On the evening of May 23, SpaceX initiated a busy weekend with the successful launch of a new batch of Starlink satellites from California. This launch marks the first of potentially three Starlink missions scheduled between Friday and Sunday. The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off for the Starlink 11-16 mission from the Vandenberg Space Force Base at precisely 4:36 p.m. EDT (1:36 p.m. local time; 2036 GMT).
The Falcon 9 rocket carried a stack of 23 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO) aboard the first-stage booster designated B1075. Notably, this launch was the 18th for booster B1075, which has successfully supported 14 previous Starlink missions. Approximately 2.5 minutes into the flight, the nine Merlin engines powering B1075 cut off, leading to the separation of the booster from the rocket's upper stage shortly thereafter.
About 8.5 minutes post-launch, the booster made a successful landing on SpaceX's drone ship, named Of Course I Still Love You, stationed in the Pacific Ocean. This successful landing marked a significant achievement for SpaceX, representing the 450th successful landing of a Falcon 9 rocket.
Following the booster separation, the rocket's upper stage continued its ascent toward LEO with the 23 Starlink satellites. Approximately one hour after liftoff, these satellites were released from the rocket's payload adapter. Over the next few days, each satellite will perform maneuvers to position themselves within the expansive Starlink megaconstellation.
Currently, SpaceX's Starlink network consists of over 7,000 operational satellites, and this number continues to grow. The constellation operates in a lattice formation, providing comprehensive coverage to nearly all regions of the planet. With Starlink, users can access a high-speed internet connection from virtually anywhere, as long as they can direct their Starlink receiver towards the sky (excluding the poles).
With this latest launch, SpaceX reaffirms its commitment to expanding global internet access through its innovative satellite technology, paving the way for a more connected world.
