(Updated) Watch live | SpaceX to launch new batch of Starlink satellites on Friday

SpaceX is gearing up for the launch of yet another Starlink mission on Friday, July 7. A Falcon 9 rocket carrying 48 internet satellites is scheduled to lift off at 12:29 p.m. PT (19:29 UTC) from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base.

Friday's mission will be the 12th flight for the Falcon 9 first stage booster supporting the operation. The booster has previously been utilized in a series of successful launches, including those of Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich, DART, Transporter-7, Iridium OneWeb, and seven previous Starlink missions.

Following stage separation, the first stage will execute a precision landing on the "Of Course I Still Love You" droneship positioned in the Pacific Ocean.

A backup launch opportunity has also been scheduled for Saturday, July 8 at 12:06 p.m. PT (19:06 UTC).

SpaceX enthusiasts can witness the launch event via a live webcast, which will commence approximately five minutes prior to liftoff.

Targeting Friday, July 7 for Falcon 9’s launch of 48 @Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from SLC-4E in California → https://t.co/bJFjLCiTbK

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) July 6, 2023

For the unversed, the Starlink satellite constellation is a key component of SpaceX's ambitious plan to create a global broadband network accessible to users worldwide. By deploying thousands of small satellites into low-Earth orbit, the company aims to provide reliable and affordable internet connectivity to even the most remote regions of the planet.

Update

SpaceX's Falcon 9 successfully launched 48 Starlink satellites into orbit.

Falcon 9 launches 48 @Starlink satellites from SLC-4E in California pic.twitter.com/hrGLGmEAjq

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) July 7, 2023

The company is now preparing to launch a new batch of Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit on Sunday, July 9. The mission will liftoff at 4:36 a.m. ET from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40).