SpaceX's Latest Launch Update: 23 Starlink Satellites Aborted

Space Exploration Technologies Corp. , known as SpaceX , recently encountered an unexpected setback when the launch of 23 Starlink broadband satellites was aborted during the final minute of the countdown . The Falcon 9 rocket , carrying the 23 Starlink spacecraft , was set to take off from NASA 's Kennedy Space Center in Florida . Despite a 3.5 - hour window that opened at 7:21 a.m. EDT , the attempt was pushed to the end of the window and ultimately called off with just 46 seconds left in the countdown . However , SpaceX assured that the rocket was in good health and ready for another launch attempt the following day.

The failed launch , if successful , would have marked the 17th launch and landing for the booster that was used . The first stage of the Falcon 9 would have returned to Earth about eight minutes after liftoff , landing on the droneship A Shortfall of Gravitas in the Atlantic Ocean . The upper stage of the rocket was intended to deploy the 23 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit approximately 64 minutes after launch , further expanding SpaceX 's Starlink constellation.

The aborted launch was part of a busy weekend for SpaceX , with a separate launch of 21 Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station the day prior . Another Falcon 9 was scheduled to lift off from California 's Vandenberg Space Force Base carrying two satellites as part of the Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission . The mission aims to provide coverage in the Arctic for the U.S. Space Force and Space Norway.

Following the launch scrub , SpaceX announced that the next launch attempt for the Starlink mission would take place on Monday , August 12 . The Falcon 9 flight was the second of three planned launches over the weekend . The spaceflight company did not specify the reason for the scrub but confirmed that both the vehicle and payload were in good condition , setting the stage for a successful launch the following day . Additionally , SpaceX shared that the planned launch of Space Norway 's Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission satellite was still on track for Sunday night from California.

As the space exploration industry continues to evolve , SpaceX remains at the forefront of innovation , pushing the boundaries of what is possible in space launch technology . With multiple launches and missions planned in the near future , the company 's determination to expand its reach and capabilities in space is evident , setting the stage for exciting developments in the field of space exploration.