Tonight's SpaceX launch from Vandenberg to include batch of 13 direct-to-cell satellites
- by Santa Maria Times
- May 08, 2024
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SpaceXÂ is targeting tonight at 7:52 p.m. for a Falcon 9 launch of 20 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Vandenberg Space Force Base.
Thirteen of the satellites aboard the vehicle reportedly contain Direct to Cell (DtC) capabilities, an internet technology that acts like a cellphone tower in space that helps eliminate dead zones on Earth.Â
Instantaneous backup opportunities at Space Launch Complex 4 East are available tonight until 9:42 p.m., and if needed, additional opportunities are available on Thursday, May 9 starting at 8:20 p.m.
Tonight's mission will bring the total count of DtC satellites in low-Earth orbit up to 25, according to reports, adding to the Starlink constellation.
Following stage separation, the Falcon 9 rocket's first-stage reusable booster will land on the "Of Course I Still Love You" autonomous droneship to be stationed in the Pacific Ocean, for later retrieval.
The mission will mark the fourth flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, launched USSF-62, and two Starlink missions.
A live webcast of the mission will begin on www.spacex.com and X approximately five minutes prior to liftoff.
Lisa André covers lifestyle and local news for Santa Ynez Valley News and Lompoc Record, editions of the Santa Maria Times.
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