On December 12, 2024, SpaceX is gearing up for another significant launch as it prepares to send 22 Starlink satellites into orbit from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The Falcon 9 rocket is set to lift off at 1:55 p.m. PST (4:55 p.m. EST, 2155 UTC) from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E). This mission marks the 87th Starlink launch of the year, underscoring SpaceX’s commitment to expanding its satellite internet network.
As the launch approaches, SpaceX has updated the launch time, and live coverage will commence approximately 30 minutes prior to liftoff. The Falcon 9 rocket, known for its reusability, will be utilizing the first stage booster designated B1082, which will be making its ninth journey into space. This booster has previously supported various missions, including USSF-62 and OneWeb Launch 20, in addition to six prior Starlink missions.
Approximately eight minutes after launch, the booster is expected to return to Earth, landing on the SpaceX droneship named ‘Of Course I Still Love You’ (OCISLY). If successful, this landing will mark the 113th successful booster recovery for OCISLY and contribute to SpaceX’s overall total of 382 booster landings to date.
This launch comes on the heels of the Space Force Association’s second annual Spacepower Conference, which took place in Orlando, Florida. The conference brought together military personnel, contractors, and academics to discuss various topics related to space operations, including strategies for addressing current and future threats to on-orbit assets. One of the highlights was a keynote address by Brig. Gen. Kristin Panzenhagen, the Program Executive Officer for Assured Access to Space (AATS) within the U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command.
Brig. Gen. Panzenhagen’s address focused on the importance of enhancing the United States’ launch capabilities and ensuring that the country can maintain a robust presence in space. Her role encompasses overseeing the operations of Space Launch Delta 45, which is responsible for managing launches from the Eastern Range.
As the Falcon 9 rocket prepares for its mission, the U.S. Space Force continues to emphasize the need for reliable access to space, especially in light of the increasing number of orbital launches taking place in recent years. The Space Force’s Assured Access to Space initiative aims to bolster the resilience and responsiveness of the U.S. space launch infrastructure.
With this upcoming launch, SpaceX is not only advancing its Starlink satellite constellation but also contributing to the national security objectives outlined by the Space Force. The integration of commercial space capabilities into national defense strategies is becoming increasingly critical as the reliance on satellite technology grows.
The successful deployment of these satellites will enhance global internet coverage, particularly in underserved areas, and further solidify SpaceX’s position as a leader in the commercial space sector. As the countdown to launch continues, anticipation builds for what is expected to be another successful mission in SpaceX’s ongoing efforts to revolutionize space access and connectivity.
Stay tuned for live updates and coverage of the launch as SpaceX embarks on yet another milestone in its ambitious journey to expand its satellite network and support U.S. space operations.
