SpaceX Launch Scheduled for Friday Afternoon from Vandenberg

SpaceX is targeting Friday, May 23 for a Falcon 9 launch of 27 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base.

Liftoff is targeted for 1:36 p.m., with backup opportunities available until 5:36 p.m. If needed, additional launch opportunities are also available on Saturday, May 24 starting at 1:14 p.m. PT.

A live webcast of this mission will begin about five minutes prior to liftoff, which you can watch here and on X @SpaceX. You can also watch the webcast on the new X TV app.

This is the 18th flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched SDA-0A, SARah-2, Transporter-11, and 14 Starlink missions. Following stage separation, the first stage will land on the Of Course I Still Love You droneship, which will be stationed in the Pacific Ocean.

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