WATCH: SpaceX launches and lands Falcon9 rocket deploying 24 Starlink satellites
SpaceX successfully launches and lands Falcon 9 rocket, deploys 24 Starlink satellites
The launch took place at 10:22 a.m. EDT from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, and the rocket successfully landed on the "Just Read the Instructions" droneship in the Atlantic Ocean about eight minutes after liftoff. This was the 14th launch and landing of a Falcon 9 rocket this year, and the 10th launch of a Falcon 9 rocket carrying Starlink satellites.
The Falcon 9 rocket is a two-stage rocket designed to be reusable. The first stage of the rocket is powered by nine Merlin engines and is designed to land back on Earth after launch. The second stage of the rocket is powered by a single Merlin engine and is responsible for carrying the payload to orbit. The Starlink satellites are part of a constellation of satellites that SpaceX is building to provide global broadband internet service. Each Starlink satellite is equipped with a phased array antenna and a laser communication system that allows it to communicate with other Starlink satellites and with ground stations on Earth.
The launch of the 24 Starlink satellites is a significant milestone for SpaceX. The company has now launched a total of 1,756 Starlink satellites, and the constellation is now providing broadband internet service to users in the United States, Canada, and Europe. SpaceX plans to continue launching Starlink satellites until the constellation is complete, which is expected to happen in the next few years.
The launch of the Falcon 9 rocket and the deployment of the 24 Starlink satellites is a major step forward in SpaceX's plans to provide global broadband internet service. The constellation is expected to provide high-speed, low-latency internet access to users all over the world, and it could have a major impact on the way that people access the internet.
Here are some additional details about the launch:
- The launch took place at 10:22 a.m. EDT from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
- The rocket successfully landed on the "Just Read the Instructions" droneship in the Atlantic Ocean about eight minutes after liftoff.
- This was the 14th launch and landing of a Falcon 9 rocket this year, and the 10th launch of a Falcon 9 rocket carrying Starlink satellites.
- The Starlink satellites are part of a constellation of satellites that SpaceX is building to provide global broadband internet service.
- SpaceX plans to continue launching Starlink satellites until the constellation is complete, which is expected to happen in the next few years.