A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is scheduled to launch from Florida’s Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 5:25 a.m. EDT on Thursday, July 9. The mission will deploy 29 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit. The flight marks the 36th orbital mission for booster 1067, setting a new company record for reuse.
How does Falcon 9 reusability impact space flight?
SpaceX continues to push the boundaries of rocket reusability with booster 1067. This specific rocket has already completed 35 orbital missions, more than any other SpaceX rocket in history.
While booster 1067 is breaking SpaceX records, it still trails the NASA space shuttle Discovery, which flew to orbit and back 39 times.
What is the scale of the Starlink network?
The Starlink constellation is the largest satellite network ever assembled. Data from tracker Jonathan McDowell confirms that the network currently consists of more than 10,700 active satellites.
Operational details for the upcoming launch
Following liftoff, the booster is expected to return to Earth approximately 8.5 minutes later. SpaceX plans to land the rocket on the “A Shortfall of Gravitas” drone ship, which is currently stationed in the Atlantic Ocean. The upper stage of the Falcon 9 will continue into orbit, with deployment of the 29 satellites scheduled for 63.5 minutes after the initial launch.
How to watch the SpaceX launch live
Viewers can access a live feed of the mission through SpaceX. The broadcast is scheduled to begin roughly 10 minutes before the 5:25 a.m. EDT liftoff. Updates regarding potential weather delays or technical holds are typically posted to the company’s social media channels.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many times has booster 1067 flown?
Booster 1067 has completed 35 missions and is scheduled for its 36th flight on July 9. - Where do the Starlink satellites go?
They are deployed into low Earth orbit (LEO) to provide broadband internet coverage. - What is the record for the most flights by a single rocket?
NASA’s space shuttle Discovery holds the record with 39 total orbital missions. - How many satellites are in the Starlink constellation?
According to tracker Jonathan McDowell, there are currently over 10,700 active satellites in the network.
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