UPDATE (6:15 p.m.) — The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched out of Vandenberg Space Force Base just after 5:58 p.m.
The first-stage booster successfully landed on a droneship in the Pacific Ocean a few minutes after takeoff.
UPDATE (Saturday, 5:18 p.m.) — SpaceX has pushed back the launch time of the Falcon 9 rocket to 5:58 p.m.
(Friday, 12:22 p.m.) — SpaceX is gearing up for what could be its final launch this year from Vandenberg Space Force Base.
The company is targeting Saturday at 5:48 p.m. for the Falcon 9 launch carrying 22 Starlink satellites to low-earth orbit.
If the launch does not go at that time, backup opportunities are available until 9:31 p.m. and again starting at 5:12 p.m. on Sunday.
Following stage separation, the first-stage booster is expected to land on the Of Course I Still Love You droneship in the Pacific Ocean. No sonic boom is expected to be heard locally.
The booster has been used 15 previous times.
A live webcast of this mission will begin on X about five minutes before liftoff.
The launch would mark the 46th Falcon 9 launch this year from Vandenberg Space Force Base. The base has also conducted Firefly Alpha launch, one Minotaur IV launch, and three Minuteman III test launches this year.
