SpaceX to Launch 25 Starlink Satellites on Falcon 9 Rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base
SpaceX is preparing for a dual launch event on Friday morning, with Falcon 9 rockets scheduled to lift off from both California and Florida. The mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base is set to occur just a few hours after its counterpart from Cape Canaveral.
Designated Starlink 17-31, this mission will deploy 25 broadband internet satellites, expanding SpaceX's low Earth orbit mega-constellation. Satellite deployment is anticipated approximately an hour after the launch.
Liftoff from Space Launch Complex 4 East is precisely scheduled for 7:33:50 a.m. PDT (10:33:50 a.m. EDT / 14:33:50 UTC).
For the Starlink 17-31 mission, SpaceX will utilize Falcon 9 first stage booster B1071. This marks its 32nd flight, with previous successful missions including NASA's SWOT, five assignments for the National Reconnaissance Office, and five SmallSat rideshare deployments.
Approximately 8.5 minutes post-liftoff, booster B1071 is slated to land on the autonomous drone ship 'Of Course I Still Love You,' stationed in the Pacific Ocean. A successful landing would be the 183rd on this particular vessel and the 585th overall booster recovery for SpaceX.
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