SpaceX launches 60 Starlink satellites tomorrow: Here’s how to watch

SpaceX will launch its next batch of 60 satellites on Monday as part of its Starlink program, which aims to build a low-cost, global satellite-based broadband network. The satellites will be launched on a Falcon 9 from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

The launch was originally scheduled for Sunday, February 16, at 7:35 a.m. PT, but it was delayed due to an issue with a second stage valve component. SpaceX chose to delay the launch to check on the component, and reschedule for tomorrow. It is expected for the launch to go ahead 24 hours after the originally planned time.

Standing down from tomorrow’s Starlink launch; team is taking a closer look at a second stage valve component. Now targeting Monday, February 17.

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) February 15, 2020

Watch the launch live

If you’d like to see the launch as it happens, you’ll be able to tune into a livestream via SpaceX’s webcast. The webcast is scheduled to begin around 15 minutes before the launch, so it should be available from around 7:10 a.m. PT on Monday, February 17.

Why Starlink is controversial among astronomers

Not everyone is delighted by the prospect of another Starlink launch — not even if it eventually provides internet access to under-served areas. Astronomers have been expressing concern about the impact of satellite launches on astronomical observations since the first Starlink launch.

Starlink satellites are of a type called a constellation, in which multiple satellites are launched together to form a network. These types of launches are particularly problematic for astronomers are they leave multiple trails of bright light across the sky during launch, disrupting observations.

Around 19 Starlink satellites were imaged shortly after launch in November 2019 by DECam on the Blanco 4-meter telescope at the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory (CTIO) by astronomers Clara Martínez-Vázquez and Cliff Johnson. The gaps in the satellite tracks are due to the gaps between the DECam CCD chips. NSF’s National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory/CTIO/AURA/DELVE

This week, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) put out a report expressing concern over “the negative impact that the planned mega-constellations of communication satellites may have on astronomical observations and on the pristine appearance of the night sky when observed from a dark region.”

In response to concerns, SpaceX has announced it will be testing a special coating for its satellites which makes them less shiny. This should reduce the impact they have on observations during the days after the launch.

But even if the coating is successful in reducing reflectivity, the IAU says the satellites could still cause problems: “The appearance of the pristine night sky, particularly when observed from dark sites, will nevertheless be altered, because the new satellites could be significantly brighter than existing orbiting man-made objects.”

Related posts

Latest posts

Samsung Galaxy S25 vs. iPhone 16

Samsung's Galaxy S25 has arrived with a new suite of AI features to take on Apple's latest iPhone 16. Which one is right for you?

Apple’s best M4 Macs are deeply discounted – here’s why now is the best time to buy

Apple has just discounted a large range of Macs on its refurbished store, including two M4 models that are some of the best Macs you can buy right now.

A tiny antenna made on denim will put 5G in your clothes

Researchers have developed a tiny, flexible antenna with 5G and Wi-Fi connectivity that's designed for use in clothes.

Apple gets relief for an AI ache. It could fix Apple Intelligence for everyone

Apple has inked a deal with Alibaba to offer AI tricks in China. This partnership could probably fix Apple Intelligence woes for the rest of the world, too.

I tested the Galaxy S25 Plus and iPhone 16 Pro cameras, this one wins

Smartphones have been getting bigger for years, but as they’ve done so, a new realm of smaller phones has launched to cater to those who want something more pocket-friendly. By small, I don’t mean Mini — although I’d love Mini phones to make a comeback — but rather, more friendly when using them with one […]

Musk won’t chase OpenAI with his billions as long as it stays non-profit

A court filing on behalf of Musk claims the billionaire will withdraw his $97.4 billion bid aimed at OpenAI if the company remains a non-profit.

Intel Panther Lake: Everything we know so far

Intel's Panther Lake mobile processors are coming this year. Here's what we know about them so far.

Smaller Dynamic Island rumored for this iPhone

Another leak mentions a change to Dynamic Island on this year's iPhone 17 lineup. Here's what the rumor says.

One UI 7’s slickest AI features might skip Galaxy S24 and older flagships, Samsung hints

Samsung's latest AI personalization features, including Now Brief, may be exclusive to the Galaxy S25 and newer flagships.

Dell just slashed the price of the XPS 14 and XPS Desktop

Whether you need a desktop PC or a laptop, you wouldn't want to miss the discounts that Dell is offering for the Dell XPS Desktop 8960 and the Dell XPS 14 9440.