SpaceX is scheduled to launch another batch of Starlink internet satellites into orbit on Tuesday (Sept. 12). The launch will take place from California’s Vandenberg Space Force Base at 2:57 a.m. EDT. The Falcon 9 rocket will carry 21 Starlink satellites.
The mission will be broadcast live by SpaceX, with coverage starting approximately five minutes before liftoff. After launch, the Falcon 9’s first stage is expected to return to Earth and land on the SpaceX droneship “Of Course I Still Love You” in the Pacific Ocean, marking the 11th launch and landing for this booster.
The deployment of the Starlink satellites is scheduled to occur about 62 minutes after liftoff. This launch is part of SpaceX’s ambitious plan to create a megaconstellation of internet-providing satellites. Currently, there are already over 4,600 operational Starlink satellites in orbit, and SpaceX aims to increase this number to as many as 42,000.
This will be the 64th launch of 2023 for SpaceX, surpassing the company’s previous record of 61 launches set last year. SpaceX is dominating the global space missions this year, with the majority of launches supporting the Starlink project.
Watch the live stream of the launch on SpaceX’s website and witness another step towards the realization of a global satellite internet network.