SpaceX is preparing for another launch of its Starlink internet service from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The mission, known as Starlink Group 7-2, will deploy 21 second-generation satellites into orbit. These satellites, called V2 Mini, are a smaller version of the full-sized V2 Starlink satellites that will be launched in the future using SpaceX’s reusable Starship vehicle. This will be the 18th launch of the V2 Mini series.
The launch will take place at 11:57 p.m. PDT on Monday (2:57 a.m. EDT / 0657 UTC on Tuesday). The Falcon 9 rocket will lift off from Vandenberg and the first stage booster, tailnumber B1071, will make its 11th flight. After separating from the second stage, the first stage will attempt a landing on the drone ship called “Of Course I Still Love You” located off the coast of Baja California.
Following the booster landing, the second stage will complete its first burn to reach an initial parking orbit. It will then coast for about 45 minutes before a second firing to reach the intended orbit. At T+1 hour, 2 minutes and 19 seconds, the 21 satellites will be deployed.
According to Jonathan McDowell, an astronomer at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, SpaceX has launched a total of 5,070 Starlink satellites to date. The company previously announced that it has over 1.5 million Starlink subscribers and the internet service is available in more than 60 countries.
The launch will be live streamed on the Launch Pad Live stream, providing real-time coverage of the liftoff.