SpaceX is set to launch its Falcon 9 rocket carrying 20 Starlink satellites from Florida's Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on July 3, 2024. The launch window opens at 2:57 a.m. EDT (0601 GMT), and the upper stage of the rocket will deploy the satellites about an hour after liftoff.
This marks the latest in a series of Starlink missions for SpaceX this year, with more than 70% of its rocket launches devoted to expanding its megaconstellation. The company currently operates over 6,150 operational satellites in low Earth orbit.
The Falcon 9's first stage will return to Earth and land on the droneship named A Shortfall of Gravitas stationed in the Atlantic Ocean. This will be the booster's 16th launch and landing, making it one of SpaceX's most reused rocket components.
The Starlink mission comes just before July 4th celebrations, and weather permitting, residents in Volusia County areas such as Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach, and Port Orange may be able to view the launch. Recommended spots to watch include South New Smyrna Beach (Canaveral National Seashore), Mary McLeod Bethune Beach Park, Apollo Beach at Canaveral National Seashore, Oak Hill riverfront, Sunrise Park, Goodrich's Seafood and Oyster House back deck, Seminole Rest national historic site, Riverbreeze Park and Nancy Cummings Park.
Stay tuned for updates on the launch as more information becomes available.