Launch schedule and timing
SpaceX is set to conduct its 77th Falcon 9 launch of the year on July 1 2026, lifting off from pad 4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The liftoff is slated for 7:57 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time (02:57 UTC).
Starlink 17‑46 mission
The flight, designated Starlink 17‑46, will deploy a batch of 24 communications satellites that will augment the global broadband constellation operated by Starlink. The satellites will be placed into low‑Earth orbit to provide high‑speed data services worldwide.
Falcon 9 and reusability
The launch vehicle is a Block‑5 Falcon 9, a model that has been successfully reused on numerous occasions. Following separation, the first stage is expected to execute a controlled landing in the Pacific Ocean for refurbishment and future use.
Implications for the Starlink network
Each additional satellite increases the overall capacity and redundancy of the Starlink system. This series of launches aims to further improve coverage, especially in remote and underserved regions.
Future outlook
SpaceX has scheduled several more Starlink launches for the remainder of the year from various sites, including Florida’s east coast. Expanding the satellite constellation remains a core element of the company’s strategy to deliver reliable internet access across the globe.