SpaceX Starlink Group 15-18

SpaceX is preparing another Falcon 9 mission as Starlink Group 15-18 prepares to carry 27 satellites into low Earth orbit. The launch is currently targeted for Thursday, October 29, at 9:02 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base.

Falcon 9 first-stage booster B1093 a veteran of space flight, is scheduled to make its 18th flight with a payload of 27 Starlink satellites destined to join SpaceX's growing constellation of low Earth orbit communications satellites. Booster B1093 previous missions have included Transporter-16, two Tranche 1 satellite missions, and 14 previous Starlink missions.

For rocket enthusiasts and photographers, this nighttime launch offers some potential for an impressive display as the Falcon 9 climbs into the darkness above the Pacific Ocean. Following liftoff, the Falcon 9 is expected to travel southeast over the Pacific Ocean along a trajectory designed to place the Starlink satellites into their intended orbit. Approximately two and a half minutes after launch, the first and second stages are expected to separate. The first-stage booster will begin its return sequence and is expected to attempt a landing aboard SpaceX's autonomous drone ship, Of Course I Still Love You, close to 8 minutes after liftoff positioned in the Pacific Ocean downrange from the launch site.