SpaceX launches 20 Starlink satellites to orbit with new Falcon 9 mission (Oct 30, 2024)

On Oct 30, 2024, SpaceX launched a new Falcon 9 mission into orbit carrying 20 Starlink satellites. The company conducted this liftoff from the Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

The launch happened at the earliest launch window in the morning. The payload also includes 13 Direct to Cell satellites to increase this unique connectivity constellation alongside communication Starlink group.

Direct to Cell satellites provide direct communication services to a smartphone or a smart device without any additional equipment or plugins. In the US, SpaceX has partnered with T-Mobile to launch direct mobile services.

To prepare for the final release, SpaceX continues to increase satellite numbers in orbit to support direct satellites.

First Stage Landing

Talking about the mission, the first stage separated and landed on a droneship stationed in the Pacific Ocean. This was the 14th mission for the first-stage booster. It previously launched SDA-0A, Transporter-11, SARah-2, and 10 Starlink missions.

(source)