Watch: SpaceX Falcon 9 Sets New Reusability Record With 21st Launch, Deploys More Starlink Satellites

SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket was launched on Friday (local time) for the 21st time, setting a new reusability record. The launch occurred from Florida’s Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, propelling 23 Starlink internet satellites into orbit, US-based outlet Florida Today reported.

After liftoff, the Falcon 9’s first stage safely returned to Earth, landing on the SpaceX drone ship in the Atlantic Ocean. “Falcon 9 completes the first 21st launch and landing of a booster and delivers 23 @Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Florida,” SpaceX said in a post on X.

This marked the 21st successful launch and landing for this particular booster. The Falcon 9’s upper stage continued to deploy the satellites into low Earth orbit as planned. The launch was part of SpaceX’s goal to conduct around 150 launches in 2024. The latest launch marked the 51st orbital mission of the year for SpaceX, with a significant focus on expanding the Starlink broadband megaconstellation. Currently, the constellation comprises more than 5,900 operational satellites, with 36 of the 51 orbital launches dedicated to its expansion.

Back in March, media reports said SpaceX was building a network of hundreds of spy satellites under a classified contract with a US intelligence agency.  Citing five sources familiar with the program, Reuters said that this development shows deepening ties between billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk’s space company and national security agencies. The network is being built by SpaceX’s Starshield business unit under a $1.8 billion contract signed in 2021 with the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO).

(With agency inputs)