SpaceX’s Starlink constellation is expanding tonight: The company is sending its third group of 60 internet-beaming satellites into orbit and you can watch the takeoff online.
Liftoff is scheduled for 9:19 p.m. ET from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. According to the 45th Space Wing, weather conditions are predicted to be favorable for the launch window. SpaceX will start a livestream of the Starlink mission at approximately 9:04 p.m. ET on its YouTube channel.
Tonight’s mission focuses on a different initiative, which reportedly will address the astronomy community’s concerns over the constellation in space. One of the satellites going for the ride will have a coated material that will darken its appearance, The Verge reported. With this concealing strategy, astronomers may worry less about the satellite chain blocking their views of the solar system.
All systems and weather are go ahead of today’s launch of 60 Starlink satellites; webcast will begin at ~9:05 p.m. EST → https://t.co/gtC39uTdw9 pic.twitter.com/fDkXPFh25O
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) January 6, 2020
The launch will bring the constellation’s satellite count to 180, making SpaceX the world’s largest private satellite operator, ArsTechnica noted. SpaceX’s constellation was built to bring better internet to remote areas of the world, with service likely to start sometime this year.
More on Geek.com:
- Watch: SpaceX Launches Second Group of Starlink Satellites
- SpaceX to Send Cannabis, Coffee to Outer Space
- SpaceX Wants to Expand Its Starlink Constellation Network
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