The scheduled launch of another batch of Starlink internet satellites aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket faced a delay, with the new launch time set for late Friday night. Initially planned for 12:03 a.m. on Friday at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s Space Launch Complex 40, the launch was postponed due to concerns about the weather conditions for the first-stage rocket booster’s landing. Hurricane Lee’s presence in the Atlantic Ocean raised safety concerns.
SpaceX has rescheduled the launch for 11:38 p.m. on Friday, pending more favorable weather conditions. The 45th Weather Squadron initially forecasted a 65% chance of favorable launch conditions, which subsequently decreased to 45% on Friday. A revised weather forecast was pending at the time of this report.
The booster selected for this mission is embarking on its fifth flight, having previously supported the Crew-6 mission, SES O3b mPOWER, and two Starlink missions. To facilitate the booster’s recovery, the autonomous drone ship “Just Read the Instructions” will be stationed in the Atlantic Ocean, ready to receive the booster after stage separation.
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