SpaceX launch plans: Falcon 9 launch from Cape Canaveral to deliver Galileo satellites

Coming off an eventful week, SpaceX isn't slowing down. Now on Tuesday evening, the space company plans to launch the next two Galileo satellites into orbit for the European Space Agency (ESA).

The launch has been delayed twice, yet no official reason has been stated. It is noteworthy that the 45th Weather Squadron only predicted a 50% chance of favorable weather conditions for Monday.

According to an FAA advisory, the launch window extends from 6:40 p.m. to 7:31 p.m. EDT from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40. As of Sunday afternoon, SpaceX had yet to confirm this mission.

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ESA Galileo satellites to launch on SpaceX Falcon 9

These Galileo satellites are the latest in the navigational satellite constellation, which according to ESA is "the world’s most precise satellite navigation system." First launched commercially in 2017, the constellation serves over four billion smartphone customers around the world. Most of the smartphones currently sold in Europe run the navigational service. Galileo is compatible with GPS and Glonass, which is the Russian navigational system.

The last time SpaceX was contracted to launch these satellites was in late April. Those two satellites, known as 29 and 30, have been tested and are currently providing service. Sunday's launch will deliver satellites 31 and 32.

FLORIDA TODAY live updates will begin 90 minutes prior to launch at FloridaToday.com/space.

Brooke Edwards is a Space Reporter for Florida Today. Contact her at [email protected] or on X: @brookeofstars.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: SpaceX Cape Canaveral launch of ESA navigational satellites