SpaceX Launches 24 Starlink Satellites in Spectacular Midnight Mission
Amid the bustling Thanksgiving shopping weekend, SpaceX successfully completed an early morning Small Business Saturday rocket launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, carrying 24 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit.
Midnight Liftoff and Perfect Landing
The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at precisely 12 a.m. EST from Launch Complex 40, following a seamless countdown. The mission marked the Falcon 9 first-stage booster’s sixth flight. After stage separation, the booster executed a flawless landing on the drone ship Just Read the Instructions in the Atlantic Ocean, eight minutes after launch.
Weather Holds Steady Despite Concerns
The 45th Weather Squadron had forecasted an 85% chance of favorable conditions for the launch, despite risks from thick cloud layers and upper-level wind shear. Fortunately, the weather held steady, allowing for a smooth launch process.
A Peek at the Starlink Deployment
Following the booster’s return, the Falcon 9’s second stage completed its task, deploying the 24 Starlink satellites into their designated orbit. These satellites will contribute to SpaceX’s growing Starlink internet constellation, which aims to provide high-speed internet connectivity worldwide.
SpaceX’s Streak of Milestones
This launch adds to SpaceX’s growing list of achievements, coming just days after its 400th Falcon 9 mission and 375th booster landing. Earlier in the week, another Starlink mission from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center carried a similar payload to orbit.
Doubleheader in the Works
SpaceX is also preparing for a second Falcon 9 launch just hours later from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. That mission, set to carry five National Reconnaissance Office satellites and 20 additional Starlink satellites, is targeted for liftoff during a four-hour window opening at 3:10 a.m. EST Saturday.
Looking Ahead
As SpaceX continues its rapid-fire pace of launches, the company reinforces its role as a leader in satellite deployment and commercial space exploration. With over 400 Falcon 9 missions and counting, SpaceX’s momentum shows no signs of slowing.
