How to watch SpaceX's Starlink satellite launch (Update: Third attempt)

SpaceX is making history again.
 By 
Stan Schroeder
 on 
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

SpaceX will launch 60 Starlink satellites into orbit on Wednesday, the first step in the company's plan to build a global satellite internet network.

SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket, launching from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC40) at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, will carry the satellites.

The first launch window is from a 10:30 p.m. ET Wednesday until 12:00 a.m. Thursday. Failing that, a second launch window opens at 10:30 p.m. ET Thursday and closes at 12:00 a.m. ET Friday.

UPDATE: May 17, 2019, 11:36 a.m. AEST SpaceX has aborted the launch for the second time in two days. The company's tweet said it would update the satellite's software and triple-check everything again. It will try again next week.

The livestream of the mission will start about 15 minutes before liftoff, and you can watch it below.

According to SpaceX, the Starlink satellites will be deployed approximately one hour and two minutes after liftoff, at an altitude of 440km, after which they will use onboard propulsion to reach an operational altitude of 550km.

After stage separation, SpaceX will once again attempt to land Falcon 9's first stage on a droneship in the Atlantic Ocean.

In a press kit document, SpaceX also shared some new details about the Starlink satellites. They have a flat-panel design with a single solar array and multiple high-throughput antennas, and weigh approximately 227kg each. They're equipped with krypton-powered Hall thrusters, a Startracker navigation system, and they can automatically avoid collision with debris. Once they've done all they can do, 95 percent of components will burn in Earth's atmosphere, which SpaceX says exceeds all current safety standards.

According to SpaceX, this mission pushes the limits of what the Starlink satellites can do, and that it expects to encounter issues on the way.

"Our learnings here are key to developing an affordable and reliable broadband service in the future," the company said.

Topics SpaceX

Stan Schroeder
Stan Schroeder
Senior Editor

Stan is a Senior Editor at Mashable, where he has worked since 2007. He's got more battery-powered gadgets and band t-shirts than you. He writes about the next groundbreaking thing. Typically, this is a phone, a coin, or a car. His ultimate goal is to know something about everything.

Mashable Potato

Recommended For You
The Starlink Mini is down to under $200 at Best Buy — stay connected at all times
A lifestyle image of the Mini Kit AC Dual Band Wi-Fi System sitting on the grass.


Elon Musk’s SpaceX acquires Elon Musk's xAI, including social media platform X
SpaceX, xAI, and Grok logos

NASA aims for March Artemis 2 launch after test ends early
NASA shifting Artemis 2 launch to March following troublesome wet dress rehearsal

Watch NASA's SpaceX Crew-11 splash down off Californian coast
NASA's SpaceX Crew-11 take a ride home in a Dragon capsule.

More in Science
California just launched the country's largest public broadband network
Newsom stands behind a teen on a computer. A group of people cheer and clap behind them.

The Shark FlexStyle is our favorite Dyson Airwrap dupe, and it's $160 off at Amazon right now
The Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System against a colorful background.

Amazon's sister site is having a one-day sale, and this Bissell TurboClean deal is too good to skip
A woman using the Bissell TurboClean Cordless Hard Floor Cleaner Mop and Lightweight Wet/Dry Vacuum.

The best smartwatch you've never heard of is on sale for less than $50
Nothing CMF Watch 3 Pro in light green with blue and green abstract background

Reddit r/all takes another step into the grave
Reddit logo on phone screen

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 3, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 3, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

Google launches Gemma 4, a new open-source model: How to try it
Google Gemma

NYT Strands hints, answers for April 3, 2026
A game being played on a smartphone.

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 4, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!