SpaceX is set to launch its latest Falcon 9 mission on Sunday at midnight, adding more satellites to its growing mega-constellation. The Starlink 12-5 mission will deploy 23 Starlink V2 Mini satellites, including 13 with Direct to Cell capabilities.
These mini satellites are designed to provide internet connectivity in remote areas, using direct cell phone connections. This will enable unmodified cellphones to access the internet without any modifications.
According to a forecast by the 45th Weather Squadron, there is a greater than 95 percent chance of good weather at liftoff. The Falcon 9 first stage booster has previously launched as a side booster on another mission and will now launch for a second time.
The successful landing of this booster on the SpaceX droneship “A Shortfall of Gravitas” would mark the 89th booster landing on ASOG and the 381st to date. This milestone is part of SpaceX’s efforts to improve its reusable technology.
SpaceX has already launched 362 DTC Starlink satellites, completing its first orbital shell for this part of the constellation. The company announced that these launches have enabled unmodified cellphones to access the internet in remote areas.
Source: https://spaceflightnow.com/2024/12/07/live-coverage-spacex-to-launch-23-starlink-satellites-on-falcon-9-rocket-from-cape-canaveral-6