SpaceX is preparing to launch its Falcon 9 rocket from Florida’s Space Coast early Wednesday morning. The mission, known as Starlink 10-22, is scheduled for liftoff at 7:56 a.m. EDT (1156 UTC) from pad 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
This flight will mark SpaceX’s 110th Falcon 9 launch of the year, highlighting the company’s rapid launch pace. The rocket will carry 28 Starlink V2 Mini satellites, which are part of SpaceX’s growing satellite network. Deployment of the satellites is expected a little over an hour after liftoff. This mission will be SpaceX’s 79th Starlink deployment in 2025.
Weather conditions are currently favorable for the launch. The 45th Weather Squadron reported a 70 percent chance of good weather for liftoff, with some concerns over cumulus clouds that may affect the flight. Meteorologists noted isolated morning showers over the Gulf Stream could appear during both the primary and backup launch windows.
The Falcon 9 booster for this mission, designated B1083, will be flying for the 14th time. It has previously supported notable missions such as NASA’s Crew-8 flight, the Polaris Dawn mission, and Intuitive Machines’ second lunar lander. SpaceX plans to recover the booster on its drone ship, A Shortfall of Gravitas, approximately 8.5 minutes after launch. If successful, this will be the booster’s 123rd landing on the vessel and the 499th booster landing in SpaceX history.
The Starlink satellites being launched are designed to expand SpaceX’s global internet network. The V2 Mini satellites are smaller than earlier versions but capable of delivering high-speed connectivity worldwide. SpaceX aims to provide consistent internet coverage to remote areas and underserved regions, further solidifying its satellite network as one of the largest in the world.
This launch continues a busy year for SpaceX, which has consistently exceeded the pace of previous years. The company has leveraged reusable rockets, rapid manufacturing, and streamlined launch operations to support an ambitious schedule of both commercial and government missions. Each Falcon 9 launch and booster recovery brings SpaceX closer to its goal of frequent, cost-effective spaceflight.
Live coverage of the launch will begin about an hour before liftoff. Observers from the Space Coast and around the globe can watch as the Falcon 9 rises over the Atlantic, carrying its payload into orbit. SpaceX’s ability to recover boosters quickly after launch is a key part of its strategy to lower costs and maintain high launch frequency.
With the continued deployment of Starlink satellites, SpaceX is strengthening its position in both commercial satellite internet and global communications. The company’s megaconstellation already provides internet services to thousands of users worldwide, and the new satellites will help improve speed, reliability, and coverage. Each mission also contributes valuable data for optimizing satellite performance and orbital operations.
As SpaceX moves forward, this launch underscores the company’s commitment to reusable rocketry, satellite expansion, and rapid innovation in space technology. Falcon 9 missions have become a regular feature of the global spaceflight calendar, and Starlink 10-22 will add another milestone to SpaceX’s impressive record.
