SpaceX completes 350th flight with a flight proven booster

SpaceX has launched a new Falcon 9 rocket mission from California to deploy 20 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit. The payload included 13 Direct to Cell satellites to improve the newly launched direct device connection services. This was the 350th SpaceX Falcon 9 flight with a flight-proven booster.

The rocket lifted off from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base. The rocket fired nine Merlin engines to clear the ground and reach the high altitude.

After completing the hot staging, the first stage boostback to Earth and completed the 12th flight. It previously supported Crew 7, CRS-29, NROL-186, EarthCARE, PACE, Transporter-10, and five Starlink missions.

After firing the final engine burn, the first stage landed on the “Of Course I Still Love You” droneship stationed in the Pacific Ocean.

Falcon 9’s first stage lands on the Of Course I Still Love You droneship, completing our 350th flight with a flight-proven booster! pic.twitter.com/fgcizwJgqC

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) December 5, 2024

(source)