SpaceX Returns to Launching Rockets After Hurricane Idalia Threat
After the threat of Hurricane Idalia had passed, SpaceX resumed its mission of launching rockets into orbit with a liftoff on Thursday night. This marked the company’s ninth launch of the month, showcasing its consistent progress and commitment to space exploration.
Earlier on Thursday, Elon Musk’s company had planned another launch in California but opted to delay it until Friday. If they had managed to launch both missions, SpaceX would have not only set a company record for launches in a month but also matched the total number of launches they accomplished in the entire year of 2022—with four months still remaining in 2023.
However, despite the delay, SpaceX successfully completed launch No. 60 for the year. The Falcon 9, carrying 22 of SpaceX’s Starlink satellites, took off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s Space Launch Complex 40 at 10:21 p.m. The launch was initially postponed multiple times due to unfavorable weather conditions but ultimately proceeded as planned.
One remarkable aspect of this launch was the reuse of the Falcon 9’s first-stage booster, marking its seventh flight. After delivering the payload into orbit, the booster successfully landed on the droneship, A Shortfall of Gravitas, in the Atlantic Ocean. SpaceX shared the exciting moment on Twitter, showcasing the booster’s landing on the droneship.
This launch also celebrated the 45th overall launch from the Space Coast, with all but two of them being carried out by SpaceX. The threat of Hurricane Idalia also impacted United Launch Alliance (ULA), causing the postponement of their second mission of the year.
ULA had planned to launch its Atlas V rocket carrying the SILENTBARKER NROL-107 payload for the National Reconnaissance Office and U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command on Tuesday morning. However, to ensure safety, ULA rolled back the rocket to its vertical integration facility.
Meanwhile, SpaceX is preparing for its 61st orbital flight, scheduled for Friday morning from Vandenberg Space Force Base. This flight, codenamed Tranche, is the second mission by SpaceX for the Space Development Agency. The mission aims to enhance global military communication and missile warning, indication, and tracking capabilities through a layered network of satellites in low-Earth orbit.
In August, SpaceX achieved a remarkable feat by conducting eight successful launches, including the Crew-7 mission from Kennedy Space Center. The launch completed on the last day of August tied the record for the most launches conducted by SpaceX in a single month, previously set in May with nine launches.
Once SpaceX reaches its 61st launch, the count will include 58 Falcon 9 rockets and three Falcon Heavy missions. However, it will not include the lone attempt made by SpaceX to launch its new Starship and Super Heavy from Texas, which unfortunately self-destructed before reaching orbit. SpaceX is planning a second attempt for this mission pending clearance from the Federal Aviation Administration.
Elon Musk expressed an ambitious goal at the beginning of the year, stating that SpaceX could potentially conduct as many as 100 orbital launches within the year. With their impressive track record and determination, it will be fascinating to see the company’s progress and achievements in the coming months.
Sources:
– SpaceX Twitter (@SpaceX): https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1697434983839998270
– SpaceX Twitter (@SpaceX): https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1697437050759426182
– ULA Website: https://www.ulalaunch.com/
– SpaceX Twitter (@SpaceX): https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1697437050759426182
– SpaceX Twitter (@SpaceX): https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1697437050759426182
– SpaceX Twitter (@SpaceX): https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1697437050759426182