SpaceX Successfully Launches 23 Satellites from Vandenberg, Prepares for Another Mission

On Thursday, November 7, 2024, SpaceX successfully launched 23 satellites into low-Earth orbit from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The launch, which took place at 3:19 p.m. EST, had been delayed several times due to bad weather and technical issues, including a helium leak last Sunday and multiple weather-related stand-downs earlier in the week.

The mission utilized the Falcon 9 rocket, with its first stage booster, designated B1085, making its third trip. This booster had previously supported the Crew-9 astronaut mission to the International Space Station and the Starlink 10-5 mission. The reusable booster landed on the SpaceX drone ship ‘Just Read the Instructions‘ in the Atlantic Ocean, marking the 96th booster landing for this particular drone ship and the 362nd overall.

In addition to this successful launch, SpaceX is preparing for another Falcon 9 launch scheduled for Friday, November 8, 2024. This upcoming mission aims to launch 20 Starlink satellites, including 13 with Direct to Cell capabilities, from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base. The launch is set for 10:14 p.m. PT, with backup opportunities available until 1:26 a.m. PT on Saturday, November 9.