SpaceX Celebrates 400th Falcon 9 Launch with Starlink Satellite Deployment
SpaceX marked a significant achievement with the successful launch of its 400th Falcon 9 rocket on November 24, 2024. The launch took place from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, marking this as SpaceX’s 100th launch from the West Coast. The mission, aptly named Starlink 9-13, has etched its place in the annals of space exploration history.
The Falcon 9 was tasked with carrying 20 Starlink V2 Mini satellites to low Earth orbit. Among these, 13 were equipped with direct-to-cell capabilities, a feature that will significantly enhance mobile connectivity. This mission is a testament to SpaceX’s relentless efforts to expand its satellite internet constellation, which now boasts over 6,600 active spacecraft.
SpaceX’s commitment to reusability was once again on display during this mission. The first-stage booster, B1075, completed its 15th flight before making a successful landing on the drone ship “Of Course I Still Love You.” 2024 has been a remarkable year for SpaceX, with the company completing 134 orbital missions and setting a new record for the highest number of annual launches.
Source: Spaceflight Now