Sat Jul 19 03:10:00 UTC 2025: ## SpaceX to Launch More Starlink Satellites, Boost Alaska Connectivity
**Vandenberg Space Force Base, CA -** SpaceX is set to launch another batch of Starlink Version 2 Mini satellites into a polar orbit Friday night from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base. The mission, dubbed Starlink 17-3, will deploy 24 satellites, adding to the company’s existing constellation of over 7,900 satellites. Liftoff is targeted for 8:52 p.m. PDT (11:52 p.m. EDT / 0352 UTC).
This launch is part of SpaceX’s plan to significantly improve Starlink connectivity in high-latitude regions like Alaska. The company stated it aims to launch over 400 additional satellites into polar orbit by the end of 2025, effectively doubling capacity for Alaskan customers.
The Falcon 9 first stage booster being used for this mission, tail number B1082, is making its 14th flight. Following stage separation, B1082 will attempt a landing on the droneship “Of Course I Still Love You,” marking a potential 141st landing for the vessel and 477th booster landing overall.
SpaceX is also preparing for a NASA rideshare mission, which is highlighted by the agency’s TRACERS (Tandem Reconnection and Cusp Electrodynamics Reconnaissance Satellites) payload.
The company has been extremely busy in 2025, recently launching from both California and Florida and completing a static fire test for its Falcon Heavy rocket ahead of an upcoming launch for the U.S. military. Another Falcon 9 rocket launch from Cape Canaveral will send supplies and experiments to the International Space Station.
First Piper 