SpaceX has successfully launched another batch of Starlink internet satellites, marking a significant milestone in its quest to expand global broadband coverage. The latest launch occurred this morning (Nov. 21) from Florida’s Space Coast, underscoring the company’s relentless pace of operations.
Credit: SpaceX
A Falcon 9 rocket carrying 24 Starlink satellites lifted off at 11:07 a.m. EST (1607 GMT) from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The launch window, spanning nearly four hours, was utilized early to achieve yet another precision mission.
Approximately eight minutes after liftoff, the Falcon 9’s first stage returned to Earth, executing a pinpoint landing on the droneship "A Shortfall of Gravitas" stationed in the Atlantic Ocean. This marked the 20th successful launch and landing for this specific booster, demonstrating the reusability and reliability of SpaceX’s technology. Sixteen of these flights have been dedicated to deploying Starlink satellites.
The rocket’s upper stage continued its journey to low Earth orbit (LEO), where it is scheduled to release the 24 Starlink satellites roughly 65 minutes after liftoff. These satellites will join the ever-growing constellation designed to provide high-speed internet to underserved and remote areas worldwide.
Credit: SpaceX
Today’s launch highlights an extraordinarily productive period for SpaceX, being the company’s seventh mission in just one week. Six of these launches involved Falcon 9 rockets, while the other was a significant test flight of SpaceX’s Starship megarocket on Tuesday, Nov. 19. The Starship mission achieved a milestone as both stages of the vehicle successfully performed ocean splashdowns, moving the ambitious program closer to operational readiness.
With this latest launch, SpaceX continues to break records and redefine the pace of space exploration and satellite deployment, solidifying its position as a leader in the commercial space industry.
Add comment
Comments