LIVE: SpaceX Launches Starlink Fleet Over California Tonight
SpaceX Launches More Starlink Satellites from California
What’s Happening?
SpaceX is sending another group of Starlink internet satellites into space from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Think of it like a delivery truck dropping off 24 new "internet routers" that will orbit Earth and beam high-speed internet down to people below.
Important Update: SpaceX has pushed back the launch time from the originally scheduled 9:01 p.m. PDT. Keep an eye on live coverage for the new target time.
Launch Details at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Mission Name | Starlink 17-50 |
| Launch Site | Vandenberg Space Force Base, California |
| Launch Pad | Space Launch Complex 4 East |
| Rocket | Falcon 9 |
| Satellites Onboard | 24 Starlink broadband satellites |
| Trajectory | South-southwesterly (heading toward the Pacific Ocean) |
| Live Coverage Starts | ~30 minutes before liftoff |
Meet the Rocket: Falcon 9 Booster B1097
This isn’t a brand-new rocket—it’s a flight-proven veteran! Here’s its resume:
- This will be its 12th flight
- Previous missions include:
- Twilight mission
- Transporter-17 rideshare mission
- Sentinel-6B satellite
- NROL-172 (national security mission)
- Seven previous Starlink batches
Fun Fact: SpaceX reuses rocket boosters to save money and reduce waste—like washing and reusing a coffee cup instead of throwing it away after one use!
The Landing Plan: Stick the Landing on a Drone Ship
About 8 minutes after liftoff, the first stage booster (B1097) will try to land on a floating platform in the Pacific Ocean.
- Drone Ship Name: Of Course I Still Love You (yes, that’s really its name! )
- If successful, this will be:
- 219th landing on this specific drone ship
- 651st Falcon booster landing overall
Why This Matters: The Big Picture
The Starlink Megaconstellation Keeps Growing
- This launch adds 24 more satellites
- Total in orbit: ~11,000 satellites
- Goal: Provide high-speed internet anywhere on Earth—even remote islands, mountains, and oceans
By the Numbers
- 24 new satellites joining the fleet
- ~11,000 total Starlink satellites in orbit
- 12th flight for booster B1097
- 8+ minutes until booster landing attempt
- 219 landings on Of Course I Still Love You
- 651 total Falcon 9 booster landings
How to Watch
- Go to Spaceflight Now (or SpaceX’s YouTube channel)
- Tune in ~30 minutes before launch
- Watch live as the rocket lifts off, separates, and (hopefully) sticks the landing
Summary
SpaceX is launching 24 more Starlink satellites from California on a flight-proven Falcon 9 rocket (Booster B1097, flying for the 12th time). After delivering the satellites to orbit, the booster will attempt to land on the drone ship Of Course I Still Love You in the Pacific Ocean. This mission grows the Starlink constellation to roughly 11,000 satellites, bringing SpaceX closer to its goal of global high-speed internet coverage.
FAQ
What is Starlink?
Starlink is SpaceX’s satellite internet service. Thousands of small satellites in low Earth orbit work together to beam high-speed internet to users on the ground—especially useful in rural or remote areas where cable/fiber isn’t available.
Why does SpaceX reuse rockets?
Reusing the first stage booster (the biggest, most expensive part) dramatically lowers launch costs and allows SpaceX to launch more frequently. It’s like reusing an airplane instead of building a new one for every flight.
What is a "drone ship"?
A drone ship is an autonomous floating platform positioned in the ocean. Since the rocket launches over water and doesn’t have enough fuel to return to land, it lands on the ship instead. The ship then sails back to port with the booster.
How many Starlink satellites are up there now?
Approximately 11,000—and that number grows with nearly every launch. SpaceX has permission to launch tens of thousands more.
Can I see this launch from my backyard?
If you’re in Southern California, you might see the rocket streaking across the night sky! For everyone else, the live stream is the best view.