SpaceX is gearing up for an upcoming Falcon 9 launch that will be a significant milestone for the company. The mission, known as Starlink 6-53, will not only mark the 30th orbital launch from Florida in 2024 but also serve as the 300th booster landing for SpaceX.

The liftoff is scheduled from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 6:17 p.m. EDT (2217 UTC). According to the 45th Weather Squadron, there is a greater than 95 percent chance of favorable weather conditions at the time of liftoff, adding to the excitement surrounding the upcoming launch.

The Falcon 9 first stage booster, with tail number B1078, will be embarking on its ninth mission for this particular launch. It has a remarkable track record, having previously supported NASA's Crew-6 mission to the International Space Station, USSF-124, and five Starlink flights.

Approximately eight and a half minutes after liftoff, B1078 will aim to achieve yet another feat - landing on the SpaceX droneship named 'Just Read the Instructions.' This landing will not only be the 300th Falcon booster landing for SpaceX but also the 79th successful landing for the droneship JRTI and the 233rd droneship landing overall.

The Starlink 6-53 mission carries 23 satellites, which will join the existing constellation of 5,851 Starlink satellites in orbit. Acclaimed astronomer and orbital tracker, Jonathan McDowell, confirms this number. In 2024 alone, SpaceX has already launched 610 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit across 27 missions.

As the mission progresses, separation of the satellites is expected to occur approximately one hour and five minutes into the flight, allowing the satellites to assume their designated positions in orbit.

Spaceflight Now will provide live coverage of the launch, with their coverage commencing about an hour before liftoff, ensuring that enthusiasts and spectators can witness this historic moment in SpaceX's journey towards revolutionizing global connectivity.

As SpaceX prepares for its 300th booster landing and adds to its ever-expanding Starlink constellation, the company continues to demonstrate its commitment to advancing space technology and exploration.