SpaceX Launches 24 Starlink Satellites from Vandenberg Base

SpaceX successfully launched 24 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit on a Falcon 9 rocket from the Vandenberg Space Force Base on Saturday evening. The mission, known as Starlink 17-2, aimed to enhance internet service in polar regions by deploying the satellites into a polar orbit.

The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at 8:55 p.m. PDT (11:55 p.m. EDT / 03:55 UTC), following a south-westerly trajectory from Space Launch Complex 4 East. The launch was broadcast live by Spaceflight Now, beginning approximately 30 minutes prior to liftoff.

This mission utilized the first stage booster designated B1075, marking its 19th flight. B1075 has previously participated in missions including the Transporter-11 rideshare and multiple batches of Starlink satellites. Approximately 8.5 minutes after launch, the booster was set to land on the droneship ‘Of Course I Still Love You,’ stationed in the Pacific Ocean. If accomplished, this would represent the 142nd landing for this vessel and the 481st booster landing overall for SpaceX.

Upcoming Crew-11 Mission Preparations

In addition to the Starlink mission, SpaceX is gearing up for its third and final planned astronaut launch of the year. The Crew-11 mission is scheduled to take off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, potentially as early as Thursday. The crew, consisting of four members, arrived at the Kennedy Space Center on Saturday afternoon for a launch rehearsal slated for Monday.

The Crew-11 team includes Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Platonov, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut, and NASA astronauts Mike Fincke and Zena Cardman. Their preparation highlights SpaceX’s ongoing commitment to expanding human spaceflight capabilities.

Overall, the successful launch of the Starlink satellites reinforces SpaceX’s role in enhancing global internet infrastructure, particularly in underserved areas. The company continues to make significant strides in space exploration and commercial satellite deployment, with a busy schedule ahead.