SpaceX is now targeting Tuesday night for the launch of its next round of internet-beaming Starlink satellites.
The launch, which was set to take place Monday night after being delayed over the weekend, was postponed due to weather conditions in the recovery area Monday night, according to a tweet from the company.
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SpaceX officials said they plan to try again Tuesday at 9:13 p.m.
Now targeting Tuesday, November 24 at 9:13 p.m. EST for Falcon 9’s launch of Starlink, when weather conditions in the recovery area should improve
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) November 23, 2020
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SpaceX announced Sunday evening that the scheduled launch of Starlink satellites is not happening.
“Standing down from today’s launch of Starlink,” a tweet from SpaceX said. “Rocket and payload are healthy; teams will use additional time to complete data reviews and are now working toward backup opportunity on Monday, November 23 at 9:34 p.m. but keeping an eye on recovery weather.”
Standing down from today’s launch of Starlink. Rocket and payload are healthy; teams will use additional time to complete data reviews and are now working toward backup opportunity on Monday, November 23 at 9:34 p.m. but keeping an eye on recovery weather
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) November 23, 2020
SpaceX was expected to launch another batch of Starlink satellites Sunday night. The launch was scheduled for 9:56 p.m.
This latest batch of 60 satellites brings the total number launched by SpaceX to nearly a thousand. Ultimately the satellite constellation will provide high-speed broadband internet to rural areas.
The launch was originally set to launch on Saturday night but was delayed.
Starlink satellites are now in beta testing in select areas in the United States. Early beta testers paid a one-time equipment fee of $499 and a monthly service cost of $99 per month and were warned to expect periodic outages and speeds between 50 to 150 Mbps. In a nod to its experimental nature, SpaceX is referring to the trial run as “Starlink’s Better Than Nothing Beta” program.