Starlink Digital Illustration Created By: Erc X @ErcXspace via Twitter
SpaceX will launch the fifteenth fleet of internet-beaming Starlink satellites to orbit on October 22nd. The company will offer high-speed broadband internet service worldwide. Millions still lack access to affordable and reliable broadband globally. SpaceX plans to connect those living in rural and remote areas on Earth to the world wide web communication infrastructure that has shaped the 21st century.
During Thursday's Starlink mission, the 60 satellites will ride atop a twice-flown Falcon 9. The rocket is scheduled to liftoff at 12:14 p.m. EDT from Launch Space Complex-40 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. --"Targeting Thursday, October 22 at 12:14 p.m. EDT for Falcon 9’s launch of Starlink from SLC-40 in Florida. Keeping an eye on weather; current forecast is 50% favorable for liftoff," SpaceX announced. If weather is unfavorable tomorrow, there is a backup opportunity scheduled for Friday, October 23 at 11:53 a.m. EDT. You can watch the launch Live in the video below.
Targeting Thursday, October 22 at 12:14 p.m. EDT for Falcon 9’s launch of Starlink from SLC-40 in Florida. Keeping an eye on weather; current forecast is 50% favorable for liftoff
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) October 21, 2020
The Falcon-9's first-stage booster, production number B1060, previously conducted a national security mission for the United States Space Force in June, it deployed a GPS-III satellite. And the same booster deployed Starlink satellites to orbit in September. SpaceX will attempt to recover the booster a third time by landing it on the Just Read The Instructions autonomous droneship situated in the Atlantic Ocean. Rocket reusability significantly reduces the cost of spaceflight.
Upon mission completion, SpaceX will increase the Starlink constellation to around 888 satellites in low Earth orbit. All satellites deployed this month are expected to operate at an altitude of approximately 550-kilometers. Company officials previously said that 800 satellites could provide "moderate" internet coverage.
SpaceX employees are beta testing the Starlink network. Users receive internet connection via a dish terminal and Wi-Fi router device. SpaceX representatives told the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Starlink has demonstrated low-latency, high-speed internet connection; latency below 30 milliseconds and download speeds greater than 100 megabits per second. The FCC already approved the operation of 1 million user dish terminals in the United States. The company submitted a new request asking the FCC to approve the operation of 5 million terminals due to "extraordinary demand" of individuals interested in trying the Starlink broadband service. SpaceX plans to initially provide internet service in Northern United States and Southern Canada before this year ends. Potential Starlink customers may sign-up to receive updates of when the service will be available in their area via Starlink.com.
WATCH IT LIVE!
About the Author
Evelyn Arevalo
Evelyn J. Arevalo joined Tesmanian in 2019 to cover news as a Space Journalist and SpaceX Starbase Texas Correspondent. Evelyn is specialized in rocketry and space exploration. The main topics she covers are SpaceX and NASA.
