SpaceX Rocket Launch From Florida Set For March 9

CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida – The launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying 40 OneWeb satellites is targeted to liftoff at 2:13 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on Thursday, March 9, 2023, from Space Launch Complex 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

If needed, there is a backup opportunity available on Friday, March 10 at 2:08 p.m. ET

Launch Weather 95% ‘GO’

According to the latest forecast from the U.S. Space Force 45th Weather Squadron, there is a 95% chance of favorable weather for launch.

The primary weather concern is cumulus clouds.

Attempted Ground Landing, Sonic Boom

After first stage separation, SpaceX will attempt to land the first stage of the Falcon 9 rocket on land at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s Landing Zone 1.

Residents of the communities of Cape Canaveral, Cocoa, Cocoa Beach, Merritt Island, Mims, Port Canaveral, Port St. John, Rockledge, Scottsmoor, Sharpes, and Titusville, Florida, are most likely to hear a sonic boom, although what Brevard County residents experience will depend on weather conditions and other factors.

Watch SpaceX Rocket Launch Live On YouTube

OneWeb Payload

This is the penultimate mission for OneWeb, whose next flight will complete the global footprint of OneWeb’s constellation. Launch 17 will add another 40 satellites to OneWeb’s first-generation constellation, bringing the total number of satellites in orbit to 582.

This milestone mission marks OneWeb’s third time launching from Florida, where its satellites are also produced by OneWeb Satellites – a joint venture between OneWeb and Airbus.

The launch will enable the company to continue expanding services around the world as it grows its fleet and seeks to initiate services for more partners around the world, providing internet connectivity to unserved and underserved rural and remote communities and businesses.