SpaceX to Conduct 60th Falcon 9 Launch from Vandenberg in April
SpaceX is scheduled to launch its 60th Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base on Monday evening. The upcoming mission, Starlink 15-10, aims to deploy 27 additional broadband internet satellites to expand SpaceX’s extensive low Earth orbit constellation.
The launch will occur from Space Launch Complex 4 East, with liftoff targeted at 9:28 p.m. PST. Spaceflight Now will provide live coverage beginning approximately 30 minutes before liftoff, allowing enthusiasts and industry watchers to follow the event in real time.
Mission Details and Booster Performance
SpaceX will employ Falcon 9 booster B1081 for this mission, marking its 20th flight. This booster has an extensive flight record, including critical missions for NASA such as Crew-7 and CRS-29, as well as science missions like PACE and TRACERS. The reuse of this booster underscores SpaceX’s commitment to cost-effective and sustainable launch operations.
Following stage separation, booster B1081 is planned to land on the drone ship Of Course I Still Love You. A successful landing will represent the 166th touchdown on this drone ship and the 542nd booster recovery overall, highlighting SpaceX’s operational expertise in reusable rocket technology.
Starlink Program Expansion
By the end of March, SpaceX has launched over 2,800 Starlink satellites this year, progressively building a large-scale constellation. The Starlink 15-10 mission will continue to increase global coverage and improve broadband internet access in underserved regions.
This launch contributes to SpaceX’s ongoing strategy to enhance the Starlink network’s speed and reliability while supporting a variety of commercial, governmental, and scientific payloads. The company’s frequent launches from Vandenberg Space Force Base demonstrate the site’s vital role in supporting West Coast missions.
With the Falcon 9 rocket’s proven reliability and the continuous expansion of Starlink, SpaceX solidifies its position as a leading provider in satellite internet and space launch services.
Read more at: spaceflightnow.com
