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SpaceX has announced a delay in the launch of 21 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The launch, originally scheduled for August 21, has been postponed due to the impact of Hurricane Hilary on rocket recovery operations. The reusable first stage booster, which is typically recovered by a barge in the Pacific, is currently in the path of the hurricane. SpaceX stated that it is standing down from the launch due to the impact of Hurricane Hilary on recovery operations in the Pacific.

In addition to the hurricane, Southern California also experienced a magnitude 5.1 earthquake in Ventura County’s town of Ojai.

The company has identified several backup launch opportunities for the mission. If needed, the launch can take place at different times starting from 11:54 p.m. PT on August 21 until 2:26 a.m. PT on August 22. Alternatively, there are backup opportunities available on August 22 starting from 10:42 p.m. PT until 2:05 a.m. PT on August 23.

Once the launch does take place, it will mark the 15th flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission. The booster has previously supported missions such as Crew-1, Crew-2, SXM-8, CRS-23, IXPE, Transporter-4, Transporter-5, Globalstar FM15, ISI EROS C-3, and five Starlink missions. After stage separation, the first stage will land on the Of Course I Still Love You droneship stationed in the Pacific Ocean.

A live webcast of the mission will be available approximately five minutes prior to liftoff.

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