SpaceX is aiming for a 6:35 a.m. launch on March 19 from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The Falcon 9 rocket will carry Starlink internet satellites to orbit. Weather conditions are a key factor, with the 45th Weather Squadron forecasting a 60 to 75% chance of favorable conditions during the launch window. A cold front moving through Florida may leave lingering clouds, but SpaceX has until 10:35 a.m. to attempt liftoff if needed.
The rocket will travel northeast after liftoff, increasing the likelihood of visibility for residents north of the Cape if clouds break. The mission is part of SpaceX's ongoing effort to expand global broadband coverage through its Starlink constellation. The Falcon 9's first stage will land on the A Shortfall of Gravitas drone ship in the Atlantic Ocean about 8.5 minutes after launch, avoiding sonic booms over Brevard County.
This launch follows a series of recent Starlink missions from the same site. The 45th Weather Squadron will continue monitoring conditions, though delays are possible if weather worsens. SpaceX has not announced any changes to the mission timeline or payload details. The launch window remains open until 10:35 a.m. on March 19.
Residents in the area are advised to check for updates from SpaceX and the weather squadron. The launch will be visible to those with clear views of the northeast sky, though cloud cover could limit visibility. No public viewing events are planned for this mission, as is typical for Starlink launches. The rocket's trajectory and landing site have been consistent with previous missions from the complex.
Brooke Edwards, a Space Reporter for Florida Today, covers the mission. She can be reached at [email protected] or on X: @brookeofstars. The launch is the latest in SpaceX's efforts to maintain a steady pace of missions from Florida's Space Coast.