On October 29, 2023, SpaceX accomplished another significant milestone by launching 29 additional Starlink internet satellites into orbit. The launch took place from Florida's Space Coast, marking a continued expansion of SpaceX's satellite internet constellation.
The liftoff occurred at 12:35 a.m. EDT (1635 GMT) from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. A Falcon 9 rocket was responsible for carrying the Starlink spacecraft into space. This particular launch was notable not just for the number of satellites but also for the impressive performance of the rocket's first stage.
Approximately 8.5 minutes after launch, the first stage of the Falcon 9 rocket successfully returned to Earth, achieving a precise touchdown in the Atlantic Ocean aboard the SpaceX drone ship, Just Read the Instructions. This marked the 15th flight for this specific booster, designated as 1082. This rocket has had a notable history, having previously participated in high-profile missions, including the Crew-8 astronaut mission to the International Space Station for NASA, as well as the Polaris Dawn mission, which included the first-ever private spacewalk.
While the Falcon 9's first stage was returning, the upper stage continued its mission to carry the 29 Starlink satellites toward low Earth orbit. The deployment of these satellites is expected to occur approximately 64 minutes after launch, provided everything goes according to plan.
This launch represents the 138th orbital launch of the year for SpaceX, further extending the company's record for launch frequency. The previous record was set at 134 launches in 2024, highlighting SpaceX's rapid growth and commitment to expanding its space capabilities.
As SpaceX continues to increase its constellation of Starlink satellites, the company aims to enhance global internet coverage, particularly in underserved areas. With each successful launch, SpaceX solidifies its position as a leader in the aerospace industry and satellite internet technology.
