Cape Canaveral, FL - SpaceX continued its breakneck launch pace, sending 20 additional Starlink internet satellites into low Earth orbit tonight. The mission, which lifted off from Florida's Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 7:31 p.m. EDT (2331 GMT), marked the company's 96th Falcon 9 launch of 2024.
Credit: SpaceX
This impressive feat surpasses SpaceX's previous annual launch record, with over two months remaining in the calendar year. In 2023, SpaceX launched 61 times, a number that has already been eclipsed by more than 50% this year. This accelerated launch cadence demonstrates SpaceX's commitment to expanding its Starlink constellation and pushing the boundaries of space technology.
The Falcon 9 rocket, topped with 20 Starlink craft, including 13 equipped with direct-to-cell capability, soared into the night sky. Approximately 8.5 minutes after liftoff, the first stage successfully landed on SpaceX's drone ship "Just Read the Instructions" in the Atlantic Ocean. This marked the 17th reuse of the Falcon 9's first stage, a testament to SpaceX's pioneering reusable rocket technology.
The newly launched satellites join SpaceX's vast Starlink mega-constellation, which currently comprises over 6,400 active spacecraft. Of these, approximately 230 are direct-to-cell craft, enabling seamless communication between satellites and cellular devices. According to astrophysicist and satellite tracker Jonathan McDowell, SpaceX has launched two-thirds of its Falcon 9 missions this
year dedicated to building out the Starlink network.
First stage of SpaceX Falcon 9 coming in for landing on a drone ship after launching a batch of 20 Starlink satellites from Florida's Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
Credit: SpaceX
In addition to its Starlink missions, SpaceX has also launched two Falcon Heavy missions and three test flights of its Starship megarocket in 2024. This diverse launch manifest underscores SpaceX's capabilities as a leading player in the global space industry.
With its Starlink constellation, SpaceX aims to provide global internet connectivity, bridging the digital divide and enabling unprecedented communication capabilities. As the company continues to push the boundaries of space technology, its record-breaking launch pace is poised to have a lasting impact on the future of space exploration.
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