SpaceX has launched its 20th mission of the year on March 24, 2023, launching 56 Starlink internet satellites into the sky and bringing the Falcon 9 rocket back down to Earth on a ship at sea. The rocket had previously completed ten launches and landings, with two astronaut expeditions to the International Space Station. The Falcon 9’s upper stage is still carrying the 56 Starlink satellites to low Earth orbit, where they will deploy 65 minutes after launch. SpaceX has launched over 4,105 Starlink satellites to low Earth orbit and has been authorized to launch 12,000 more. Elon Musk, CEO and founder of SpaceX, plans to launch up to 100 orbital missions in 2023. Overall, the successful launch and landing of the Falcon 9 rocket shows SpaceX’s continued commitment to advancing space exploration and satellite communication technology.
SpaceX Launches 56 Starlink Satellites and Successfully Lands Rocket on Droneship at Sea
SpaceX has launched its 20th mission of the year on Friday, March 24, 2023, sending 56 Starlink internet satellites into the sky. The rocket then returned to Earth and landed successfully on the SpaceX droneship A Shortfall of Gravitas off the coast of Florida, 8.5 minutes after takeoff.
The Falcon 9 rocket, which carried the 56 Starlink satellites, took off at 11:43 a.m. EDT (1543 GMT) from Florida’s Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The rocket had previously completed ten launches and landings and had been used for NASA’s Crew-3 and Crew-4 astronaut expeditions to the International Space Station.
The Falcon 9’s upper stage is still carrying the 56 Starlink satellites to low Earth orbit, where they are expected to deploy 65 minutes after launch. SpaceX has launched 4,105 Starlink satellites to low Earth orbit prior to this mission, with more than 3,750 already in operation.
The launch marks the 20th mission of the year for SpaceX, and the company has been authorized to launch 12,000 Starlink satellites into orbit, with a request for an additional 30,000. CEO and founder Elon Musk has stated that SpaceX plans to launch up to 100 orbital missions in 2023.
Overall, the successful launch and landing of the Falcon 9 rocket demonstrates SpaceX’s continued commitment to advancing space exploration and satellite communication technology.
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