For the second consecutive month, SpaceX has successfully completed eight Falcon 9 rocket launches from Vandenberg Space Force Base, continuing its mission to deliver numerous satellites into orbit. The most recent launch took place on Friday at 1:41 p.m. from Space Launch Complex-4 located on the South Base.
This mission was highlighted by the successful 29th flight and landing of its first-stage booster, which returned safely to a droneship in the Pacific Ocean. The rocket carried 28 Starlink satellites, with SpaceX confirming their successful deployment just an hour following the launch.
October was a significant month for SpaceX’s West Coast team, marking their first-ever eight-launch month. This achievement was celebrated by Kiko Dontchev, SpaceX’s vice president of launch, who had promised celebratory antics should the milestone be met. In a playful display of commitment, he donned a chicken costume while taking pies to the face and even participated in a dunk tank, sharing the humorous moments with the team through social media.
Additionally, this Halloween launch also marked a milestone for SpaceX, as it represented the 100th Falcon mission dedicated to deploying Starlink satellites, with about 40 launches originating from Vandenberg and the remainder from Florida.
Looking ahead, November is set to bring more Falcon flights from Vandenberg, with the first mission scheduled to be an unarmed test of the Minuteman III missile early Wednesday morning from the North Base. This test aims to gather crucial data on the accuracy and reliability of the intercontinental ballistic missile fleet. Such missile tests are planned years in advance, with extensive preparatory work done months before each launch, and they are not linked to any current global tensions.
With continuous advancements and a clear commitment to both innovation and reliability, SpaceX’s West Coast operations demonstrate the company’s dedication to expanding its satellite network while maintaining consistent flight schedules.