Update: We spoke too soon. The launch has been delayed to Tuesday, January 18 at 7:04pm ET, according to an update from SpaceX just now.
With more favorable weather conditions for liftoff and booster recovery, now targeting Tuesday, January 18 at 7:04 p.m. ET for Falcon 9’s launch of Starlink satellites → https://t.co/bJFjLCzWdK
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) January 17, 2022
Our original story is as follows, below.
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Elon Musk-run space exploration company SpaceX announced another upcoming launch window to send yet more Starlink internet satellites into orbit.
@SpaceX announced on Sunday that it’s planning a launch window for Monday, January 17 at 7:26 p.m. to launch 49 Starlink satellites using its Falcon 9 booster.
The launch is set to take place on the LC-39A launch complex at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Targeting Monday, January 17 at 7:26 p.m. ET for a Falcon 9 launch of 49 Starlink satellites to low Earth orbit from LC-39A in Florida
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) January 17, 2022
SpaceX made its last Starlink launch on January 6, successfully launching 49 Starlink into orbit, and marking the company’s first launch of 2022.
While it’s not clear when the company will officially switch, SpaceX announced plans earlier this month to perform future Starlink launches with its Starship, rather than its Falcon 9 booster.
The updated second-gen laser-link Starlink satellites will be able to beam information to one another, further strengthening the speed and network of the satellite constellation.
Earlier this month, Starlink’s service launched in Spain and Slovakia, days after refunding Starlink customers in India as the company’s Country Head stepped down.
Still, SpaceX is also expected to apply for a Starlink license in India this month, in hopes to add the country to its long list of locations where the LEO satellite internet is available.
