SpaceX has successfully launched yet another batch of its innovative Starlink broadband satellites into orbit. This latest mission took place on September 13, 2023, at 1:55 p.m. EDT (1755 GMT; 10:55 a.m. local California time) from the fog-laden Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The launch vehicle, a Falcon 9 rocket, carried a total of 24 Starlink satellites during this significant flight.
Approximately 8.5 minutes after liftoff, the first stage of the Falcon 9 successfully landed in the Pacific Ocean aboard the SpaceX drone ship, Of Course I Still Love You. This marks the 28th launch and landing for this particular booster, identified as B1071. The reliable performance of the Falcon 9 is a testament to SpaceX's advancements in reusable rocket technology.
Following the first stage's recovery, the Falcon 9's upper stage continued its mission by deploying the 24 new Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit. These satellites are scheduled to be released 62.5 minutes post-launch, further enhancing the capabilities of the Starlink network. With this latest addition, the total number of active spacecraft in the Starlink constellation now exceeds 8,300, making it the largest satellite constellation ever assembled.
Today’s launch marks the 115th Falcon 9 liftoff of 2023, with over 70% of these missions dedicated to Starlink flights. This remarkable achievement underscores SpaceX's commitment to expanding global internet coverage through its Starlink service, which aims to provide high-speed internet access to underserved areas around the world.
As SpaceX continues to innovate and launch new missions, the future of satellite internet appears promising, with Starlink leading the charge in making connectivity accessible to more people globally.
