SpaceX is targeting Friday morning for a Falcon 9 launch of 26 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base.
Liftoff is targeted for 6:43 a.m., with a backup opportunity at 6:50 a.m. If needed, additional launch opportunities are also available on Saturday, May 17 starting at 10:32 a.m.
Following stage separation, the first stage booster will return and touch town on the Of Course I Still Love You droneship, to be stationed in the Pacific Ocean.
Officials note of a possibility that residents in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties may hear one or more sonic booms during the launch depending on weather and other conditions.
This will be the second flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched one Starlink mission.
A live webcast of the mission will begin about five minutes prior to liftoff, accessible via X, @SpaceX, and webcast on the new X TV app.
Launch dates and times are subject to change at any time due to mission requirements.
Lisa André covers lifestyle and local news for the Santa Ynez Valley News and Lompoc Record, editions of the Santa Maria Times. She can be reached at landre@syvnews.com
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