SpaceX is poised to launch 24 new Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base on Saturday evening. The mission, designated Starlink 17-2, aims to enhance internet connectivity in polar regions, marking another step in the company’s efforts to expand its satellite network.
The Falcon 9 rocket is scheduled to lift off at 20:55 PDT (23:55 EDT / 03:55 UTCDetails of the Launch and Booster Recovery
SpaceX will utilize the Falcon 9 first stage booster with the tail number B1075, which is making its 19th flight. This booster has previously supported a range of missions, including the Transporter-11 rideshare, SARah-2, and 15 batches of Starlink satellites. Approximately 8.5 minutes after the launch, the booster is expected to land on the droneship named Of Course I Still Love You, stationed in the Pacific Ocean. If successful, this will mark the 142nd landing for the droneship and the 481st booster landing overall for SpaceX, underscoring the company’s commitment to reusability in spaceflight. This launch occurs as SpaceX prepares for its third and final astronaut mission of the year. Scheduled for launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Thursday, the Crew-11 mission will see four members, including three astronauts from NASA and one cosmonaut from Roscosmos. The Crew-11 team arrived in Florida on Saturday afternoon, ready for a launch rehearsal set for Monday. The crew includes Oleg Platonov from Roscosmos, Mike Fincke from NASA, and Zena Cardman from NASA, alongside a representative from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). As SpaceX continues to innovate and expand its satellite and crewed missions, the launch of the Starlink 17-2 satellites represents a significant advancement in global internet connectivity and reinforces the company’s role as a leader in the aerospace industry.Upcoming Astronaut Mission and Crew Arrival