CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Another batch of 49 Starlink satellites launched from Kennedy Space Center Thursday.
Falcon 9’s next launch of 49 Starlink satellites to orbit is set to lift off at 1:13 p.m. ET today → https://t.co/bJFjLCzWdK
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) February 3, 2022
The 45th Weather Squadron forecasted an 80% chance of favorable weather conditions for the launch; however, it did show a moderate weather risk for recovery of the Falcon 9′s booster after it returns to Earth. Despite that, the booster landed successfully aboard the drone ship A Shortfall of Gravitas.
This mission marks the 37th launch of Starlink satellites. SpaceX eventually hopes to have tens of thousands flying in low-Earth orbit, which will have to constantly be replaced as hardware is upgraded and the upper atmosphere drags on the satellites, slowly pulling them down.
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The satellites will eventually be able to provide internet service anywhere on the planet, according to SpaceX.
The launch was scheduled just days after SpaceX successfully launched an Italian satellite into orbit on top of its Falcon 9 rocket.
After four attempts, including one delayed because of a cruise ship, the SpaceX rocket lifted off Monday evening from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.