Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida is set to witness a historic event as SpaceX prepares to launch its reusable Falcon 9 booster for the 20th time. This remarkable mission will see the delivery of 23 additional Starlink Internet satellites into orbit, marking a significant milestone for the company.
Scheduled to take off at 9:22 pm EDT on Friday, the launch has been eagerly anticipated by space enthusiasts. The US Space Force forecasters have predicted “excellent” weather conditions for the primetime liftoff from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
The Falcon 9 rocket will follow a well-worn path into space, mirroring the trajectories of numerous previous Starlink missions. As the first-stage booster shuts off its Merlin engines about two-and-a-half minutes into the flight, it will reach speeds exceeding 5,000 mph before detaching from the upper stage. The upper stage will continue powering into orbit, while the 15-story-tall Falcon 9 booster will embark on its descent for a vertical landing on a drone ship in the Atlantic Ocean near the Bahamas.
Following liftoff, the 23 Starlink satellites will be deployed from the upper stage, increasing the total number of Starlinks in low-Earth orbit to over 5,800 spacecraft. This launch signifies SpaceX’s commitment to expanding its satellite network and enhancing global internet connectivity.
SpaceX’s relentless pace of rocket launches reflects its ambition to redefine standards in the space industry. With the upcoming mission, the Falcon 9 booster dubbed B1062 will make history by becoming the first in the company’s fleet to embark on its 20th flight, surpassing previous records and showcasing the longevity and reliability of reusable rocket technology.
The Falcon 9 Block 5, SpaceX’s latest rocket version, has exceeded expectations by demonstrating the capability for 40 flights with minimal refurbishment. This particular booster has not undergone significant maintenance since its debut over three years ago, highlighting the durability and efficiency of SpaceX’s innovative approach to space exploration.
In addition to the landmark 20-flight milestone, the Falcon 9 booster has played a pivotal role in launching various missions, including commercial spaceflights and satellite deployments. Its impressive track record underscores SpaceX’s commitment to advancing space exploration and revolutionizing access to outer space. With a series of successful missions under its belt, SpaceX continues to push the boundaries of technology and pave the way for future endeavors in space travel and satellite communications.