An afternoon launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base is scheduled for liftoff Wednesday at 1:09 p.m., the space agency announced Tuesday.
The mission is to send a batch of 51 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit to join approximately 3,500 others in the Starlink megaconstellation that provides broadband internet services from space to more than 1 million customers in approximately 53 countries.
Following stage separation, Falcon 9’s first stage will land on the "Of Course I Still Love You" droneship stationed in the Pacific Ocean, for later retrieval.
The first stage booster supporting the mission previously launched Space Development Agency’s Tranche 0 and one Starlink mission.
If necessary, a backup opportunity is set aside for Thursday, May 11 at 12:55 p.m.
A live launch webcast will begin approximately 5 minutes prior to liftoff at spacex.com/launches.