SpaceX successfully lifted off from Vandenberg SFB with 53 Starlink satellites aboard a Falcon 9 launch vehicle en route to their orbital slots. This 49th launch of 2022 added these smallsats to the Starlink constellation and was initiated at approximately 6:14 p.m., PST.
The first stage booster supporting this mission previously launched Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich, DART, and five Starlink missions, and the first stage successfully landed on the Of Course I Still Love You droneship that is stationed in the Pacific Ocean.
Original posting…
SpaceX is targeting Thursday, October 27, for a Falcon 9 launch of 53 Starlink satellites to LEO from Space Launch Complex 4E (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
The instantaneous launch window is at 6:14 p.m. PT (01:14 UTC on Friday, October 28), and a backup opportunity is available on Friday, October 28 at 5:52 p.m. PT (00:52 UTC on Saturday, October 29).
Following stage separation, the first stage will land on the Of Course I Still Love You droneship, which will be stationed in the Pacific Ocean.
Watch the live launch webcast starting about 5 minutes before liftoff at this direct link…