SpaceX Successfully Launches 22 Starlink Satellites and Lands Rocket on Drone Ship
The skies above Florida’s Space Coast were illuminated on Friday evening (Sept. 29) as a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched 22 Starlink satellites into orbit. The rocket took off from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 10:00 p.m. EDT (0200 GMT on Sept. 30) in a flawless liftoff.
In an impressive display of rocket reusability, the Falcon 9’s first stage returned to Earth and executed a perfect vertical landing on a SpaceX drone ship at sea. The landing took place approximately 8.5 minutes after launch, precisely as planned.
The event marked the 10th successful liftoff and landing for this particular Falcon 9 first stage. SpaceX currently holds the rocket-reuse record with two different boosters, each completing a staggering 17 flights.
The 22 Starlink satellites were deployed into low Earth orbit (LEO) about 65 minutes after launch. These satellites are part of SpaceX’s ambitious plan to create a megaconstellation to provide global broadband coverage. Currently, the Starlink network comprises nearly 4,800 operational satellites.
SpaceX has obtained permission to deploy 12,000 satellites in LEO, and it has also applied for approval for an additional 30,000. This massive expansion aims to meet the increasing demand for fast and reliable internet connectivity across the globe.
Friday’s successful mission was the 69th orbital launch for SpaceX in 2023. Notably, approximately 60% of these flights have been dedicated to expanding and strengthening the Starlink network.
Space enthusiasts and stargazers will have the opportunity to witness the mesmerizing sight of these satellites passing overhead. For those interested in observing and tracking the Starlink satellite train, various guides and tools are available for assistance.
With SpaceX’s remarkable achievements in rocket reusability and satellite deployment, the future of global connectivity seems brighter, as the Starlink network continues to grow and extend its reach across the planet.