SpaceX is preparing for its latest Falcon 9 launch, which will send 24 Starlink satellites into orbit. This launch is scheduled for Tuesday night from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. It will feature a new Falcon 9 rocket booster, known as B1097.
The mission, labeled Starlink 17-8, comes as SpaceX continues to expand its satellite network. In 2025 alone, they’ve launched over 1,900 satellites, helping to provide broadband internet and direct-to-cell services. This latest launch is set for 8:51 p.m. PDT (11:51 p.m. EDT).
The Falcon 9 will head southward to deploy the satellites into a polar orbit. After liftoff, approximately 8.5 minutes later, the booster will attempt to land on the drone ship called ‘Of Course I Still Love You.’ If successful, this would mark the 498th booster landing and 148th for that specific ship.
Reusability is key to SpaceX’s goal of frequent launches at lower costs. The company aims to certify its rocket boosters and payload fairings for up to 40 flights each. Currently, some boosters have already completed 30 flights. In 2025, SpaceX introduced six new boosters, highlighting its efficient operational model.
Historically, SpaceX has often launched new boosters for government missions. However, this year, several new boosters have made their first flights for the Starlink program. Kiko Dontchev, Vice President of Launch at SpaceX, recently spoke about the company’s impressive target of 170 launches this year, attributing its success to the innovative reusability of its rockets. “Reusability has fueled the growth for human spaceflight and commercial launches while also ensuring a more reliable system,” he remarked.
SpaceX’s commitment to reusability has positioned Falcon 9 as one of the most reliable rockets to date, enabling higher launch rates than ever before. Tuesday’s mission will be the 526th Falcon 9 launch, and another launch is already planned for Wednesday from Cape Canaveral.
For updates, consider following live coverage or checking reliable sources like [SpaceX’s official website](https://www.spacex.com) or [SpaceFlightNow](https://spaceflightnow.com) for more details.
