SpaceX is scheduled to launch two dozen Starlink satellites to low Earth orbit from Vandenberg Space Force Base on Tuesday night, according to mission planning details. The Starlink 17-49 mission marks the company’s 51st flight from the West Coast this calendar year.
Launch Window and Flight Trajectory from Vandenberg Space Force Base
Liftoff from Space Launch Complex 4 East is scheduled during a window that opens at 7 p.m. PDT (10 p.m. EDT / 0200 UTC), according to mission schedules. The Falcon 9 rocket will fly on a south-southwesterly trajectory over the Pacific Ocean. Spaceflight Now has scheduled live coverage to begin approximately 30 minutes prior to liftoff.
Falcon 9 Booster Reuse and Droneship Recovery Plan
SpaceX will utilize the Falcon 9 first stage booster with the tail number B1103 for the flight. According to mission data, this represents the fifth flight for booster B1103, which previously supported the launch of SDA-T1TL-E, NROL-179, Starlink 17-35, and Starlink 17-42.
Nearly 8.5 minutes after liftoff, booster B1103 will target a landing on the autonomous droneship named Of Course I Still Love You, positioned in the Pacific Ocean. If successful, this operation will mark the 163rd landing on that specific vessel and the 648th Falcon booster landing to date, according to historical flight data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Starlink 17-49 mission scheduled to launch?
Liftoff from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base is targeted for a window opening at 7 p.m. PDT (10 p.m. EDT / 0200 UTC).
Where can I watch the launch live?
Spaceflight Now will provide live broadcast coverage beginning roughly 30 minutes before liftoff.
What booster is SpaceX using for this flight?
SpaceX is flying first stage booster B1103 on its fifth orbital-class mission.
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