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SpaceX is preparing for a busy month, beginning with a Falcon 9 and Starlink satellites.

Saturday, May 6, 2023 | Chimniii Desk

The launch of 56 V1.5 Starlink satellites from LC-40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station will be the first of a busy month for the company. This particular Falcon 9, B1069, has led a pretty interesting career for a Falcon 9. The booster had a rough landing after it successfully launched the mission to the International Space Station. 

 

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B1069 damage after a rough landing (Richard Angle)

 

After a lengthy refurbishment of 250 days, the rocket returned to service to launch a bunch of Starlink satellites in August 2022. The early morning launch of 56 version 1.5 Starlink satellites will increase the number of operational satellites to more than 3,400 and a total of more than 4,300 launched. At least 5 batches of Starlink satellites could be launched by the end of the month, and as of right now, 3 of those launches are on range schedules between their Florida and California launch sites. The second stage carrying the 56 Starlink satellites will perform a burn for 6 minutes. 

 

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The SES 18 & 19 satellites are set to separate from the 2nd stage one hour and 4 minutes into the flight to begin their journey to their operational orbit B1069. After the last 2 launches faced many weather obstacles, the current weather outlook has a 95% chance of acceptable weather. If there is a change in the schedule, the West Coast will be the focus of the company, with more Starlink satellites set to be launched..

 

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