SpaceX Falcon 9 launches 13 new Direct to Cell satellites (November 8, 2024)

On November 8, 2024, SpaceX launched a new Falcon 9 mission to orbit with 13 Direct to Cell satellites to low-Earth orbit. The overall payload includes a total of 20 satellites including 7 Starlinks for communication.

The company lifted off this rocket from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. SpaceX attempted the first lift-off window to ignite Falcon 9’s Merlin engines.

Lighting the night sky with Falcon 9 liftoff pic.twitter.com/2vBXQi3RKG

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) November 9, 2024

Following a stage separation, the first stage maneuvered back to Earth and landed on a droneship stationed in the Pacific Ocean.

This was the 11th flight for the first stage booster, which previously launched NASA Crew-7, CRS-29, NROL-186, EarthCARE, Transporter-10, PACE, and four Starlink missions.

Falcon 9 first stage landing on the Of Course I Still Love You droneship pic.twitter.com/ZOQ3RZV5Yh

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) November 9, 2024