SpaceX launches 23 new Starlink satellites in successful Florida mission VIDEO

SpaceX launched 23 more of its Starlink internet satellites from Florida's Space Coast on the evening of October 23.

A Falcon 9 rocket topped with 23 Starlink spacecraft lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Caliber.Az reports citing the company's post on X.

Falcon 9 delivers 23 @Starlink satellites to orbit from Florida pic.twitter.com/l9Ekng0djx

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) October 23, 2024

SpaceX had been targeting Oct. 22 but called that try-off due to weather concerns.

The Falcon 9's first stage came back to Earth about eight minutes after liftoff as planned, landing on the SpaceX drone ship "A Shortfall of Gravitas" in the Atlantic Ocean.

It was the 18th launch and landing for this particular booster, and its 13th Starlink mission overall, according to a SpaceX mission description. 

The Falcon 9's upper stage, meanwhile, continued hauling the Starlink satellites to low Earth orbit (LEO). It deployed them there about 65 minutes after liftoff.

SpaceX currently operates more than 6,400 Starlink satellites in LEO, according to astrophysicist and satellite tracker Jonathan McDowell.

Founded in 2002 by Elon Musk, SpaceX (Space Exploration Technologies Corp.) aims to reduce space transportation costs and enable the colonization of Mars. The company quickly achieved significant milestones, including the successful launch of the Falcon 1 in 2008, the first privately developed liquid-fueled rocket to reach orbit. This was followed by the Falcon 9, known for its reliability and reusability, marked by the successful landing of its first stage both on land and at sea.

With numerous contracts from NASA and commercial clients, SpaceX has lowered launch costs, fostering competition and innovation in the aerospace sector. Its ambitious goals include establishing a permanent human settlement on Mars and participating in NASA's Artemis program.

In summary, SpaceX has transformed space exploration and transportation, pushing the boundaries of technology while inspiring a new generation of explorers and engineers.

By Tamilla Hasanova