SpaceX launches 13 new Direct to Cell satellites from California

SpaceX on Tuesday launched a new Falcon 9 rocket with 13 new Direct to Cell (DtC) satellites into orbit. This will improve the connectivity across this new satellite constellation that is preparing to launch. The space rocket maker initiated liftoff from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Station in California.

It was confirmed that the weather is 90 percent favorable for the mission. Earlier today, the company had to delay SES Satellite’s ASTRA 1P launch due to unfavorable weather conditions in Florida. The next liftoff attempt will come on June 19.

Other than 13 Direct Cell satellites, SpaceX has packaged 7 communication Starlinks via this mission. All of these are now deployed in their designated orbit class.

Following the liftoff, the flight achieved Max Q at 70 seconds in the mission time and called for the main engine cutoff after 2:30 minutes.

After a landing burn, the first stage landed on a droneship with its landing legs deployed. The booster for this mission completed its fifth flight and previously launched USSF-62 and four Starlink missions including the latest.

(source)