SpaceX is set to launch 22 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit on February 7, 2024, from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
The rocket is targeted for 5:17 p.m.PT with backup opportunities until 8:54 p.m. PT. Earlier, SpaceX scrubbed the initial shot due to unfavorable weather.
Over the past three weeks, SpaceX has been rescheduling its missions due to high winds in coastal areas as well as clouds.
Before 40 minutes of launch, SpaceX will start loading RP-1 rocket-grade kerosene and liquid oxygen in 1st stage and 2nd stage.
After Falcon 9 begins engine chill, the command flight computer will kick off final prelaunch checks. SpaceX launch director will verify for liftoff 45 seconds prior and the engine controller commands the engine ignition sequence to start.
Post liftoff, the flight will achieve Max Q at about 1 minute of mission. The first stage will cut off the main engine and separate from the second stage at around 2:26+ and 2:29+ minutes.
The first stage will ignite engines and conduct a landing burn followed by 1st stage landing at 8:23 minutes.
This is the 14th flight for the first stage booster and it was previously launched NROL-87, NROL-85, SARah-1, SWOT, Transporter-8, Transporter-9, and seven Starlink missions. These 22 satellites will commence deployment at around 1 hour of the mission.
The mission will be broadcast online on the social media site X (formerly known as Twitter).