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SpaceX achieved success once again as the Falcon 9 rocket launched 21 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 4E (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. This was the 15th flight for the first stage booster, which has previously supported missions such as Crew-1, Crew-2, SXM-8, CRS-23, IXPE, Transporter-4, Transporter-5, Globalstar FM15, ISI EROS C-3, and five other Starlink missions. Following stage separation, the first stage successfully landed on the Of Course I Still Love You droneship stationed in the Pacific Ocean.

In addition to the successful launch, SpaceX is also preparing for another Falcon 9 launch at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. This launch, scheduled for Tuesday, August 22, will carry another batch of Starlink internet satellites. If everything goes according to schedule, it will be the 43rd launch on the Space Coast this year. The launch window for this mission is from 8:47 p.m. EDT to 12:46 a.m. EDT, with backup opportunities available 24 hours later on Wednesday, August 23.

Weather conditions for the upcoming launch are expected to be favorable, with a 85% “go” forecast for Tuesday night. Only a slight chance of cumulus clouds was listed as a potential concern. These conditions are projected to be similar for the backup day, with a 75% chance of favorable conditions.

Due to the effects of Hurricane Hilary in the Pacific Ocean, the original launch date was rescheduled to Tuesday, August 22 at 1:36 a.m. PT. Additional launch opportunities are available at 2:26 a.m. PT and 2:37 a.m. PT. Four backup opportunities are also currently available starting on Tuesday, August 22 at 10:45 p.m. PT until 2:05 a.m. PT on August 23.

SpaceX’s recovery operations for the first stage booster were impacted by Hurricane Hilary, causing delays in the launch schedule. The first stage booster is usually recovered by a barge in an area of the eastern Pacific, which was in the path of the hurricane. However, SpaceX is determined to proceed with the launch once weather conditions improve.

Overall, the successful launch of the Falcon 9 rocket and the upcoming Starlink mission from Cape Canaveral demonstrate SpaceX’s commitment to advancing space technology and expanding global internet connectivity.

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