Live Coverage: SpaceX Falcon 9 Set to Launch 21 Starlink Satellites from Kennedy Space Center

A Falcon 9 rocket stands poised at Launch Complex 39A for the Starlink 12-2 mission. Image: Spaceflight Now.

SpaceX is gearing up for another milestone as it prepares to launch a Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedy Space Center early Monday morning, adding 21 more satellites to its growing Starlink constellation.

The liftoff for the Starlink 12-2 mission is scheduled at 12:35 a.m. EST (0535 UTC) from Pad 39A. This launch marks a record turnaround for SpaceX, occurring just five days and seven hours after the previous mission from the same historic launch site.

Live updates: Spaceflight Now will provide real-time coverage starting an hour before liftoff. This mission represents SpaceX’s 131st orbital launch of 2024.

Weather Outlook

Meteorologists with the 45th Weather Squadron at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station report a 60% chance of favorable launch conditions, with rain showers being the primary concern due to the cumulus cloud rule. Backup launch windows for the mission extend until 3:21 a.m. EST (0821 UTC).

Satellite Payload

Of the 21 satellites aboard, 13 are equipped with direct-to-cellular connectivity. SpaceX’s U.S. mobile partner, T-Mobile, has announced plans to beta-test a text messaging service using these direct-to-cell Starlink satellites.

Falcon 9 Details

The Falcon 9 first-stage booster, B1080, is making its 14th flight. It debuted in May 2023 during the Axiom 2 commercial space station mission and has since supported seven prior Starlink launches.

Following stage separation, the booster will target a landing on the droneship ‘Just Read the Instructions’, positioned in the Atlantic Ocean near the Bahamas.

Satellite Deployment

The 21 Starlink satellites will be released from the Falcon 9’s upper stage into a 293 km x 284 km orbit at a 43-degree inclination, approximately one hour after launch.