SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket to Set New Reusability Record with 16th Mission
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is set to make history tonight as it embarks on its 16th mission, breaking the record for reusability. The rocket will be carrying 22 of SpaceX’s next-generation Starlink internet satellites and is scheduled to launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida at 8:36 p.m. ET (0036 GMT on July 10).
The launch can be watched live on Space.com or directly through SpaceX’s coverage, with the stream expected to begin five minutes before liftoff. This mission marks another milestone for SpaceX, as the Falcon 9 booster will attempt to return to Earth for yet another landing in the Atlantic Ocean off the Florida coast. The landing is expected to occur approximately 8.5 minutes after liftoff on the deck of the SpaceX droneship Just Read the Instructions.
While the first stage of the Falcon 9 makes its way back to Earth, the expendable upper stage will continue to deploy the 22 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit. These satellites, known as “V2 Minis,” are an upgraded version of SpaceX’s broadband craft. They are larger than the previous iteration and can provide approximately four times more capacity per satellite. The V2 Minis incorporate advanced technologies such as more powerful phased array antennas and the use of E-band for backhaul.
The Falcon 9 first stage flying on this mission previously launched in December 2022 and has an impressive flight history, including SpaceX’s first crewed mission, Demo-2, which sent two NASA astronauts to the International Space Station in 2020. This launch will further demonstrate the reusability capabilities of SpaceX’s rockets, as another Falcon 9 first stage has already completed 15 flights.
Looking ahead, SpaceX’s next-generation Starship vehicle, designed to be fully reusable, will take reflight to another level. The Starship, touted as the most powerful rocket ever built, will have both stages capable of flying multiple times in a single day, according to SpaceX founder and CEO Elon Musk.
The launch time for tonight’s mission was updated to 8:36 p.m. EDT, with the original target being 4:36 a.m. EDT. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting launch and the future of reusable spaceflight.
[Editor’s note: This story was updated at 1 a.m. ET on July 9 with the new launch time of 8:36 p.m. EDT. The original launch target was July 9 at 4:36 a.m. EDT.]
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Michael Wall is a Senior Space Writer with Space.com and joined the team in 2010. He primarily covers exoplanets, spaceflight, and military space but has been known to dabble in the space art beat. His book about the search for alien life, “Out There,” was published on Nov. 13, 2018. Before becoming a science writer, Michael worked as a herpetologist and wildlife biologist. He has a Ph.D. in evolutionary biology from the University of Sydney, Australia, a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona, and a graduate certificate in science writing from the University of California, Santa Cruz. To find out what his latest project is, you can follow Michael on Twitter.
How does the reusability of the booster in the 16th mission demonstrate SpaceX’s commitment to reducing the cost of spaceflight?
Rewritable booster landing in December 2025. The reusability of this rocket is a testament to SpaceX’s commitment to reducing the cost of spaceflight by reusing major components.
SpaceX’s Starlink network aims to provide global internet coverage through a constellation of thousands of small satellites. With each successful launch, SpaceX gets closer to achieving its goal of seamless internet connectivity around the world. The V2 Minis are an important step in this endeavor, offering increased capacity and improved performance compared to their predecessors.
Reaching the 16th mission with a single Falcon 9 rocket is a significant achievement for SpaceX. It highlights the durability and reliability of their vehicles, proving that reusable rockets can withstand multiple launches and landings. This milestone not only demonstrates the technological advancements made by SpaceX but also paves the way for a more sustainable and cost-effective approach to space exploration.
As the launch takes place tonight, space enthusiasts and viewers can witness this remarkable event live through various platforms. Space.com and SpaceX’s coverage will provide real-time updates and streaming of the launch, making it accessible to audiences worldwide.
The landing of the Falcon 9 booster on the SpaceX droneship is always a thrilling moment. The precision and accuracy required for a successful landing at sea showcase the impressive engineering capabilities of SpaceX. With each successful landing, SpaceX further proves the viability of reusability in the space industry and sets the stage for future advancements in this field.
Overall, the 16th mission of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is a testament to the company’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of reusability. By launching the V2 Minis and landing the first stage once again, SpaceX continues to revolutionize the space industry and pave the way for a more sustainable and accessible future in space exploration and internet connectivity.
“Exciting times ahead as SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket aims to shatter the reusability record with the upcoming Starlink launch. A remarkable achievement that showcases their relentless pursuit of revolutionizing space technology. Kudos to SpaceX for pushing boundaries and bringing us closer to a sustainable future in space exploration.”