How to watch SpaceX launch a satellite into orbit from Cape Canaveral

The private rocket company SpaceX is expected to launch a communications satellite to orbit on Monday — and you can watch the high-flying action live online.

A Thales Alenia Space satellite, called the TurkmenÄlem52E/MonacoSat, should lift off atop a Falcon 9 rocket at 6:14 p.m. ET from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. You can watch a SpaceX webcast of the starting at 5:55 p.m. ET below or directly through SpaceX. The satellite will allow Turkmenistan to operate its first national satellite telecommunications system, according to a SpaceX release.

Forecasters are currently predicting a 60% chance of good weather for launch; the Falcon 9 has about 90 minutes to get off the pad from the time the launch window opens.

The new satellite is expected to last at least 15 years and will provide communications coverage for people in Europe, most of Africa and parts of Asia, SpaceX says.

Earlier this month, SpaceX attempted to land the first stage of the Falcon 9 rocket on a drone ship in the ocean after launching payloads to space, but it will not attempt a landing today. However, SpaceX will continue those reusable rocket tests in future launches.

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