Live Coverage: SpaceX to launch batch of Starlink satellites from the West Coast

SpaceX is counting down to a West Coast launch of another batch of satellites for its Starlink internet service Thursday.

The first stage booster for this mission, serial number B1081 is making its 23rd flight. It entered service on the East Coast with the launch of the Crew 7 space station mission in August 2023. It went on to fly the CRS-29, PACE, Transporter-10, EarthCARE, NROL-186, Transporter-13, TRACERS, NROL-48 and COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation FM3 missions, plus 12 previous Starlink deliveries.

Liftoff of the Starlink 17-17 mission is scheduled during a launch window that opens at 4:03 p.m. PDT (7:03 p.m. EDT / 2303 UTC). The mission was original scheduled for March 24 but was delayed two days for unknown reasons, presumably payload or vehicle issues.