SpaceX, the trailblazing company founded by Elon Musk, continues to redefine the boundaries of space exploration. In its recent endeavor on April 28, SpaceX successfully dispatched 23 more Starlink satellites to orbit, further expanding its constellation. This mission was launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
The Starlink satellites were prepared to launch atop a Falcon 9 rocket. The four-hour launch window opened at 5:50 p.m. EDT (2150 GMT). SpaceX streamed the launch live on its online platform, providing viewers a unique experience of this space spectacle.
The Falcon 9’s first stage executed a flawless vertical landing about 8.5 minutes post-launch. It landed on the droneship ‘Just Read the Instructions’ stationed in the Atlantic Ocean. This marked the 13th launch and landing for this particular booster, with half of its prior 12 flights being Starlink missions.
The Falcon 9’s upper stage was tasked with the deployment of the 23 Starlink satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO), approximately 65 minutes post-liftoff.
This particular launch was part of a hectic weekend for SpaceX. The company had successfully launched two of Europe’s Galileo navigation satellites the day before (April 27). Remarkably, the liftoff marked the 20th for that Falcon 9’s first stage, tying a SpaceX reuse record.
In addition to the Starlink launch, SpaceX’s 30th robotic Dragon cargo mission to the International Space Station for NASA concluded on the same day. The Dragon capsule departed the orbiting lab around 1:05 p.m. EDT (1705 GMT), carrying scientific samples and experiments back to Earth.
SpaceX provides live coverage of their launches and other key events. You can watch these events live on SpaceX’s official website or on NASA’s online platform.
SpaceX has truly revolutionized the space industry. From launching and landing reusable rockets to sending astronauts to the International Space Station, the company’s achievements are noteworthy.
SpaceX’s Starlink project aims to provide high-speed internet globally. The project involves launching a network of thousands of satellites, known as the Starlink satellite train.
“With SpaceX’s Starlink project, we are on the threshold of a new era of internet connectivity.“
SpaceX continues to push boundaries in space exploration and technology. With projects like Starlink and the upcoming Artemis program, the company’s future looks promising.