SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket is set to launch three times in the week ahead from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, according to a recent announcement. This schedule includes a routine delivery of Starlink broadband internet satellites, a military satellite deployment for the U.S. government, and another Starlink mission. Californians and Arizonans are encouraged to watch the launches, but it's important to note that delays are common in spaceflight. The upcoming launch schedule at Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County is as follows:
Monday, June 15: Starlink 17-54
- Agency: SpaceX
- Mission: Deploy 24 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit.
- Rocket: Falcon 9, a 230-foot, two-stage reusable rocket capable of carrying more than 50,000 pounds of cargo to low-Earth orbit.
- Launch Window: 7 to 11 a.m. PT
- Location: Space Launch Complex 4E from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California
- Booster Landing: SpaceX drone ship, nicknamed "Of Course I Still Love You," in the Pacific Ocean
Thursday, June 18: NROL-179
- Agency: SpaceX
- Mission: Deploy military reconnaissance satellites for the National Reconnaissance Office.
- Rocket: Falcon 9, a 230-foot, two-stage reusable rocket capable of carrying more than 50,000 pounds of cargo to low-Earth orbit.
- Launch Window: 1:54 to 2:29 a.m. PT
- Location: Space Launch Complex 4E from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California
- Booster Landing: Return to base for a landing at Landing Zone 4 (LZ-4)
Saturday, June 20: Starlink 17-28
- Agency: SpaceX
- Mission: Deploy 24 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit.
- Rocket: Falcon 9, a 230-foot, two-stage reusable rocket capable of carrying more than 50,000 pounds of cargo to low-Earth orbit.
- Launch Window: 7 to 11 a.m. PT
- Location: Space Launch Complex 4E from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California
- Booster Landing: SpaceX drone ship, nicknamed "Of Course I Still Love You," in the Pacific Ocean
This launch schedule highlights SpaceX's ongoing efforts in satellite deployment and military support, showcasing the company's versatility and technological prowess in the space industry.
