Abdelrahman
SpaceX is poised to make history with its latest launch of Starlink internet satellites today (February 18).
A Falcon 9 rocket is scheduled to deploy 23 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, with a launch window that opens at 6:15 PM EST (2315 GMT) and lasts for nearly 3.5 hours.
Approximately eight minutes after the rocket lifts off, its first stage will return to Earth, slated to land on a drone ship positioned in the Atlantic Ocean near The Bahamas. SpaceX has typically stationed its drone ships offshore but has recently forged a partnership with The Bahamas, expanding its operational capabilities.
“Our new collaboration with The Bahamas will allow the Falcon 9 to embark on new orbital paths,” SpaceX announced via X on February 7.
This launch marks the 16th flight for this particular Falcon 9 booster, as detailed in the company’s mission overview. Out of its 15 previous missions, nine have been dedicated to transporting Starlink satellites.
You can catch the launch live through SpaceX’s X feed; coverage is set to start roughly 15 minutes prior to the launch.
Related: How to view and track the Starlink satellite train in the night sky
In 2025, SpaceX has conducted 20 Falcon 9 launches so far, with 14 of them being Starlink missions. Additionally, the company executed a test flight of its massive Starship megarocket earlier this year on January 16, marking its seventh overall flight, as development continues.
The most recent Falcon 9 mission, which took place on February 15, set a new reusability benchmark as it was the 26th flight of that rocket’s first stage.
