SpaceX Falcon 9 Launch Successful on Monday Morning from Vandenberg

UPDATE:

The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the Starlink 17-54 mission to low-Earth orbit successfully launched on Monday, June 15, at 8:34 a.m. from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base.

This mission marks the 40th launch of 2026 from Vandenberg.

The U.S. Space Force has approved the launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base on Monday morning, June 15, 2026, with residents of Santa Barbara and surrounding counties advised they may hear sonic booms during the mission.

The Starlink 17-54 mission is scheduled to lift off from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) during a four-hour launch window between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. PT. The rocket will carry 24 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit as part of SpaceX’s ongoing effort to expand its global internet constellation.

Veteran Booster Makes 14th Flight

Monday’s launch will mark the 14th flight for the Falcon 9 first stage booster supporting this mission. The well-traveled booster previously launched SDA T1TL-B, SDA T1TL-C, Transporter-16, and 10 other Starlink missions.

Following stage separation, the first stage booster will attempt a landing on the “Of Course I Still Love You” droneship, which will be stationed in the Pacific Ocean.

Possible Sonic Booms

Residents of Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties may hear one or more sonic booms during the launch. However, what residents experience will depend on weather and other conditions.

Sonic booms are a common occurrence during SpaceX launches from Vandenberg, typically generated when the rocket or returning booster travels faster than the speed of sound.

How to Watch

SpaceX will provide a live webcast of the mission beginning approximately five to ten minutes prior to liftoff. Viewers can watch the launch at spacex.com/launches/sl-17-54, on X @SpaceX, or through the X TV app.