SpaceX and United Launch Alliance are targeting a rare two-rocket launch day from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Friday, May 29, pending weather conditions. SpaceX plans to send Starlink satellites into orbit at 7:52 a.m. from Launch Complex 40, with a backup window until 11:52 a.m. ULA will follow less than 12 hours later, aiming to launch Amazon’s Project Kuiper satellites aboard an Atlas V rocket from Launch Complex 41 no earlier than 7:33 p.m. The missions mark the first time both companies will launch from Florida on the same day since 2021.
The SpaceX mission, designated Starlink 10-53, will carry over 50 satellites to low Earth orbit, continuing the company’s efforts to expand global broadband coverage. The Falcon 9 rocket will travel northeast after liftoff, a trajectory that avoids populated areas. ULA’s Atlas V will carry 136 satellites for Amazon’s competing internet service, which has faced delays since its 2022 launch. Forecasters predict scattered thunderstorms may reduce launch chances, with ULA reporting only a 25% favorable weather outlook for its window.
Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket is also in the news, though its next launch is slated for June 4 after an upper stage anomaly during its third flight prompted a Federal Aviation Administration investigation. The FAA cleared the rocket for flight following a review, but the company has not confirmed a payload for the mission.
Launch watchers say the Friday doubleheader could test Florida’s ability to handle back-to-back missions, a capability critical as commercial space activity grows. Both SpaceX and ULA have faced delays this year, with SpaceX’s last Starlink launch from Florida occurring in March and ULA’s last mission in April. If both rockets lift off as planned, the day will highlight the intensifying race to deploy broadband satellites from the East Coast.