Credit SpaceX
SpaceX Starlink Satellites Launch – Watch the Live launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida. See it Pass over UK minutes later – JUST USING YOUR EYES!
UPDATE: September 17th Launch has been scrubbed due to a technical issue. Next launch window September 18 at 1:57 p.m. EDT – 18:57 BST.
On Thursday 17th September 2020 we can watch a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch a new batch of starlink satellites live from Cape Canaveral, Florida. It may be possible to see it and its payload of 60 Starlink satellites pass over the UK after. If the launch goes ahead, it should be visible around 20 minutes later from any part of the UK.
The newly launched payload may also be visible over the UK later in the evening. Looking similar to what the Space Station looks like when it passes over, but less bright. If so, It may be possible to see the satellites start to deploy as the group of objects pass over. A train of satellites resembling a string of pearls across the sky may occur later and following evenings after. More info on how to see the train of new Starlink satellites as well as ISS passes will be posted by @VirtualAstro on twitter and Facebook. The first visible pass will be confirmed with details posted closer to the time.
This is the 13th batch of Satellites, designated Starlink 12. This will bring the current total of Starlink Satellites in orbit to just under 800.
What Time?
The launch is scheduled for 19:19 BST (UK Time). This may change so stay up to date on launch timings with @VirtualAstro on twitter and Facebook.
The final stage of the rocket and its cargo of starlink satellites will pass over the UK approximately 20 minutes later. Brightness and visibility are unknown, but it should be visible to the keen eyed. Follow @VirtualAstro on twitter and Facebook for more info. Approximate pass details are listed below.
Don’t miss it! It’s not often that we see a spaceship fly over with the naked eye.
How to Watch The Starlink Launch and Later Pass
You can watch the launch live below.
Approximate pass details are listed below the video
Watch the Launch Live
Post Launch Pass Details
The falcon 9 final stage will pass over the UK at approximately 19:38 BST and may be visible for around 4 minutes. There are no guarantees that it will be visible, but should be to the keen eyed.
| Pass | Brightness | Rises 10° over the horizon (start time) | Approaches From (start direction) | Highest Point This Pass | Sets/ Goes into Earths Shadow (direction) | Goes into Earths Shadow | Approximate ISS Pass Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Post Launch | Unknown | 19:38 | WNW | 19:40 | ESE | 19:43 | Overhead Pass |
Ground Track Over UK – Credit: Celestrack
Sky Track – Credit VirtualAstro/ Orbitron
There is a low short pass of the newly deployed Starlink Satellites at 21:11. However it will be near impossible to see as it goes into Earth’s shadow as soon as it rises.
Enjoy watching tonight’s launch and good luck spotting the spacecraft as it flies over after.
Read more about Starlink here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SpaceX_Starlink
Seen the satellites this morning over Coventry at around 5:25 didn’t know what they were first until somebody pointed out to me what it was, great to see.
Each time I’ve missed the satellites! I even missed the Shuttle piggyback over Manchester Airport Runway when I was younger! We had a holiday in Florida to coincide with a Shuttle Launch then it was delayed due to bad weather and it took off after we returned to the UK! I love everything Space but just think it’s not meant to be! Nether the less I will keep trying ?