UPDATE 2: SpaceX is scheduled to launch 22 Starlink broadband satellites aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California tonight during a 3.5-hour window that opens at 11:11 p.m. EST (8:11 p.m. local California time; 0411 GMT on Feb. 23). Tonight’s launch will tie its rocket-reuse record of 19.
It will be the 19th mission for this Falcon 9’s first stage, according to a SpaceX mission description, tying a mark the company set on a Starlink launch this past December.
This is the 19th flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched Crew-1, Crew-2, SXM-8, CRS-23, IXPE, Transporter-4, Transporter-5, Globalstar FM15, ISI EROS C-3, Korea 425, and eight Starlink missions. Following stage separation, the first stage will land on the Of Course I Still Love You droneship, which will be stationed in the Pacific Ocean.
Tonight’s launch will be the 17th of 2024 already for SpaceX. Flight 16 lofted an Indonesian telecom satellite on Tuesday (Feb. 20), on a milestone mission for SpaceX — the 300th successful Falcon 9 launch overall.
SpaceX plans Thursday Starlink smallsats launch
SpaceX is targeting Thursday, February 22 for a Falcon 9 launch of 22 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Liftoff is targeted for 8:11 p.m. PT, with backup opportunities available until 11:44 p.m. PT. If needed, additional opportunities are also available on Friday, February 23 starting at 7:50 p.m. PT.
A live webcast of this mission will begin on X @SpaceX about five minutes prior to liftoff. Watch live.
This is the 19th flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched Crew-1, Crew-2, SXM-8, CRS-23, IXPE, Transporter-4, Transporter-5, Globalstar FM15, ISI EROS C-3, Korea 425, and eight Starlink missions. Following stage separation, the first stage will land on the Of Course I Still Love You droneship, which will be stationed in the Pacific Ocean.
