

The 45th Weather Squadron has provided a promising forecast for the launch, indicating a greater than 95 percent chance of favorable weather conditions at liftoff. Following several days of heightened solar activity, launch weather officers have assessed the risks associated with solar impacts as moderate on a scale ranging from low to high.

As SpaceX continues to expand its Starlink satellite constellation, the company aims to enhance global internet coverage, particularly in underserved regions. The Starlink 6-85 mission represents another significant step in this ongoing effort.

Live coverage of the launch will begin approximately one hour before the scheduled liftoff, allowing viewers to follow the final preparations and countdown to the launch. Spaceflight Now will be providing updates and insights during this exciting event.

As the world watches, the successful deployment of Starlink satellites could bring substantial improvements to internet access for millions, furthering SpaceX’s mission to revolutionize global communications.