The records keep rolling in for SpaceX. On October 25, 2023, one of the company's Falcon 9 rockets successfully lifted off from California's Vandenberg Space Force Base at 10:20 a.m. EDT (1420 GMT; 7:20 a.m. local time). This mission was significant as it carried 28 Starlink internet satellites toward low Earth orbit (LEO), marking the company's 135th orbital launch of the year. This achievement breaks the previous record set by SpaceX in 2024.
All of SpaceX's orbital flights in 2023 have been conducted using Falcon 9 rockets, which have now completed as many missions in the last 11 months as NASA's space shuttle did throughout its 30-year history. Additionally, SpaceX has conducted five suborbital test flights of its Starship megarocket this year, showcasing the company's commitment to advancing space technology.
In 2024, SpaceX launched a total of 132 Falcon 9 missions, along with two flights of the more powerful Falcon Heavy and four suborbital tests of the Starship. This consistent launch cadence highlights the company's dominance in the commercial space sector.
During today's flight, the Falcon 9 returned to Earth as planned, successfully landing in the Pacific Ocean on the drone ship Of Course I Still Love You approximately 8.5 minutes after liftoff. This launch marked the 19th successful launch and landing for this specific booster, designated as 1081. Meanwhile, the Falcon 9's upper stage continued its mission, carrying the 28 Starlink satellites towards LEO, where they are scheduled to be deployed about an hour post-launch.
Over the past week, SpaceX has celebrated several key milestones. Notably, one recent mission marked the launch of the 10,000th Starlink satellite into orbit, while another mission achieved the record-breaking 31st flight of the Falcon 9 booster known as 1067. These accomplishments not only highlight SpaceX's innovative approach to space exploration but also emphasize its role in providing global internet coverage through the Starlink constellation.
As SpaceX continues to break records and push the boundaries of space travel, the company remains at the forefront of advancements in satellite technology and reusable rocket systems. The future looks promising for both SpaceX and its ambitious projects.
