SpaceX to launch 22 Starlink satellites to low-Earth on February 22, 2024

SpaceX has scheduled a Falcon 9 rocket launch for Thursday, February 22, 2024, to deploy 22 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit.

The space rocket maker increasing its in-orbit satellites to grow internet speed and coverage around the globe. Yesterday, Falcon 9 flew for the 300th time and sent Indonesia’s Telekomsat Merah Putih 2 satellite into orbit.

The new mission will liftoff from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

The first launch window will open at 8:11 p.m. PT with a backup opportunity available around 11:44 p.m. This launch could be pushed to the next day on Friday, February 23 starting at 7:50 p.m. PT.

Weather:

Based on the data from AccuWeather, the weather will be clear on both 22 and 23 of February but there may be some clouds in the night. However, there are no signs of coastal winds.

First Stage:

The booster rocket is completing its 19th flight with this mission. It previously launched Crew-1, Crew-2, SXM-8, CRS-23, IXPE, Transporter-4, Transporter-5, Globalstar FM15, ISI EROS C-3, Korea 425, and 8 Starlink missions.

The first stage uses 9 Merlin engines and aluminum-lithium alloy tanks containing liquid oxygen and rocket-grade kerosene (RP-1) propellant. During the liftoff, Falcon 9 generates more than 1.7 million pounds of thrust at sea level.

Key Milestones:

The flight will achieve Max Q at 1:12 minutes, stage separation will be called at 2:29 minutes, second stage engine start at 2:30 minutes, fairing deployment at 3:05 minutes, 1stage landing at 8:23 minutes, and satellite deployment at 1:02 hour.

A live stream of the mission will start before 15-20 minutes of the launch.

(source – SpaceX)