Today, October 30, 2023, SpaceX is set to reach a significant milestone by launching its 100th Starlink mission of the year. Enthusiasts and space aficionados can catch the live action as a Falcon 9 rocket is scheduled to lift off from California's Vandenberg Space Force Base. The launch is planned for a four-hour window beginning at 4:06 p.m. EDT (20:06 GMT; 1:06 p.m. local California time).
Viewers can watch the launch live via SpaceX's official website or on their X account. Coverage will commence approximately five minutes before liftoff, providing ample time for viewers to tune in and experience this exciting event.
Starlink is SpaceX's ambitious internet-beaming network operating in low Earth orbit (LEO). It is renowned for being the largest satellite constellation ever assembled. To date, SpaceX has successfully launched over 10,000 Starlink spacecraft, with nearly 8,800 of them currently active and providing internet services across the globe.
Most of SpaceX's recent launches have focused on expanding the Starlink network. In 2023 alone, the company has executed 138 Falcon 9 missions, with an impressive 99 of those dedicated exclusively to Starlink initiatives. This highlights SpaceX's commitment to enhancing global internet access through its innovative satellite technology.
If everything proceeds as planned during today’s launch, the Falcon 9's first stage will return to Earth approximately 8.5 minutes post-launch. It is expected to touch down in the Pacific Ocean on the SpaceX drone ship, Of Course I Still Love You. This mission marks the 29th flight for this specific booster, designated as 1063, bringing it closer to the Falcon 9 reuse record of 31 flights.
Meanwhile, the Falcon 9’s upper stage will continue its journey to deploy the 28 Starlink satellites into their designated low Earth orbit approximately one hour after liftoff. This mission not only underscores SpaceX's technological advancements but also its ongoing efforts to provide reliable internet connectivity worldwide.
