SpaceX successfully launched its Starlink 6-11 mission from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on August 26, 2023. The mission, conducted by a Falcon 9 rocket, deployed 22 Starlink satellites into orbit. This marked the second launch of the day for SpaceX, following the Crew-7 mission to the International Space Station earlier in the day.
The liftoff of the Falcon 9 rocket took place at 9:05 p.m. EDT, visible to fans at both Daytona International Speedway and Exploria Stadium in Orlando. The launch was followed shortly after by the successful landing of the rocket’s booster on a drone ship stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.
Space Force forecasters had reported that weather conditions were 95% favorable for the launch. The Falcon 9 rocket followed a southeastern trajectory and landed on the Just Read the Instructions drone ship. If schedules hold, this would be the Space Coast’s 44th launch this year and the second within 18 hours.
Updates from the launch were provided throughout the evening. At 9:14 p.m. EDT, it was confirmed that the first stage of the Falcon 9 rocket had successfully landed on the drone ship, completing its third mission. The post-launch timeline was also shared, highlighting key milestones such as Max Q, stage separation, fairing deployment, and satellite deployment.
As the countdown continued, SpaceX began loading kerosene and liquid oxygen into the Falcon 9 rocket’s first stage. The countdown milestones were shared, including propellant loading, engine chill, and final prelaunch checks. All signs indicated that the launch would proceed as planned.
Leading up to the launch, weather conditions were reported to be favorable, and SpaceX teams were ready for liftoff at 9:05 p.m. EDT. Updates were provided throughout the countdown milestones, ensuring that readers were informed of the progress.
SpaceX’s Starlink missions are aimed at creating a global broadband network that will provide internet access to remote areas around the world. With each successful launch, SpaceX brings us closer to achieving this goal and revolutionizing connectivity on a global scale.