SpaceX Successfully Launches Starlink Satellites Thursday Night

The SpaceX launch was successful at 6:45 p.m. Thursday. The Falcon 9 rocket launched 21 Starlink satellites, including 13 with Direct to Cell capabilities, to low-Earth orbit from Vandenberg Space Force Base.

This was the 18th flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched NROL-87, NROL-85, SARah-1, SWOT, Transporter-8, Transporter-9, NROL-146, and now 11 Starlink missions.

Watch Falcon 9 launch 21 @Starlink satellites to orbit from California, including 13 with Direct to Cell capabilities https://t.co/H5PXRsuY37

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) September 13, 2024

SpaceX Starlink Launch Scheduled for Thursday Night

SpaceX has scheduled a Falcon 9 launch of 21 Starlink satellites, including 13 with Direct to Cell capabilities, to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base tonight, Thursday, September 12.

Liftoff is targeted for 6:45 p.m., with backup opportunities available until 9:49 p.m..

If needed, additional opportunities are also available on Friday, September 13 starting at 6:35 p.m..

A live webcast of this mission will begin about five minutes prior to liftoff, which you can watch at https://www.spacex.com/launches/mission/?missionId=sl-9-6 and on X @SpaceX. You can also watch the webcast on the new X TV app.

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.