SpaceX
SpaceX Falcon 9 sends 21 Starlink satellites mission to orbit (December 23, 2024)
On December 23, 2024, SpaceX launched a new Falcon 9 mission with new Starlink satellites into orbit. The company conducted this mission from Space Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The rocket ignited its engines at midnight clinging to the first launch window. This launch also comes amid two consecutive postpones to the Astranis launch from Florida.
“After further inspections of the launch vehicle and data review, teams are standing down from Falcon 9‘s launch of the Astranis: From One to Many mission,” the company wrote in an explanatory statement after missing the second launch opportunity.
Falcon 9 liftoff pic.twitter.com/t10QUpiqtO
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) December 23, 2024
Meanwhile, the latest Starlink mission marks the 14th flight for the first stage booster. It previously supported Axiom-2, Axiom-3, CRS-30, SES 24, Cygnus NG-21, Euclid, and seven Starlink flights.
Aside from connectivity satellites, the payload also included 13 Direct to Cell satellites, which enhances the company’s new direct satellite service with partners including T-Mobile.
Post stage-separation, the first stage performed a reverse maneuver and returned to Earth. In the final moment, it fired the final burn and deployed landing legs to land on the droneship stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.
The second takes on the objectives and will deploy these satellites in an hour from the liftoff window.
Falcon 9 first stage landing pic.twitter.com/8lqbzoob2w
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) December 23, 2024
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