SpaceX is set to launch 29 Starlink satellites on a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, marking another double launch day for the company. This mission, known as Starlink 10-40, will add 29 broadband internet satellites to low Earth orbit, bringing the total number of SpaceX satellites launched in 2026 to 600. The launch is scheduled for 1:58 a.m. EST (0658 UTC) from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, with a north-easterly trajectory. Spaceflight Now will provide live coverage, starting an hour before liftoff.
The 45th Weather Squadron predicts a 90% chance of favorable weather, but there's a small chance of interference from cumulus clouds. The focus will shift to the booster recovery weather as the mission progresses. SpaceX will utilize the Falcon 9 first stage booster with the tail number 1080, which will be on its 25th flight. This booster has a notable history, having previously launched missions for Axiom Space, Northrop Grumman, and NASA.
After liftoff, B1080 will aim for a landing on the drone ship 'A Shortfall of Gravitas' in the Atlantic Ocean off South Carolina. If successful, this will be the 145th landing on this vessel and the 581st booster landing for SpaceX. This mission highlights SpaceX's ongoing efforts to expand its satellite network and provide global broadband internet coverage.
