Tech Desk 
Nov 07, 2024
SpaceX is preparing to launch 20 new Starlink satellites early Saturday morning on November 9 from California. This mission will add to SpaceX’s rapidly expanding Starlink network, which aims to provide high-speed internet across the globe.
The launch would be taking place from Vandenberg Space Force Base, with a Falcon 9 rocket carrying the satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO). A key feature of this mission is that 13 of the Satellites would have direct-to-cell technology, allowing them to connect directly with mobile phones in remote or underserved areas.
This is one of over 100 SpaceX launches in 2024, with nearly two-thirds to build out the Starlink network.
The first stage of the Falcon 9 rocket would try to land on the droneship "Of Course I Still Love You," stationed in the Pacific Ocean. The landing is expected to happen about eight minutes after liftoff.
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If the mission is successful, then it would be the 11th launch and landing for this specific Falcon 9 booster. Meanwhile, the upper stage would go on to finally put the 20 Starlink satellites into orbit about an hour after liftoff.
The ever-expanding Starlink constellation now sports some 6,500 active satellites. This sprawling network for internet service delivery to remote and rural areas is likely to be extended much further with direct-to-cell satellites.
SpaceX Falcon 9 launch schedule
The launch window opens at 1:16am EST (0516 GMT), which is 10:16pm local time on Friday, November 8. SpaceX plans to webcast the launch live on X, beginning about five minutes before liftoff.
