SpaceX is preparing to launch its 500th Starlink satellite during the upcoming Falcon 9 flight on Wednesday morning. This milestone flight, designated the Starlink 17-26 mission, will take place from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California and will contribute 25 additional satellites to the expanding Starlink constellation. With this launch, SpaceX will reach a total of 512 Starlink satellites deployed in 2026 alone.
Liftoff is scheduled for 6:17:49 a.m. PST (9:17:49 a.m. EST / 1417:49 UTC) from Space Launch Complex 4 East. The Falcon 9 rocket will ascend on a southerly trajectory after leaving the launch pad.
Details of the Launch
The mission will utilize the Falcon 9 first stage booster, tail number B1093, marking its 11th flight. This includes two previous missions for the Space Development Agency and eight prior batches of Starlink satellites. The rapid pace of launches underscores SpaceX’s commitment to expanding its broadband internet service globally, with the Starlink constellation approaching 10,000 spacecraft in low Earth orbit.
Approximately eight minutes after liftoff, booster B1093 is expected to land on the drone ship, ‘Of Course I Still Love You’, stationed in the Pacific Ocean. If successful, this will represent the 180th landing on this particular vessel and the 577th booster landing overall for SpaceX.
Live Coverage and Public Interest
Live coverage of the launch will be provided by Spaceflight Now starting approximately 30 minutes before liftoff. The event is anticipated to draw significant attention, both from space enthusiasts and those interested in the advancements of global internet connectivity.
As SpaceX continues to innovate and expand its satellite network, the implications for global broadband access are profound, potentially bridging the digital divide in underserved regions. The upcoming launch not only signifies a technological achievement but also highlights SpaceX’s role in reshaping the landscape of global communications.