SpaceX is preparing for the Transporter-18 mission, which will launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base. The payload includes an artificial intelligence prototype from Google, a methane-tracking device, and pharmaceutical manufacturing laboratories.
The mission utilizes a Falcon 9 rocket, specifically booster B1082. This flight marks the 25th mission for this particular booster, which has previously supported Starlink deployments, NROL-145, USSF-62, and OneWeb missions.
Liftoff from Space Launch Complex 4 East is scheduled for 11:32 a.m. PDT. Following the launch, the booster is set to return to Landing Zone 4 approximately 7.5 minutes later, marking the 36th landing at this site and the 665th overall.
The mission will deploy 130 payloads into a polar orbit. The deployment process is expected to last 11 minutes, beginning roughly 54 minutes after the rocket leaves the launch pad.
