SpaceX conducts engine test fire for communications satellite launch (members only)

The Starlink 8-1 mission marked the second declared launch of Starlink satellites featuring the Direct to Cell capability. Liftoff from SLC-4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base happened on Saturday, April 6, at 7:25 p.m. PDT (10:25 EDT, 0225 UTC).

Imagery from the launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket Tuesday show the launcher vaulting into space from Cape Canaveral with another batch of nearly 60 Starlink satellites, followed by the successful recovery of the rocket’s first stage booster and payload shroud offshore.

The Starlink 17-9 mission added another 24 broadband satellites to its low Earth orbit constellation of more than 8,300. Liftoff from pad 4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base happened at 11:06 a.m. PDT (2:06 p.m. EDT / 1806 UTC).