SpaceX launches 23 Starlink satellites from Florida (March 23, 2024)

On Saturday, March 23, 2024, SpaceX launched a batch of 23 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit using the Falcon 9 rocket. The company gave a weather update before loading the propellant and gave it a go.

The mission lifted off from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

SpaceX on Thursday sent the 30th Commercial Resupply Services mission (CRS-30) to the International Space Station using the Dragon spacecraft.

The spacecraft has more than 6,000 pounds of cargo including science investigations, supplies, and equipment to the space station’s crew.

Following the liftoff, SpaceX cut off the main engine at around 2:30 minutes followed by stage separation. The company then landed the first stage on a droneship after.

With this mission, the first stage completed its 19th overall flight, and the droneship wrapped up its 75th catch.

SpaceX is increasing the reusability of its booster as this might be the last mission of the booster before it gets repaired. It previously supported missions including GPS III-3, Turksat 5A, Transporter-2, Intelsat G-33/G-34, Transporter-6, Intuitive Machines IM-1, and 12 Starlink missions.

SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket Lifting off from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida with 23 Starlink Satellites on March 23, 2024 (Image Credit: SpaceX)