SpaceX Launches Starlink Mission from Cape Canaveral Ahead of Christmas Eve

 

SpaceX Launches Starlink Mission Ahead of Holidays, Successfully Lands Rocket

In the early hours of Monday, SpaceX delivered its holiday payload with a Falcon 9 rocket launch from Cape Canaveral.

At 12:35 a.m., the rocket illuminated the cloudy Florida sky as it ascended into orbit, carrying the next batch of Starlink satellites. This particular mission, named Starlink 12-2, included 21 satellites, 13 of which are for Starlink's mobile service. 

Eight-and-a-half minutes after liftoff, the Falcon 9’s first-stage booster successfully landed on the "Just Read the Instructions" drone ship in the Atlantic Ocean. This marked the booster’s 14th flight, with previous missions including seven Starlink launches, Axiom-2, Axiom-3, CRS-30, SES 24, Cygnus NG-21, and Euclid.

Space Coast Marks 91st Launch of the Year; Upcoming Rocket Launch Schedule

With Monday’s successful launch, the Space Coast reached its 91st rocket launch of the year.

When is the next launch?

Is there a launch today?

Here’s a look at the upcoming rocket launches in Florida from SpaceX, Blue Origin, and ULA:

SpaceX Astranis Mission Delayed

The launch of four satellites for Astranis Space Technologies, originally scheduled for Friday, Dec. 20, was delayed due to weather. The mission was then aborted at the last second on Friday. After reviewing data, SpaceX announced another delay on Saturday evening and confirmed they would stand down from the launch. The company has not yet provided a new launch date.