Kamal Ghorui
SpaceX is preparing to launch a Falcon 9 rocket carrying 25 Starlink satellites to low Earth orbit from California. The mission will lift off from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base, a site regularly used for Starlink deployments. It marks another step in the company’s rapid expansion of its satellite internet network, which now spans thousands of spacecraft in orbit. The launch will use a highly experienced first stage booster, underscoring SpaceX’s focus on reusability as a way to reduce costs and increase launch frequency. After completing its primary job, the booster is expected to return for a controlled landing on a droneship in the Pacific Ocean, while the satellites continue toward their planned orbit to strengthen coverage.
Starlink mission launch window and India time details
SpaceX is set to launch a Falcon 9 rocket carrying 25 Starlink satellites. The launch window runs from 12:17 pm (EST) on February 2 to 4:15 pm on February 2. The rocket will lift off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. According to Indian Standard Time, the launch window will be February 2, 2026, 20:47 India Time – February 3, 2026, 00:47. India TimeWhere to watch the SpaceX Falcon 9 launch liveThe launch will be streamed live on SpaceX’s website, on X via @SpaceX, and on the X TV app, with coverage beginning about five minutes before liftoff. Residents in parts of Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties could hear sonic booms during the mission, depending on weather and flight conditions.What makes Falcon 9 different from other rocketsThe Falcon 9 booster assigned to the mission has already flown 30 times, so this is its 31st flight. Following stage separation, the first stage is planned to land on SpaceX’s Pacific Ocean-based droneship Of Course I Still Love You.SpaceX developed the Falcon 9, a two-stage, reusable rocket designed to launch satellites, cargo, and crew into orbit. It was the first orbital-class rocket built for reuse, allowing SpaceX to refly essential components and cut space launch costs.The rocket’s first stage is propelled by nine Merlin engines and uses liquid oxygen and rocket-grade paraffin as fuel. The engines work together to provide enough thrust to lift the vehicle off the ground and into space, after which the booster returns for recovery and reuse.
