Spacex Falcon 9 : In an exciting development, SpaceX is gearing up for a Falcon 9 launch on Monday, November 27, aimed at deploying 23 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit. The launch is scheduled to take place from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, with liftoff targeted for 11:20 p.m. ET. Backup opportunities are also available until 2:58 a.m. ET on Tuesday, November 28.
If necessary, additional chances for launch are slated for Tuesday, November 28, starting at 11:00 p.m. ET. Pending a successful mission, this launch will mark a significant milestone, bringing the total number of Starlink satellites launched to an impressive 5,514. It is noteworthy as the 57th Starlink mission of 2023, the 277th Falcon 9 launch overall, and the 83rd Falcon 9 launch of the year 2023.
Space enthusiasts and curious minds can catch the action live through SpaceX’s webcast on their official channel about five minutes before liftoff. Now, let’s break down the key details and highlights of this upcoming mission in simpler terms.
Launch Details and Schedule:
This mission utilizes SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket, and liftoff is scheduled for 11:20 p.m. ET, aiming to carry the payload of 23 Starlink satellites. If there are any unforeseen circumstances, backup opportunities are available until 2:58 a.m. ET on Tuesday, November 28. Additional backup times are also on standby, starting at 11:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday.
Falcon 9’s first stage has landed on the Just Read the Instructions droneship pic.twitter.com/MPTdwUzOIr
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) November 28, 2023
Mission Statistics:
- Total Starlink Satellites: The successful deployment of these 23 satellites will bring the total count of Starlink satellites to an impressive 5,514.
- 2023 Starlink Missions: This marks the 57th Starlink mission for the year 2023, highlighting the frequency and pace of SpaceX’s satellite launches.
- Overall Falcon 9 Launches: The upcoming mission is the 277th Falcon 9 launch to date, showcasing the reliability and versatility of SpaceX’s workhorse rocket.
- Falcon 9 Launches in 2023: This also signifies the 83rd Falcon 9 launch in the year 2023, underscoring the busy launch schedule for SpaceX.
Live Webcast:
For those eager to witness the launch, a live webcast will be available on SpaceX’s official channel, X @SpaceX, starting approximately five minutes before liftoff. It’s a great opportunity to see the spectacular moment when the Falcon 9 rocket takes to the skies, carrying its payload of Starlink satellites.
Booster’s Impressive Resume:
The first stage booster assigned to this mission boasts an impressive resume, marking its 17th flight. Previously, it played a crucial role in launching various missions, including GPS III Space Vehicle missions, Inspiration4, Ax-1, Nilesat 301, OneWeb Launch 17, ARABSAT BADR-8, and nine Starlink missions. This highlights the reliability and reusability of SpaceX’s rocket technology.
Drone Ship Landing:
Following the stage separation, the first stage of the Falcon 9 is set to land on the “Just Read the Instructions” droneship. This autonomous spaceport drone ship, converted from an ocean-going barge, will be positioned approximately 420 miles (620km) downrange, east of the Bahamas. It’s an impressive feat showcasing SpaceX’s commitment to reusable rocket technology.
Weather Conditions:
Weather reports are looking favorable for the launch, with meteorologists from the 45th Weather Squadron predicting a 90-percent chance of acceptable conditions at the launch window’s opening. However, the likelihood narrows slightly to 80 percent by the end of the launch window.
Launch Window Details:
The liftoff is scheduled within a four-hour window, with the first launch opportunity at 11:01 p.m. EST. There are seven backup launch times, with the last chance for liftoff at 2:58 a.m. EST. This ensures flexibility and readiness to make the most of the optimal weather conditions.
In summary, SpaceX’s upcoming mission is not only a testament to their commitment to expanding global internet coverage through Starlink but also a showcase of the advancements in rocket technology. The live webcast provides an excellent opportunity for space enthusiasts to witness this event, highlighting SpaceX’s continuous efforts in space exploration and satellite deployment.
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