SpaceX Launches Falcon 9 Rocket with 23 Starlink Satellites

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket carrying 23 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit on Tuesday morning. The mission, known as Starlink 12-24, took off from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 9:05 a.m. EDT.

According to the 45th Weather Squadron, the weather conditions were highly favorable with a 95 percent chance for clear skies at launch. However, over the four-hour launch window, the odds decreased to 70 percent. “Shower chances are low in the morning but will increase in the early afternoon,” noted launch weather officers.

The Falcon 9’s first stage booster, tail number B1083, was also on its 12th flight, having previously supported several missions, including NASA’s Crew-8 and Polaris Dawn. Approximately eight minutes after liftoff, B1083 successfully landed on the droneship ‘Just Read the Instructions’ stationed in the Atlantic Ocean. This marked the 124th booster landing on this vessel and the 460th overall.

This launch included 23 Starlink V2 Mini satellites, 13 of which have direct-to-cell capabilities. Earlier this year, SpaceX had successfully launched 260 Starlink satellites with similar technology.

The Starlink project aims to provide low-cost internet worldwide, especially in remote areas. As of now, there are 7,578 Starlink satellites in orbit, with 7,556 operational. SpaceX’s plans include deploying as many as 42,000 satellites in the constellation.

SpaceX has been active in addressing concerns about space debris and light pollution caused by its satellites. The company promises to work with the astronomical community to mitigate the impacts of its megaconstellation on space observation.