Overview of the Launch

Get ready for an exhilarating night as SpaceX gears up to launch its last mission of the year! This monumental event features a Falcon 9 rocket, which will carry 21 Starlink broadband internet satellites, including 13 equipped with cutting-edge direct-to-cell technology.

The launch is scheduled for Monday, December 30, from the iconic Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, with a 3.5-hour launch window opening at midnight EST (0500 GMT).

How to Watch

You can catch the live webcast of this spectacular launch, which will kick off about five minutes before liftoff. Tune in via SpaceX’s official website or through their social media platform, X, to experience the excitement as it unfolds.

Significance of the Mission

This mission marks a significant milestone for SpaceX, being the 134th Falcon flight in 2024—an impressive increase of 38 missions compared to the previous year! Of these launches, a remarkable 89 were dedicated to expanding the Starlink global network, showcasing the company’s relentless push to enhance internet connectivity around the world.

Remarkably, this launch will be SpaceX's third Falcon 9 mission in just three days, following a successful Starlink launch out of California and a four-satellite mission for Astranis from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

Booster Recovery

If everything goes according to plan, fans of space exploration will see the Falcon 9 first stage booster return approximately eight minutes after liftoff, landing gracefully on the droneship "Just Read the Instructions," stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.

The First Stage Booster

Meanwhile, the Falcon 9's upper stage will carry its payload of 21 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit for deployment, bolstering SpaceX's goal of providing high-speed internet access globally.

This particular first stage booster has an impressive history, having completed 15 previous flights, including significant missions like Crew-6 and various Starlink operations.

Conclusion

As we approach the final launch of 2024, it’s an excellent opportunity for space enthusiasts and the general public alike to witness SpaceX’s cutting-edge technology and dedication to innovation. Don't miss out on this exciting moment in space history!