SpaceX launches Starlink 10-30 from Cape Canaveral after lightning delay
SpaceX successfully launched a Falcon 9 on the Starlink 10-30 mission from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 3:57 a.m. Eastern on Monday, August 4, 2025. The flight carried 28 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit.
The countdown was briefly delayed by lightning in the area, with bolts seen near the Vehicle Assembly Building at neighboring Kennedy Space Center before conditions improved. Once weather cleared and range safety criteria were met, the rocket lifted off without issue.
This mission continues the expansion of SpaceX’s Starlink broadband constellation, designed to improve global internet coverage and capacity. Each successful batch helps enhance service reliability and reduce congestion by adding more satellites to the network.
Additional context and comments:
– Summer weather in Florida often brings late-night and early-morning storms. Launch teams follow strict lightning and cloud rules to protect the rocket, payload, and ground crews, which is why delays can occur even shortly before liftoff.
– Pre-dawn launches like this one are common for orbital dynamics and range availability. Those early hours can offer favorable winds and temperatures once storms move offshore.
– As more satellites join the constellation, users can expect incremental improvements in coverage and network performance, especially in regions with growing demand.
Summary:
– Rocket: Falcon 9
– Mission: Starlink 10-30
– Payload: 28 Starlink satellites
– Launch site: Launch Complex 40, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida
– Liftoff time: 3:57 a.m. ET, Monday, August 4, 2025
– Notable detail: Launch was delayed by nearby lightning before proceeding safely
A hopeful note: Despite the weather challenges, the successful liftoff underscores the reliability of modern launch operations and the growing resilience of space-based internet services that can benefit communities around the world.