On May 23, 2023, SpaceX announced a rescheduling of its upcoming launch, targeting a new liftoff time for the deployment of another batch of Starlink satellites. This mission, known as Starlink 11-16, is set to take place aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The revised launch window is scheduled for 3:32 p.m. PDT (6:32 p.m. EDT, 2232 UTC).
This mission will carry 27 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit, marking a significant addition to SpaceX's growing satellite constellation. Following this launch, the total number of Starlink satellites sent into orbit by SpaceX will reach an impressive 8,700. According to renowned orbital tracker Jonathan McDowell, over 7,500 of these satellites are currently operational in space, providing essential broadband internet services across the globe.
For those interested in following this exciting launch, Spaceflight Now will provide live coverage starting approximately 30 minutes before the scheduled liftoff. This coverage will offer viewers a comprehensive look at the preparations leading up to the launch and real-time updates as the mission progresses.
The Falcon 9 rocket for this mission utilizes the first stage booster with the tail number B1075. This booster will be making its 18th flight, continuing its impressive operational history. Previous missions for B1075 include Transporter-11, SARah-2, and a total of 14 batches of Starlink satellites.
Approximately eight minutes following the launch, B1075 will attempt to land on the droneship named ‘Of Course I Still Love You.’ If the landing is successful, it will mark the 131st landing on this particular vessel and contribute to the overall milestone of 450 booster landings achieved by SpaceX to date.
As the launch of Starlink 11-16 approaches, anticipation builds for another successful deployment of Starlink satellites. This mission is a testament to SpaceX's ongoing commitment to expanding global internet coverage and advancing aerospace technology.
