54 Starlink satellites are slated to be launched by SpaceX on its 48th launch of 2022 on Thursday, Oct. 20, at 10:50 a.m. EDT (1450 GMT) (1450 GMT). Live coverage is available at Space.com thanks to SpaceX. About five minutes before liftoff, coverage will start.

The Starlink Group 4-36 satellites will be launched into space by a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at Florida's Space Launch Complex 40. If all goes according to plan, the first stage of the Falcon 9 will touch down less than nine minutes later at sea atop a SpaceX droneship. 15.5 minutes after takeoff, the satellites will be deployed into low Earth orbit.

A constellation of internet satellites called Starlink was created primarily to serve outlying regions. With an estimated 3,100 operational satellites in orbit, the network is enormous and constantly expanding. Pending regulatory approval, SpaceX hopes to expand it tenfold.

During the continuing Russian invasion of Ukraine, Starlink service has proven essential for beleaguered Ukrainians, and SpaceX just agreed to continue subsidising the constellation's Ukraine operations after initially suggesting that the Pentagon shoulder some of the burden.

With more than two months remaining in the calendar year, SpaceX is on schedule to launch 50 rockets in 2022, breaking the previous record of 31 set in 2021. The majority of launches this year have been focused on Starlink, but several have also lofted American military satellites, delivered NASA astronauts to the International Space Station, and performed other missions.

A Falcon 9 rocket carrying 54 Starlink internet satellites lifted out on Thursday from Cape Canaveral, continuing SpaceX's deployments for a broadband network connecting rural homes, ships, commercial aircraft, and Ukrainian military forces in their conflict with Russia.