UPDATE - The rocket launched successfully at 1:48 a.m.
WATCH:
Watch Falcon 9 launch 21 @Starlink satellites to orbit from California https://t.co/8mkXOEgjQE
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) August 31, 2024
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ORIGINAL STORY - SpaceX plans to launch a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base Friday night.
The launch, which will send 21 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit, was originally scheduled for early Wednesday morning but was postponed due to a mishap during a launch earlier that morning in Florida. During the landing of the rocket's first stage booster on a droneship in the Atlantic Ocean, the booster toppled over in flames.
The Federal Aviation Administration grounded the company's Falcon 9 rockets and ordered an investigation. On Friday, the FAA announced SpaceX could resume Falcon 9 launches while the investigation continues, according to Space.com.
Friday's launch is planned for 9:58 p.m. with backup opportunities available until 1:48 a.m. Saturday.
About eight minutes after liftoff, SpaceX will aim to land the rocket's first stage booster on a droneship stationed in the Pacific Ocean.
A livestream of the launch is expected to begin about five minutes before liftoff on X.
