SpaceX aims for Sunday Starlink launch from Cape Canaveral

SpaceX is gearing up to launch another batch of 60 Starlink internet satellites from Florida’s Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Sunday. The company aims to expand its high-speed broadband internet across the United States and ultimately worldwide. The Falcon 9 rocket is scheduled to blast off at 8:55 a.m. EDT (1255 GMT), with a backup launch opportunity on Monday. The Starlink satellites, which will join more than 1,300 others already in orbit, will be deployed about an hour after liftoff at an altitude of 550 kilometers (342 miles). SpaceX has said that it hopes to have enough satellites in orbit to start offering Starlink internet service in the northern United States and Canada later this year. However, the rocket launch may face some challenges from the weather, as the National Weather Service forecasted over 50% chance of unfavorable conditions for both days. But if successful, it will mark the 11th launch of the year for the California-based company, with more than 100 satellites already put on orbit. The mission demonstrates SpaceX’s commitment to innovating, exploring, and revolutionizing access to space through reusable rockets and cost-efficient manufacturing techniques. SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet is expected to offer faster and cheaper internet services to people worldwide, especially in remote and underserved areas, bringing the world closer and eliminating the digital divide.