In a remarkable doubleheader, SpaceX successfully launched two Starlink missions from opposite coasts of the United States within hours, advancing its ambitious plan to expand global internet coverage via its satellite mega-constellation.
Falcon 9 lifts off carrying 20 starlink satellites to orbit from California. Credit: SpaceX
The first launch took place late Wednesday (Nov. 13) on the West Coast, where a Falcon 9 rocket carrying 20 Starlink satellites, including 13 equipped with direct-to-cell capability, lifted off from California’s Vandenberg Space Force Base at 12:23 a.m. EST on Thursday (9:23 p.m. local time). After propelling the satellites into orbit, the Falcon 9’s first stage booster executed a controlled return, landing on the droneship "Of Course I Still Love You," stationed in the Pacific Ocean, approximately eight minutes after liftoff. This marked the booster’s eighth successful flight and landing, five of which have been in service of Starlink missions.
Just five hours later, SpaceX launched a second batch of Starlink satellites—this time from the East Coast. At 8:21 a.m. EST, another Falcon 9 rocket took off from Florida’s Cape Canaveral Space Force Station carrying 24 additional Starlink satellites. The rocket’s first stage also returned to Earth about eight minutes after launch, landing on the Atlantic-based droneship "Just Read the Instructions." This launch marked an impressive milestone for the booster, its 18th successful launch and landing, with nine previous flights dedicated to Starlink.
Falcon 9 lifts off from pad 40 in Florida, completing SpaceX’s 17th launch in last 31 days. Credit: SpaceX
Together, these launches added 44 new satellites to SpaceX’s massive Starlink constellation, which now comprises more than 6,560 active satellites in low Earth orbit. Starlink’s expanding network is designed to provide global broadband coverage, particularly benefiting remote and underserved regions.
The doubleheader further underscores SpaceX’s rapid-fire launch cadence, with the company having completed more than 100 Falcon 9 launches in 2024. About two-thirds of these missions have been dedicated to growing the Starlink constellation, a key priority for the company.
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