In a remarkable display of resilience and efficiency, SpaceX has successfully launched two Starlink missions within a span of less than an hour, just days after a temporary grounding by NASA due to a failed booster landing. The swift recovery and return to flight operations demonstrate SpaceX's commitment to expanding global internet coverage through its Starlink satellite constellation.
Falcon 9 carrying 21 starlink satellites streaking towards orbit while Polaris Dawn vehicle awaits the new launch date. Image Credit: SpaceX
The grounding incident occurred on August 28, 2024, when a Falcon 9 booster failed to land safely on the drone ship "A Shortfall of Gravitas" after a successful Starlink satellite deployment. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) temporarily grounded SpaceX's Falcon 9 fleet to investigate the anomaly and ensure public safety.
However, SpaceX quickly addressed the issues and worked closely with the FAA to resume its launch schedule. The FAA granted approval for SpaceX to return to flight operations on August 30, 2024, after determining that the anomaly did not pose a risk to public safety.
The back-to-back Starlink missions, launched on August 31, 2024, added a total of 42 new satellites to the Starlink constellation, further enhancing the network's coverage and capacity. The successful execution of these missions underscores SpaceX's capability to recover swiftly from setbacks and maintain its ambitious launch schedule.
Mission Details
- Vandenberg Launch: The Falcon 9 rocket carrying 21 Starlink satellites lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base. This mission marked the 18th flight for the booster used, showcasing SpaceX's ability to reuse and recycle its rockets efficiently.
- Cape Canaveral Launch: Shortly after the Vandenberg launch, another Falcon 9 rocket launched 21 additional Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral. This mission also featured a successful landing of the booster on the drone ship "Just Read the Instructions," marking the 90th landing for this particular drone ship.
The expansion of the Starlink constellation is crucial for providing high-speed internet access to remote and underserved areas globally. With each successful launch, SpaceX moves closer to its goal of creating a robust and reliable satellite internet network.
The temporary grounding of SpaceX's Falcon 9 fleet had potential implications for both the Crew-9 and Polaris Dawn missions. However, with the swift resolution and clearance from the FAA, SpaceX was able to minimize potential delays for these missions.
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