Overview
- SpaceX is aiming to launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base during a four-hour window that opens at 7 p.m. PT on Tuesday, Aug. 18, with a target liftoff time of about 8:45 p.m. PDT as reported by multiple outlets.
- The mission will carry 24 Starlink satellites to low Earth orbit, a deployment that sources say would bring the megaconstellation to roughly 11,000 satellites in orbit.
- First stage booster B1097 will fly for the 12th time and will attempt a sea landing on the droneship Of Course I Still Love You about eight to nine minutes after liftoff, which if successful would add to cumulative droneship and booster landing tallies.
- Vandenberg and SpaceX warn local residents to expect an initial low rumble at liftoff and possible sonic booms during booster reentry, and public viewing is limited to off‑base vantage points across Santa Barbara, Ventura and San Luis Obispo counties.
- SpaceX will stream the launch live starting roughly 10 minutes before liftoff and the FAA has filed an operations plan that includes a next‑day backup opportunity if the mission is postponed.