SpaceX Delays Launch of 60 Starlink Satellites Again, This Time for Software Checks

News
By Mike Wall
published

The scrub is the second in as many days.

SpaceX's first 60 Starlink internet satellites sit atop their used Falcon 9 rocket on May 16, 2019 awaiting launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.
SpaceX's first 60 Starlink internet satellites sit atop their used Falcon 9 rocket on May 16, 2019 awaiting launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. (Image credit: SpaceX)

The first big batch of SpaceX internet satellites will have to wait at least another week to get aloft.

Elon Musk's company scrubbed the launch of 60 Starlink spacecraft tonight (May 16) about two hours before their planned 10:30 p.m. EDT (0230 GMT on May 17) liftoff, citing a desire to update software and perform some more checks.

"Standing down to update satellite software and triple-check everything again. Always want to do everything we can on the ground to maximize mission success, next launch opportunity in about a week," SpaceX representatives said via Twittter. 

Tonight's scrub was the second in as many days. SpaceX also called off an attempt last night (May 15) because of strong high-altitude winds.

Starlink is designed to provide affordable internet access to people around the world. The first five dozen spacecraft won't be nearly enough to do this; SpaceX will need about 400 satellites to provide minimal coverage and about 800 for moderate coverage, Musk has said. 

The megaconstellation is a key part of SpaceX's Mars-colonization plans. Revenue generated by the network will help the company develop and fly its next-generation Super Heavy rocket and 100-passenger Starship spaceship, Musk has said. 

Other internet-satellite megaconstellations are on the horizon as well. For example, both OneWeb and Amazon plan to launch hundreds of satellites of their own in the near future.

SpaceX has launched Starlink satellites before. In February 2018, the company lofted two prototypes on a test mission that seems to have gone well. The next 60 are operational spacecraft that will be part of the constellation.

Mike Wall's book about the search for alien life, "Out There" (Grand Central Publishing, 2018; illustrated by Karl Tate), is out now. Follow him on Twitter @michaeldwall. Follow us on Twitter @Spacedotcom or Facebook. 

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Mike Wall
Mike Wall
Senior Space Writer

Michael Wall is a Senior Space Writer with Space.com and joined the team in 2010. He primarily covers exoplanets, spaceflight and military space, but has been known to dabble in the space art beat. His book about the search for alien life, "Out There," was published on Nov. 13, 2018. Before becoming a science writer, Michael worked as a herpetologist and wildlife biologist. He has a Ph.D. in evolutionary biology from the University of Sydney, Australia, a bachelor's degree from the University of Arizona, and a graduate certificate in science writing from the University of California, Santa Cruz. To find out what his latest project is, you can follow Michael on Twitter.