Updated
Updated · VC Star · Jun 15
SpaceX Schedules 3 Falcon 9 Launches From Vandenberg This Week
Updated
Updated · VC Star · Jun 15

SpaceX Schedules 3 Falcon 9 Launches From Vandenberg This Week

3 articles · Updated · VC Star · Jun 15

Summary

  • Three Falcon 9 missions are lined up from Vandenberg Space Force Base this week, with launches planned for June 15, June 18 and June 20.
  • Two of the flights are Starlink deployments, each carrying 24 internet satellites to low-Earth orbit, while the middle mission will launch NROL-179 reconnaissance satellites for the National Reconnaissance Office.
  • Monday and Saturday launches are set for 7 to 11 a.m. PT from Space Launch Complex 4E, with boosters targeting drone-ship landings in the Pacific.
  • Thursday's military mission has a 1:54 to 2:29 a.m. PT window from the same pad, and its booster is scheduled to return to Landing Zone 4 at Vandenberg.
  • SpaceX says all three missions remain subject to change, reflecting the routine delays common in launch operations.

Insights

With boosters nearing 40 flights, is SpaceX's dominance making the commercial space race a one-company show?
As thousands of satellites burn up on re-entry, are we trading the ozone layer for faster internet service?
How does the NRO's new spy satellite swarm change the rules for global surveillance and orbital conflict?