Falcon 9 launches 23 Starlink satellites, 3rd mission in three days

On August 12, 2024, SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 mission to low-Earth orbit with 23 Starlink satellites payload. This is the third Falcon 9 flight in the past 72 hours following 21 Starlink and ASBM missions.

Prior to launch preparations, the rocket maker gave an update on the weather and gave it a go for propellant load. Falcon 9 lifted off from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at Kennedy Space Center in Florida this morning.

As SpaceX continues to expand its services in different countries, new satellites will help to improve its connectivity and provide better communication.

Following Max Q, the flight director called for the engine cutoff and separated both stages. The first stage returned to Earth with a flip maneuver, while the second stage continued its voyage to orbit.

At around 6 minutes into the mission time, stage one started entry burn, transonic, and performed landing burn at around 8 minutes in mission time to land on a droneship.

The mission marks the 17th flight for the booster and previously supported launches for SES-22, ispace’s HAKUTO-R MISSION 1, Amazonas-6, CRS-27, Bandwagon-1, and 11 Starlink satellite missions.

(source – SpaceX)