Launch from Vandenberg
On June 13, 2026, SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket ignited from launch pad 4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Liftoff occurred at 8:05:59 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time, corresponding to 11:05:59 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time and 15:05:59 UTC.
Mission payload
The flight carried 24 additional Starlink satellites intended to expand the company's global broadband constellation. After reaching a low Earth orbit, the satellites will maneuver to their operational slots.
Stock market timing
The launch was scheduled one day before SpaceX's planned initial public offering on the Nasdaq, serving as a high‑visibility demonstration of the company's capabilities ahead of its first trading day.
Technical specifics
- Launcher: Falcon 9 Block 5
- Launch site: Pad 4E, Vandenberg Space Force Base
- Launch time: 08:05:59 PDT / 15:05:59 UTC
- Payload: 24 Starlink satellites
Future outlook
The added satellites are expected to improve coverage and data rates for Starlink users, especially in remote and underserved areas. The successful mission also reinforces confidence in the reusability of Falcon 9 first‑stage boosters, which returned safely to Earth.