SpaceX's Falcon 9 to launch 15 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit today

SpaceX is gearing up for the launch of 15 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit. The Falcon 9 rocket carrying the internet satellites is scheduled to lift off Tuesday, July 18 at 9:40 p.m. PT (04:40 UTC on July 19) from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

This particular launch marks a milestone for the Falcon 9 booster as it will be its 10th flight supporting a mission. It has previously launched NROL-87, NROL-85, SARah-1, SWOT, Transporter-8, and four Starlink missions.

After successful stage separation, SpaceX plans to land the first stage on the "Of Course I Still Love You" droneship, positioned in the Pacific Ocean.

SpaceX will broadcast a live webcast of the mission, approximately five minutes prior to liftoff.

Targeting Tuesday, July 18 for Falcon 9’s launch of 15 @Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from SLC-4E in California → https://t.co/bJFjLCiTbK

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) July 17, 2023

Starlink is SpaceX's satellite internet constellation, which aims to provide high-speed and reliable internet coverage to even the most remote regions of the world. With each launch, the network grows stronger, advancing the company's vision of providing high-speed broadband internet across the globe.

By reusing boosters, the company is also making significant strides in reducing the cost and environmental impact of space missions.