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.

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.