SpaceX scrubs Transporter-1 launch due to unfavorable weather

It'll be a key demonstration not only of SpaceX's rideshare capabilities, but also of the complex coordination involved in a launch that includes deployment of multiple payloads into different target orbits in relatively quick succession.

"Due to unfavorable weather, we are standing down from today's launch", the company posted on Twitter. Another launch attempt will be available Sunday, Jan. 24 with a 22-minute window opening at 10 a.m. On board were 133 commercial and government Seattleites along with 10 Starlink satellites. SpaceX's rocket has a relatively high payload capacity compared to the size of numerous small satellites produced today, so a rideshare mission like this offers smaller companies and startups a chance to get their spacecraft in orbit without breaking the bank.

According to Ars Technica, the weather "violated the electrical field rule for a safe launch".

Pre-yeet ft. Tesla

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket has successfully delivered 143 spacecraft to orbit, snagging a world record for most satellites launched in one go that's likely to remain unchallenged indefinitely.

"Launching many small satellites for a wide range of customers tomorrow", he wrote on Twitter.

Known as Transporter-1, the mission is SpaceX's first dedicated launch under its internal Smallsat Rideshare Program and represents the start of a planned series of regular, semiannual launch opportunities for small satellites. "Excited about offering low-priced access to orbit for small companies!"