SpaceX is set to launch a batch of Starlink satellites on November 14, 2023, marking its first early evening flight since the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) lifted restrictions on commercial launches. The mission, designated as Starlink 6-94, will take place at 7:12 p.m. EST (00:12 UTC) from pad 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
This launch follows a series of delays where earlier missions were rescheduled for after 10 p.m. EST due to FAA-imposed restrictions that limited daytime launches. These regulations were enacted as the agency worked to manage air traffic control during a recent government shutdown. The FAA’s restrictions did not apply to government missions, highlighting a challenging period for commercial space operations.
Meteorologists from the 45th Weather Squadron at Cape Canaveral have provided an optimistic forecast, predicting a 95-percent chance of favorable conditions for the launch. This positive outlook adds to the excitement as SpaceX aims to expand its network of satellites that provide internet services globally.
Flight Details and Launch Overview
The Falcon 9 rocket, designated B1085, is making its 12th flight. Upon launch, the rocket will follow a south-easterly trajectory, with the booster scheduled to land on the drone ship named ‘A Shortfall of Gravitas,’ which will be stationed in the Atlantic Ocean, east of the Bahamas.
The 29 Starlink satellites are expected to separate from the Falcon 9’s second stage approximately one hour and five minutes after liftoff. This successful deployment will contribute to SpaceX’s ongoing efforts to enhance internet connectivity through its Starlink service, which has already made significant strides in providing coverage to underserved regions around the world.
Live coverage of the launch will be available, starting about one hour prior to the scheduled liftoff, allowing enthusiasts and stakeholders to follow the mission in real-time. As the countdown progresses, anticipation builds for this significant step forward in commercial space travel and satellite deployment.
