SpaceX targets 9:26 a.m. liftoff from Vandenberg for 24 Starlink satellites, booster set for Pacific drone-ship landing
SpaceX is planning a Falcon 9 launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base on Monday morning, now scheduled to lift off at 9:26 a.m. local time. The mission will carry 24 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit.
The launch will depart from Space Launch Complex 4 East, with a launch window open from 8:44 a.m. until 12:44 p.m., according to base officials. A few minutes after liftoff, the rocket’s first stage is expected to land on the “Of Course I Still Love You” drone ship stationed in the Pacific Ocean. SpaceX notes that this will be the ninth flight for the booster supporting this mission. A live webcast will begin a few minutes before liftoff.
What to watch for:
– Vehicle and payload: Falcon 9 rocket carrying 24 Starlink satellites to narrow early‑to‑mid life in low-Earth orbit.
– Booster reuse: The first stage’s planned landing on the Pacific drone ship marks another step in SpaceX’s booster-reuse program.
– Timing and conditions: Liftoff is scheduled for 9:26 a.m. local time within an 8:44 a.m.–12:44 p.m. window; weather and technical conditions can influence the final timetable.
– Viewing the mission: A webcast will provide live updates in the minutes leading up to launch.
Why this matters:
– Starlink deployment continues to expand SpaceX’s broadband constellation, aiming to improve global connectivity, including remote and underserved regions.
– The reuse milestone with a ninth flight for the same booster underscores SpaceX’s ongoing focus on cost efficiency and rapid turnaround for its flight hardware.
Summary:
SpaceX is moving ahead with a Starlink mission from Vandenberg, targeting a 9:26 a.m. liftoff with 24 satellites to orbit and a first-stage landing on a Pacific drone ship. The mission demonstrates the continued cadence of Starlink deployments and booster reuse, contributing to broader satellite internet coverage worldwide.
Positive note:
If all goes well, this launch will add to the growing Starlink network, potentially bringing improved internet access to more communities around the globe while showcasing the efficiency of SpaceX’s reusable-rocket approach.