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Launch Spotlight: Starlink Group 4-12 – SpaceX launches new batch of Starlink satellites

SpaceX is set to launch a Falcon 9 from SLC-40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on March 19, 2022, at 12:42 a.m. EDT. This launch will carry a new batch of 53 Starlink satellites to a 53.2° inclination orbit.

Launch Overview

Launch Date: March 19, 2022, 12:42 a.m. EDT

Payload: 53 Starlink Satellites

Rocket: SpaceX Falcon 9 (B1051-12)

Launch Pad: SLC-40, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida

Destination: Low Earth Orbit

Landing Site: Just Read The Instruction, Atlantic Ocean


The Mission

SpaceX will launch a new batch of Starlink satellites to orbit. These satellites are a part of the fourth shell of satellites. This launch will fly into a 53.2° inclination orbit out of Florida.


What is the Falcon 9?

SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket is the workhorse of commercial launches into Earth orbit. Nine Merlin engines power the partially reusable rocket on the first stage and a single vacuum optimized Merlin on the second stage. The Falcon 9 has launched a total of 144 times with a 98% success rate, making it a highly trusted vehicle among the commercial, scientific, and defense sectors.


The Booster

B1051-12 is set to launch the Starlink Group 4-12 mission. This will be the first 12th flight of a booster.

B1051 Flight Log

  • SpaceX Crew Demonstration Mission 1
  • RADARSAT Constellation Mission
  • Starlink v1.0 L-3
  • Starlink v1.0 L-6
  • Starlink v1.0 L-9
  • Starlink v1.0 L-13
  • SXM-7
  • Starlink v1.0 L-16
  • Starlink v1.0 L-21
  • Starlink v1.0 L-27
  • Starlink Group 4-4

The Weather

March 18, 2022

  • 70% GO
  • Primary Concern(s):
    • Cumulus Clouds
  • Risk(s):
    • All Risks Low

24-hour Delay

  • 70% GO
  • Primary Concern(s):
    • Cumulus Clouds
  • Risk(s):
    • Booster Recovery Weather – Moderate to High

Last Updated: Mar. 18, 4:10 p.m. EDT

Read the full forecast here


Where to watch?

You can find coverage of Wednesday’s launch on SpaceX’s YouTube channel. The live stream will usually go live about 15 minutes before liftoff and will offer the best views of the launch.

Featured Image: Starlink Mission 27 – Jared Locke for SpaceExplored.com

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Author

Avatar for Jared Locke Jared Locke

Jared is a Photographer and Writer for Space Explored based out of Orlando, FL


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