SpaceX Prepares for Major Starlink Launch Amid Promising Weather Forecast

SpaceX is gearing up for its 490th Falcon 9 rocket launch, set to take place on Friday. The mission, known as Starlink 12-26, aims to deliver 23 Starlink V2 Mini satellites into low Earth orbit, enhancing the company’s growing constellation of internet satellites. Liftoff is scheduled from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s pad 40 at 11:29 a.m. EDT (15:29 UTC).

Live Coverage and Launch Window

Spaceflight Now will provide live updates starting one hour before the anticipated launch. The launch window opens at 7:45 a.m. EDT (11:45 UTC) and spans four hours, offering a window for potential liftoff amid the always unpredictable Florida weather.

Weather Forecast Brings Optimism

The 45th Weather Squadron has released a report indicating an 85 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for the beginning of the launch window. However, this percentage drops to 60 percent as the hours progress towards the end of the window.

  • Current Weather Patterns: The Atlantic ridge is expected to remain north of Central Florida, contributing to a low-level flow along the coast.
  • Saharan Dust Influence: A new wave of Saharan dust is anticipated to affect local atmospheric conditions, which may lead to changes in weather.
  • Onshore Showers: Morning showers and thunderstorms are likely, particularly in the afternoons as seabreeze patterns develop inland.

Booster and Landing Details

The Falcon 9 rocket will utilize a first stage booster identified as B1078. This booster has a remarkable history, marking its 21st flight, which includes a variety of missions such as NASA’s Crew-6 and ASTSpaceMobile’s Bluebird 1-5. Following liftoff, B1078 is scheduled to land on the drone ship aptly named ‘A Shortfall of Gravitas,’ which would mark the 113th successful landing for this specific vessel.

Starlink V2 Mini Satellites: A New Chapter in Connectivity

This mission carries a total of 23 Starlink V2 Mini satellites, 13 of which possess direct-to-cell capabilities, allowing them to connect directly with mobile phones. With this launch, SpaceX aims to bolster its Starlink network, which has already seen the deployment of 661 direct-to-cell satellites in total. This includes 273 solely launched in 2025, indicating a significant acceleration in SpaceX’s mission to provide high-speed internet globally.

“The expansion of our Starlink constellation aims to enhance connectivity in underserved areas, providing essential internet access for individuals and businesses worldwide,” said a SpaceX spokesperson.

As the company prepares for this milestone launch, the implications of expanding satellite networks like Starlink continue to resonate in conversations about global connectivity and the future of internet access. With weather conditions showing promise and a reliable rocket ready for action, all eyes will be on Cape Canaveral as SpaceX embarks on yet another ambitious mission.