SpaceX is on the verge of breaking its rocket-reuse record with the upcoming launch of its Starlink satellites. The company’s Falcon 9 rocket is scheduled to take off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California tonight, carrying 22 of SpaceX’s broadband satellites. This will be the 19th mission for the Falcon 9’s first stage, tying the record set during a Starlink launch in December.
The launch is set to take place during a 3.5-hour window that opens at 11:11 p.m. EST. Viewers can watch the live stream of the launch on SpaceX’s account on X, starting five minutes before the window opens. If all goes according to plan, the Falcon 9’s first stage will return to Earth approximately 8.5 minutes after liftoff and land on the drone ship named “Of Course I Still Love You,” stationed in the Pacific Ocean.
Once the booster is safely back on land, it will undergo inspection, refurbishment, and potentially be used for another flight. This highlights SpaceX’s commitment to reusability, a key aspect of their mission to make space travel more cost-effective and sustainable.
The Falcon 9’s upper stage is expected to deploy the 22 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO) about 62 minutes after liftoff. These satellites are part of SpaceX’s ambitious plan to create a megaconstellation of internet-providing spacecraft in LEO. Currently, there are over 5,400 operational Starlink satellites, and this number continues to grow.
Tonight’s launch will mark SpaceX’s 17th mission of 2024, following the successful deployment of an Indonesian telecom satellite just a few days ago. This particular mission was significant as it marked the 300th successful Falcon 9 launch overall, showcasing SpaceX’s impressive track record in the industry.
SpaceX’s Starlink project aims to provide internet service to customers worldwide, especially in remote areas where connectivity is limited. The company’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of rocket reusability and expanding access to the internet is commendable.
As we eagerly await tonight’s launch, it is a testament to SpaceX’s relentless pursuit of innovation and their commitment to revolutionizing space travel. The record-breaking potential of this mission only adds to the excitement surrounding the future of space exploration.