SpaceX is set to launch its Starlink 17-10 mission on Saturday, adding 24 broadband internet satellites to its growing constellation in low Earth orbit. The launch will take place at 8:41 a.m. PDT (11:41 a.m. EDT / 1541 UTC) from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Following this deployment, SpaceX will have over 8,400 satellites in orbit, according to data tracked by expert orbital analyst Jonathan McDowell.
This mission marks SpaceX’s 42nd launch from California in 2023, reflecting the company’s commitment to expanding global internet access through its Starlink program. The Falcon 9 rocket will lift off from Space Launch Complex 4 East, showcasing the reusable technology that has become a hallmark of SpaceX’s operations.
Details of the Launch and Recovery Efforts
The Starlink 17-10 mission will utilize the Falcon 9 first stage booster B1071, which has flown 27 previous missions, including 16 batches of Starlink satellites and several national security missions for the National Reconnaissance Office. This flight will be an important step in SpaceX’s ambitious plans to enhance internet connectivity across various regions of the world.
Approximately 8.5 minutes after liftoff, SpaceX aims to land booster B1071 on its drone ship, Of Course I Still Love You, stationed in the Pacific Ocean. If successful, this will mark the 151st recovery of a Falcon 9 booster with this particular vessel and the 504th booster landing overall.
Live coverage of the launch will be provided by Spaceflight Now, starting around 30 minutes before the scheduled liftoff. As the countdown progresses, attention will focus on the performance of the Falcon 9 rocket and the subsequent deployment of the satellites.
SpaceX continues to redefine the space launch industry with frequent missions and a commitment to innovation. Each successful launch not only enhances global communications but also emphasizes the importance of reusable technology in reducing costs and increasing accessibility to space. As the company moves forward, the impact of its Starlink constellation on internet accessibility worldwide remains a point of significant interest.
