SpaceX Launches 24 Starlink Satellites, Booster Achieves 20th Triumphant Landing
Vandenberg Space Force Base, CA – A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket pierced through a layer of coastal fog Saturday afternoon, successfully delivering 24 Starlink internet satellites to orbit. The launch, originating from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, occurred at 2:06 p.m. EDT (1806 GMT, 11:06 a.m.PDT).
The booster, identified as Falcon 9 booster 1075, ascended into the blue sky before transitioning to the blackness of space approximately 8 minutes and 40 seconds after liftoff. The 24 satellites (part of the Group 17-2 deployment) are expected to reach low Earth orbit within the next 53 minutes, bolstering SpaceX’s rapidly expanding Starlink broadband network.
This mission marks the 20th successful landing for this particular Falcon 9 first stage booster – a testament to SpaceX’s commitment to reusable rocket technology and cost-effective space access.Following stage separation,the booster executed a precision landing on a droneship in the Pacific Ocean,ready for future missions.
The continued deployment of Starlink satellites aims to provide high-speed, low-latency internet access to underserved areas around the globe.
Key Takeaways:
Rocket: SpaceX Falcon 9
Payload: 24 Starlink internet broadband satellites (Group 17-2)
Launch Site: Vandenberg Space Force Base, california (SLC-4E)
Launch Time: 2:06 p.m. EDT (1806 GMT, 11:06 a.m. PDT)
Booster: Falcon 9 Booster 1075 (20th successful landing)
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