Vandenberg Space Force Base is preparing for its fifth SpaceX Falcon 9 launch this month, highlighting the rapid pace of operations on the West Coast. The upcoming mission will deploy 24 Starlink satellites while also supporting Department of Defense communications.
Launch Schedule and Details
The launch window opens Friday evening, running from 7:05 p.m. to 11:05 p.m., with a backup window available the following day. The Falcon 9’s first stage, making its 15th flight, is expected to land on the drone ship Of Course I Still Love You stationed in the Pacific Ocean.
Officials confirmed that the mission will not generate a sonic boom over populated areas, though residents near the base may hear low-level rumbling as the rocket lifts off.
Growing Cadence at Vandenberg
This mission marks the fifth Falcon 9 launch from Vandenberg in a single month, adding to a total of more than 40 launches from the site this year. The milestone comes just weeks after SpaceX celebrated its 400th booster landing, a clear indicator of the company’s success in reusability and operational efficiency.
Starlink’s Expanding Network
The 24 satellites on board are part of the ever-growing Starlink constellation, designed to deliver internet service to remote and underserved areas worldwide. The system currently serves millions of users across more than 150 countries and territories, bridging connectivity gaps caused by geography or lack of infrastructure.
Key Takeaways
- Fifth Falcon 9 launch from Vandenberg this month
- Payload: 24 Starlink satellites plus defense communications support
- Booster: Completing its 15th flight with planned drone ship landing
- No sonic boom expected in populated regions
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