SpaceX Launches 28 Starlink Satellites from California Today
SpaceX is set to launch 28 Starlink satellites on its Falcon 9 rocket today from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. This mission, known as Starlink 11-21, marks another step in the company’s expansive efforts to enhance its global broadband network. The liftoff is scheduled for 2:12 p.m. PDT (5:12 p.m. EDT / 21:12 UTC).
Record-Setting Turnaround
This launch comes just under 55 hours after the previous mission, Starlink 11-12, which took place on Saturday. Should the launch proceed as planned, it will break the record for the fastest pad turnaround at SpaceX’s West Coast launch facility. The company has consistently achieved rapid turnaround times this month, both on the East and West Coasts.
The Falcon 9 rocket designated for this mission is identified as booster B1082, which will be making its 17th flight. Previous missions for this booster include USSF-62, NROL-145, and the launch of OneWeb Launch 20, in addition to 13 batches of Starlink satellites.
Landing and Future Prospects
Approximately 8.5 minutes after launch, booster B1082 is expected to attempt an autonomous landing on the drone ship named Of Course I Still Love You. If successful, this will mark the 161st landing on this vessel and the 525th booster landing overall for SpaceX. In total, this will be the 98th mission supporting the Starlink constellation in 2024.
Live coverage of the launch will be available through Spaceflight Now, starting approximately 30 minutes before liftoff. As SpaceX continues to expand its satellite network, the implications for global internet accessibility grow more significant.
