SpaceX has bounced back from a recent failure with a resounding success, launching two Falcon 9 missions on Sunday morning (July 28) just 24 hours after a successful return-to-flight mission on Saturday (July 27). The back-to-back launches marked a triumphant recovery for the company, which had experienced its first in-flight failure since June 2015 on July 11.
A long exposure capture of Falcon 9 that carried 21 starlink satellites to orbit from California. Image Credit: SpaceX
The Sunday morning launches saw Falcon 9 rockets lifting off from both coasts, carrying batches of Starlink internet satellites into low Earth orbit. The first launch occurred at 1:09 a.m. EDT (0509) from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, with a Falcon 9 rocket deploying 23 Starlink satellites. This marked the 14th mission for the Falcon 9 first stage and the 300th reflight of a SpaceX booster overall.
Falcon 9 lifting off carrying 23 Starlink Satellites Image Credit: SpaceX
Just under five hours later, at 5:22 a.m. EDT (0922 GMT; 1:22 a.m. local California time), another Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, carrying 21 Starlink satellites, including 13 capable of beaming service directly to cell phones.
Another Falcon 9 lifted off carrying 21 Starlink Satellites to orbit from California Image Credit: SpaceX
Both missions were fully successful, with the rockets' first stages landing safely on ships at sea and the upper stages deploying the Starlink satellites as planned. The successful launches demonstrate SpaceX's ability to quickly recover from setbacks and continue pushing the boundaries of space technology.
The recent failure on July 11 occurred due to a leak in the liquid oxygen system, which prevented the upper stage from performing a planned orbit-raising burn. However, SpaceX has taken swift action to address the issue, removing the failed sense line and sensor on the second-stage engine and implementing alternate sensors to ensure the problem does not recur.
With these successful launches, SpaceX has regained its stride, showcasing its commitment to innovation and safety in space exploration. As the company continues to push forward, it's clear that the recent setback was just a minor blip on the radar of its ambitious plans for space travel and satellite technology.
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