SpaceX Aims for Record-Breaking Launch with Starlink 7-14 Mission
SpaceX is set to launch the Starlink 7-14 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California today, potentially setting a new record for the fastest turnaround time between launches from the West Coast pad.
The Falcon 9 rocket is scheduled to lift off at 2:12 p.m. PDT (5:12 p.m. EDT / 2112 UTC), carrying 28 more V2 Mini satellites to low Earth orbit. This launch comes less than 55 hours after the Starlink 11-12 mission on Saturday, and continues SpaceX’s ambitious deployment schedule for its satellite internet constellation. The increasing number of Starlink satellites aims to provide high-speed, low-latency internet access to underserved areas globally.
The booster, identified as B1082, will be making its 17th flight, having previously supported missions including USSF-62 and multiple Starlink deployments. Approximately 8.5 minutes after launch, B1082 is targeted to land on the drone ship ‘Of Course I Still Love You’ in the Pacific Ocean, marking the 161st landing on that vessel and the 525th booster landing overall for SpaceX. You can find more information about SpaceX’s launch schedule and missions on their official website.
This mission represents the 98th launch in support of the Starlink constellation this year alone. SpaceX officials stated they will continue to monitor conditions and are prepared to postpone the launch if necessary, but currently anticipate a successful liftoff and booster recovery, as detailed by Spaceflight Now.
