SpaceX will send another batch of Starlink satellites to orbit this Sunday evening when it launches a Falcon 9 from Pad LC-39A at Kennedy Space Center to orbit on a mission designated as Starlink-6-38. After completing the initial boost of the payload, the booster used for this flight will touch down on the company’s automated automated spaceport drone-ship (ASDS) “A Shortfall of Gravitas.” The launch window opens at 6:15 PM EST and lasts until 9:55 EST.

Jellyfish Possible?

The sun will set at 5:53 PM EST on Sunday, giving this launch the potential for a “jellyfish” over the skies after staging if it launches at or near the opening of the launch window at 6:15 PM.

The general weather forecast for the Space Coast on Sunday calls for rain showers early with some sunshine later in the day. Should skies clear in time over the launch corridor, a vivid view of staging may be visible.

Launch Viewing

This launch is from the north end of the Eastern Range, specifically from Pad LC-39A at Kennedy Space Center. The best views of the launch for the general public will be from one of Titusville’s parks on US-1, or from the Max Brewer Bridge off of US-1 on SR 406.

Currently, Playalinda Beach is open from 6am – 6pm EST, and with the launch window being just outside those hours, it is unlikely that they will be open to visitors for the launch. Interested persons can call the Canaveral National Seashore offices at 386-428-3384 x0 for the latest information.

Trajectory

As is customary for Starlink Group 6 launches, a trajectory to the southeast is planned. The booster will touch down offshore in the Atlantic Ocean northeast of the Bahamas.

Booster

SpaceX has not announced which booster will be used for this flight as of yet (Friday, January 6, 2024). We will add that information here when it is made available.

Launch Coverage

SpaceX will begin live-streaming the launch on their X account about five minutes before liftoff.

Spaceflight Now usually begins their live coverage about one hour prior to liftoff on their YouTube channel.

HAM Radio

For those with the right equipment, launch updates and live coverage can be found on the following frequencies via the N1KSC 70cm repeater

444.925 MHz Rx (standard +5 MHz Tx offset)

Analog FM 131.8 tone (in/out) / Digital P25 NAC:A55