Another batch of Starlink internet satellites is set for liftoff this week. SpaceX says that the launch will occur from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
Space to Release 48 Starlink Satellites into Space
People look at the launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying 21 second-generation Starlink satellites from Space Launch Complex 40 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, in Cocoa Beach, Florida, on February 27, 2023
According to Space.com's report, viewers can witness the livestream of SpaceX on July 7 five minutes before 48 Starlink satellites fly into the atmosphere.
The exact time for the launch is fixed at 3:29 PM EDT/12:29 PM local time/19:29 GMT.
Less than three hours from now, you can watch the live liftoff of the Falcon 9 rocket through this link on YouTube.
If SpaceX's plans go smoothly, the first stage of the Falcon 9 rocket will perform a vertical landing on the "Of Course I Still Love You" droneship.
The company estimates that this will likely occur after the liftoff, around eight minutes and 50 seconds. The particular booster has an impressive track record, as it will mark its 12th launch and landing, according to SpaceX.
The upper stage of the Falcon 9 rocket will continue its journey, delivering the Starlink satellites to low Earth orbit (LEO). Approximately 19 minutes after liftoff, all 48 satellites are scheduled to be deployed.
At the time, satellite tracker Jonathan McDowell noted that SpaceX had already released 4,700 Starlink internet satellites. Out of this number, nearly 4,400 are operational.
The spacecraft manufacturing giant expects to launch new batches in the future. SpaceX already deployed 12,000 internet satellites in LEO. Furthermore, it wants to include an additional 30,000 in the current count.
Related Article: SpaceX Marks 42nd Launch of the Year for Starlink Satellites
Experts Think Starlink Satellites Have Downsides
While the Starlink mega constellation has enabled global internet coverage, it has faced criticism from astronomers concerned about its impact on observations. The large number of satellites has created challenges for astronomical research.
Internet satellites also become a subject of debate among experts who think about their long-term effects. With the skyrocketing number of orbiting bodies in space, collisions will frequently happen.
25,000 of the Starlink satellites performed collision-avoidance maneuvers in half a year. As more deployments are expected, the incident will bring more numbers to the increasing record.
Taiwan Needs Starlink Amid China Invasion
In another story by Fortune, Taiwan might feel the need to ask for help for SpaceX since an internet blackout might happen if China pushes its invasion.
The publication notes that the smaller country, being an easy target for China, should maintain its communication across the island amid the tension.
To address this, Taiwan might need Elon Musk. However, the country has distrusted the SpaceX CEO since he has strong ties with Beijing.
Since this is a huge deal for Taiwan, we never know if the agreement will be settled with Musk. If it changes its ownership policies, it might potentially meet the ultimatum.
Read Also: SpaceX Dragon Surpasses the Space Shuttle for Most Time Spent in Space in Visits to the ISS
