https://www.youtube.com/embed/d5DzoKuhdNk
The next Starlink batch will launch from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, US, after a two-day delay. SpaceX originally intended for the Starlink satellites to leave Earth’s gravity on Sunday, February 28. But the launch has been delayed twice now, with the first backup launch window scuppered by poor weather.
Elon Musk’s signature Falcon 9 rocket is now primed and ready to launch tonight, just before 1am GMT, from NASA’s historic Launch Complex 39A.
The reusable rocket has already served SpaceX on seven mission, including two satellite launches and five Starlink missions.
The payload fairing securing today’s batch of satellites has also been to space a number of times.
After the Falcon 9’s booster stage separates from its Starlink payload, the rocket will return to Earth and attempt to land on a droneship in the Atlantic Ocean.
SpaceX fail to land booster rocket during Starlink mission
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How to watch the SpaceX launch live online:
The launch will be broadcast live online, courtesy of SpaceX.
You can watch the launch from start to finish in the embedded video player above.
Liftoff is pencilled in for 12.53am GMT on March 3 (7.53pm EST on March 2).
SpaceX tweeted: “Due to poor weather conditions in the recovery area and to allow additional time for pre-launch checks, now targetting Tuesday, March 2 at 7.53pm EST for launch of Starlink from LC-39a.”
The live stream will begin about 15 minutes before the Falcon 9 launches.
SpaceX said: “Unbounded by traditional ground infrastructure, Starlink can deliver high-speed broadband internet to locations where access has been unreliable or completely unavailable.
“At a time when more people are working from home and more students are participating in virtual learning, internet connectivity is more important than ever.
“With Starlink, we are able to deploy quickly to areas that need it most.”
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SpaceX fans will be glad to see the rocket launch as it has already suffered a number of delays this year.
Although it is technically SpaceX’s 19th Starlink mission, it was meant to be the 17th launch.
Starlink 18 and 19 have already gone to space, with Starlink 19 launching on February 15.
SpaceX is expanding its Starlink constellation in a bid to build a planet-wide network of internet-beaming satellites.
Without major ground infrastructure, Starlink clients will instead use Starlink terminals – satellite dishes – to receive their internet from space.
Parts of the US and Canada are already receiving limited access after SpaceX has launched more than 1,000 of the satellites.
The goal, however, is to have anywhere between 12,000 and 42,000 Starlink satellites in operation.
SpaceX said: “In December, the Wise County Public School District in rural Virginia, where approximately 40 percent of teachers and students do not have internet access at home, announced it would provide some families in the area with Starlink to support remote learning.
“Starlink units were deployed in January and over 40 homes are now connected with high-speed internet.”
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