Success in launching SpaceX’s Starlink Group 12-3 small satellites, which includes 13 Direct to Cell units.
SpaceX Starlink Group 12-3 smallsats launch success including 13 Direct to Cell (Image Credit: Sat News)
With a launch that was definately fogged in, on Tuesday, February 4 at 5:15 a.m. ET, Falcon 9 launched 21 Starlink satellites, including 13 with Direct to Cell capabilities, to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. All photos by Satnews.
SpaceX has now launched 15 Falcon 9 missions so far in 2025. Ten of them have been Starlink flights. This was the 21st flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched OneWeb 1, SES 18+19, Eutelsat HOTBIRD-F1, CRS-24, and now 17 Starlink missions.
Last year, SpaceX launched more than 130 Falcon 9 flights, with approximately two-thirds of them designated specifically for the Starlink network that is the largest satellite constellation to date. SpaceX currently operates nearly 7,000 Starlink satellites in LEO, according to astrophysicist and satellite tracker Jonathan McDowell.
SpaceX launch of Starlink Group 12-3 smallsats including 13 Direct to Cell now on Tuesday
SpaceX is targeting Tuesday, February 4 for a Falcon 9 launch of 21 Starlink satellites, including 13 with Direct to Cell capabilities, to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Liftoff is targeted for 3:37 a.m. ET, with backup opportunities available until 6:24 a.m. ET. If needed, additional launch opportunities are also available Wednesday, February 5 starting at 2:59 a.m. ET.
A live webcast of this mission will begin about five minutes prior to liftoff, which you can watch on X @SpaceX. You can also watch the webcast on the new X TV app.
According to weather officials, there’s a 95% chance of favorable weather conditions at the time of the launch. The forecast calls for a temperature of 68°F, broken clouds, 55% cloud cover and a wind speed of 7mph.
This is the 21st flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched OneWeb 1, SES 18+19, Eutelsat HOTBIRD-F1, CRS-24, and 16 Starlink missions. Following stage separation, the first stage will land on the Just Read the Instructions droneship, which will be stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.
SpaceX to launch Starlink Group 12-3 smallsats including 13 Direct to Cell on Monday
SpaceX is targeting Monday, February 3 for a Falcon 9 launch of 21 Starlink satellites, including 13 with Direct to Cell capabilities, to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Liftoff is targeted for 5:54 a.m. ET, with backup opportunities available until 7:42 a.m. ET. If needed, additional launch opportunities are also available Tuesday, February 4 starting at 3:36 a.m. ET.
According to weather officials, there’s a 95% chance of favorable weather conditions at the time of the launch. The forecast calls for a temperature of 65°F, few clouds, 14% cloud cover and a wind speed of 8mph.
A live webcast of this mission will begin about five minutes prior to liftoff, which you can watch here and on X @SpaceX. You can also watch the webcast on the new X TV app.
This is the 21st flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched OneWeb 1, SES 18+19, Eutelsat HOTBIRD-F1, CRS-24, and 16 Starlink missions. Following stage separation, the first stage will land on the Just Read the Instructions droneship, which will be stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.
