SpaceX launches 50th space mission of 2024 (May 14, 2024)

SpaceX today launched its 50th space mission of 2024 with a 20 Starlink satellites payload including six with Direct to Cell (DtC) capabilities to low-Earth. Here is a breakdown of SpaceX missions conducted for customers since January this year.

1. MAXAR 1 Mission
2. Galileo L12,
3. USSF-62,
4. Bandwagon-1,
5. Eutelsat 36D,
6. CRS-30,
7. Transporter-10,
8. Crew-8,
9. Telekomsat Merah Putih 2,
10. Intuitive Machines IM-1,
11. USSF-124,
12. PACE Mission,
13. AX-3,
14. NG-20,
15. and Ovzon 3

These missions include both satellites and crewed space flights. Aside from these, the company launched around 34 Starlink satellite missions.

These Starlink missions have increased SpaceX’s range of connectivity into orbit with ever-expanding constellations. With this new mission, SpaceX has stretched the number of Starlink satellites to over 6,0000.

That’s way more than half of the overall satellites orbiting around the Earth. The company is also growing its new DtC satellites to provide non-dish satellite internet service directly to phones. However, the company is currently in the testing phase and DtC services are due to release later this year.

That’s way faster than last year and the company could be able to achieve new major milestones this year.

SpaceX Falcon 9 Launch Vehicle lifting off from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California (Image Source – SpaceX)

Mission Information

The 50th SpaceX 2024 mission was launched from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. After sending the payload to the upper atmosphere, the first stage landed on a droneship.