On Monday evening, June 16, 2023, SpaceX achieved another milestone by launching 26 Starlink satellites from California. The launch took place at 8:36 p.m. PDT (11:36 p.m. EDT, or 03:36 GMT on June 17) from the esteemed Space Launch Complex 4 East, located at the Vandenberg Space Force Base.
The launch utilized a relatively new Falcon 9 rocket, designated for only its third flight. This rocket successfully propelled the Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit, achieving this crucial milestone approximately eight and a half minutes post-liftoff. Following this initial phase, the mission included a second burn of the Falcon's upper stage, scheduled to occur around one hour into the flight.
In addition to the successful satellite deployment, the mission also marked a significant achievement with the recovery of the rocket's spent first stage. It made a successful landing on the droneship Of Course I Still Love You, which was stationed in the Pacific Ocean. This particular stage, identified by its serial number B1093, has now completed three total flights dedicated to launching Starlink missions, with its last flight occurring in May.
This launch follows a similar mission that took place just days earlier on June 13, from Florida's Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. That mission, referred to as Starlink 12-26, delivered the final satellites necessary to complete SpaceX's first-generation direct-to-cell constellation. This innovative technology works in collaboration with cellular providers around the globe, allowing unmodified cellphones to maintain connectivity in even the most remote locations.
As noted in a recent social media post by SpaceX, this achievement is a significant step forward in providing global internet coverage and enhancing communication capabilities across various regions.
