SpaceX has postponed the launch of its next batch of Starlink internet satellites again, this time to avoid conflict with NASA’s Psyche asteroid mission liftoff on Thursday.
The Falcon 9 rocket and its payload of 22 Starlink satellites were first set to launch Sunday night but were halted at T-minus 25 seconds due to upper level winds. Another attempt was planned for Monday night but has now been postponed.
SpaceX Launch Delayed Due to NASA Mission
SpaceX said it wants to give its teams flexibility and focus on the upcoming launch of NASA’s Psyche spacecraft on a Falcon Heavy rocket. That mission is targeting liftoff at 10:16 a.m. EDT on Thursday from Kennedy Space Center’s pad 39A.
The Psyche spacecraft will embark on a journey to the metallic asteroid Psyche, which orbits the sun in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. After arriving in 2029, the probe will study and map the asteroid for over two years to learn about its properties and origins. Additionally, you can also read about- Astronomers Spot Mysterious Dark Spot on Neptune
SpaceX Still Targeting Starlink Launch This Week
While postponing Monday’s backup launch attempt, SpaceX said it is still targeting a Starlink mission sometime this week. The company has not yet announced a new target date or time for the Starlink launch.
The mission, dubbed Starlink 6-22, will fly on a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. It will deploy 22 new satellites to expand SpaceX’s growing constellation of internet satellites in low Earth orbit.
This will be the 14th flight for the Falcon 9 first stage booster, which will land on a drone ship at sea around 8 minutes after liftoff. Meanwhile, the Starlink satellites will deploy into orbit to provide broadband internet coverage around the world. If you want you can also read – The Moon is Open for Business, and Entrepreneurs are Ready to Profit
SpaceX Scrubs Starlink Launch at Last Second
Originally, the Starlink mission was poised for liftoff at 11:38 p.m. EDT on Sunday from Launch Complex 40. But the countdown was halted at T-minus 23 seconds due to high winds. After standing down Sunday night, SpaceX initially targeted a second launch attempt on Monday at 8:42 p.m. before postponing again.
This marks the latest in a series of Starlink launches over the last few years as SpaceX builds out its satellite megaconstellation. When completed, it could provide high-speed internet connectivity across the globe, especially benefiting remote and rural areas. You May Find Interest- NASA Invests in Astronaut Health for Long Missions
