SpaceX is targeting a 6:11 a.m. launch Wednesday from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s Launch Complex 40 for its Starlink 10-43 mission. The Falcon 9 rocket will carry 29 satellites into low-Earth orbit, but the Space Force’s 45th Weather Squadron has issued a 30% chance of favorable conditions due to cumulus clouds, thick cloud layers and surface electric fields. The launch window extends until 8:02 a.m. if delays occur.
Meteorologists warn that offshore recovery weather for the rocket’s booster landing on a SpaceX drone ship is also a concern, with a moderate-to-high chance of poor conditions. The rocket will ascend northeast before deploying its payload. SpaceX crews are preparing for the mission, which is part of the company’s ongoing effort to expand global broadband coverage through the Starlink constellation.
The 45th Weather Squadron’s forecast highlights the complexity of launching during early morning hours, when atmospheric conditions can shift rapidly. Cumulus clouds and electric fields near the launch site may delay or scrub the mission if they persist. SpaceX has not yet announced any changes to its timeline but will monitor weather updates closely.
The public can follow the launch via SpaceX’s live webcast, which begins about five minutes before liftoff. Updates will be posted on Florida Today’s website starting 90 minutes before the launch window opens. For more space news, readers can sign up for the 321 Launch newsletter or visit floridatoday.com/space.
This mission marks another step in SpaceX’s frequent Starlink deployments from Brevard County. The company has conducted over 100 such launches since 2020, with most occurring from Cape Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center. The next launch is expected to depend on weather conditions and any potential technical checks.