SpaceX shared this scenic view of the Falcon 9 in anticipation of the launch.
SpaceX
On Thursday, we learned that the payload will include 48 SuperDove satellites for Planet Labs, resulting in a record 133 satellites per launch.
Due to the unfavorable weather, we have retreated from today’s start; the team will continue to count down to T-30 seconds to collect data. Another launch attempt is available tomorrow, January 24, with a 22-minute window open at 10:00 AM EST
– SpaceX (@SpaceX) January 23, 2021
SpaceX confirmed the total number of satellites in the payload. There was some last-minute relocation after two DARPA satellites were accidentally damaged earlier this month in a processing facility. Starlink satellites were also a last-minute addition. The payload includes several small spacecraft from Nanoracks and more from the German Aerospace Center (DLR), the US Department of Defense and many others.
The launch was originally scheduled for December, but has been postponed several times, including Saturday, when the weather shifted to Sunday.
The Falcon 9 booster will make its fifth flight and is expected to land on a drone located in the Atlantic Ocean shortly after the flight. SpaceX will also likely try to rebuild the fairing or nose cone, a move that becomes a more routine part of any mission.
The launch is scheduled for 7 a.m. PT (10 am ET) with a 22-minute launch window. The entire mission will be broadcast live as usual by SpaceX. You can follow below, starting about 10 minutes before launch.
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