SpaceX is targeting a Saturday night launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California to deploy 21 Starlink and 2 Starshield satellites into low Earth orbit, according to Spaceflight Now. The Falcon 9 rocket is scheduled to lift off at 9:24:30 p.m. PDT (12:24:30 a.m. EDT Sunday), carrying a mix of broadband and military-focused spacecraft.
The mission, designated Starlink 17-43, marks another step in SpaceX’s rapid expansion of its satellite constellation. Starshield is a classified variant of the Starlink platform designed for government and military use, though SpaceX has not disclosed which agency ordered these two satellites or whether they are bound for a foreign government.
SpaceX will fly the mission using Falcon 9 first-stage booster B1097, which is making its tenth flight after launching national reconnaissance missions and multiple batches of Starlink satellites. About eight minutes after liftoff, the booster will attempt to land on the drone ship “Of Course I Still Love You,” which would mark the 201st landing on that vessel if successful.
SpaceX launch set for tonight from California with Starlink and Starshield satellites
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The launch window remains open until 11:00 p.m. PDT, giving SpaceX flexibility if weather or technical issues require a brief delay. Spaceflight Now will provide live coverage starting 30 minutes before liftoff.
Sources
- Spaceflight Now — launch details, satellite manifest, booster flight history, and landing target
- SpaceX — mission designation and vehicle specifications
