SpaceX launches new 52 Starlink satellites into orbit

On March 17, 2023, SpaceX launched 52 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit using the Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

The first stage booster for this mission is fully reusable and SpaceX used that previously in NROL-87, NROL-85, SARah-1, SWOT, and three Starlink missions.

Before launch, SpaceX via Twitter confirmed that all systems and weather are looking good for Falcon 9’s Starlink launch on March 17 at 12:26 p.m. PT.

For this mission, the activity and loading began 38 minutes prior to the liftoff. It ranges from launch director verification to giving a go for the propellant load.

The latter process is RP-1 loading, 1st stage LOX (liquid oxygen), 2nd stage LOX loading, and engine chill prior to launch. This is followed by a command flight computer to begin prelaunch checks.

Within one minute, SpaceX began propellant tank pressurization to flight pressure. At T-45, the SpaceX launch director verified the final go for launch. At T-3, Falcon 9 began the ignition sequence.

Liftoff:

The liftoff was powerful as we can expect from the Falcon 9 because it never disappoints us to showcase that thrust.

1st stage Separation:

Following the launch, 1st stag MECO event was triggered at 2:27 minutes of the launch.

1st stage landing:

Following an entry burn, SpaceX landed on a drone ship in the ocean at 8:47 minutes after liftoff.

Deployment:

SpaceX confirmed the deployment of 52 Starlink satellites around 15 minutes of liftoff.