SpaceX targets March 28 for Falcon 9 launch of Starlink mission

SpaceX has set its sights on a Falcon 9 launch slated for Thursday, March 28, aiming to deploy 22 Starlink internet satellites into low-Earth orbit.

The mission will lift off from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, with the launch window opening at 7:30 p.m. PT.

For space enthusiasts eager to witness the launch, a live webcast will be broadcast on X @SpaceX, commencing about five minutes before liftoff.

The Falcon 9 first stage booster set for this mission has a rich history of success, having previously supported a variety of missions, including NROL-87, NROL-85, SARah-1, SWOT, Transporter-8, Transporter-9, and eight Starlink missions, marking this as its 15th flight.

Following stage separation, the first stage is scheduled to return to Earth, making a landing on the "Of Course I Still Love You" droneship positioned in the Pacific Ocean.    

Targeting Thursday, March 28 for Falcon 9 to launch 22 @Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from California → https://t.co/bJFjLCilmc

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) March 27, 2024

Starlink is a satellite internet constellation operated by SpaceX that aims to provide high-speed, low-latency internet access to underserved and remote areas around the world.