SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 from LC-39A at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on May 18, 2022, at 6:59 a.m. EDT. This launch will carry a new batch of 53 Starlink satellites to a 53.2° inclination orbit.
Launch Overview
Launch Date: May 18, 2022, 6:59 a.m. EDT
Payload: 53 Starlink Satellites
Rocket: SpaceX Falcon 9 (B1052-5)
Launch Pad: LC-39A, Kennedy Space Center, Florida
Destination: Low Earth Orbit
Landing Site: A Shortfall Of Gravitas, Atlantic Ocean
The Mission
SpaceX is set to launch a new batch of 53 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 154 times with a 98% success rate, making it a highly trusted vehicle among the commercial, scientific, and defense sectors.
The Booster
B1052-5 will be launching the Starlink Group 4-15 mission. This will be the fifth flight of this booster.
B1052 Flight Log
- Arabsat-6A (Falcon Heavy Side Booster)
- STP-2 (Falcon Heavy Side Booster)
- CSG-2
- Starlink Group 4-10
The Weather
May 18, 2022
- 80% GO
- Primary Concern(s):
- Cumulus Clouds
- Anvil Clouds
- Risk(s):
- All Risks Low
24-hour Delay
- 90% GO
- Primary Concern(s):
- Cumulus Clouds
- Risk(s):
- All Risks Low
Last Updated: May 16, 8:50 p.m. EDT
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 Group 4-18 – Jared Locke for SpaceExplored.com
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