On January 21, SpaceX executed a dual-launch mission, sending a total of 48 Starlink communication satellites into orbit using Falcon 9 rockets from both the East and West Coasts of the United States.
The first launch took place at 12:24 a.m. EDT from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, utilizing a Falcon 9 first-stage booster on its eighth flight, which successfully landed on the droneship A Shortfall of Gravitas in the Atlantic Ocean.
This description highlights a SpaceX Falcon 9 launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. The mission utilized a Falcon 9 rocket’s first-stage booster on its eighth flight, emphasizing SpaceX’s reusable rocket technology.
After completing its task, the booster successfully landed on the droneship A Shortfall of Gravitas in the Atlantic Ocean. This achievement further solidifies SpaceX’s advancements in cost-effective space exploration through booster reuse.
The payload consisted of 21 Starlink satellites, which were deployed into low-Earth orbit to enhance the Starlink constellation, a network designed to provide high-speed, low-latency internet services globally.
A few hours later, at 7:45 a.m. PST, a second Falcon 9 rocket launched from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. This mission carried 27 additional Starlink satellites.
The first-stage booster for this launch was on its 10th flight, showcasing SpaceX’s continued focus on reusable rocket technology. This booster also achieved a successful landing, marking the 400th recovery of an orbital-class rocket by SpaceX.
Both launches underline SpaceX’s significant contributions to satellite internet infrastructure and the commercialization of space through reusable launch systems. Starlink, owned by SpaceX, aims to bridge the digital divide by providing internet connectivity to underserved and remote regions worldwide.
Watch Falcon 9 launch 21 @Starlink satellites to orbit from Florida https://t.co/PfKiVKRIrM
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) January 21, 2025