SpaceX made headlines on Monday with the successful launch of 46 Starlink internet satellites, setting a new record for efficiency in low-Earth orbit deployment. The impressive feat saw two sets of satellites launched within a span of just six hours.
The launches took place from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, showcasing the capabilities of SpaceX’s reusable Falcon 9 rocket. The first batch of 23 satellites took off at 4:35 am India time, marking another milestone for the company’s Falcon 9 booster, which completed its 11th flight.
Following liftoff, the Falcon 9’s first stage completed a flawless vertical landing on the SpaceX drone ship “Just Read the Instructions” in the Atlantic Ocean. An hour later, SpaceX confirmed the successful deployment of the initial 23 Starlink satellites.
The second launch, comprising another 23 Starlink satellites, occurred at 9:39 am India time. This marked the 17th flight for the first stage booster, further demonstrating SpaceX’s commitment to reusability in space missions.
With over 5,000 operational Starlink satellites already in orbit and approval for up to 12,000, SpaceX continues to expand its global internet coverage. Last week’s launch adds to the company’s ambitious plans for the Starlink constellation, aimed at providing high-speed internet access worldwide.
These achievements contribute to SpaceX’s prolific launch schedule, with 22 orbital missions completed this year alone. Looking ahead, the company aims for 144 launches in 2024, underscoring its position as a leader in the space industry.
