SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket Wednesday from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center, with liftoff at 8:42 a.m.
The mission deployed another batch of Starlink internet satellites to low-Earth orbit and used a first-stage booster on its sixth flight, previously flown on Crew-11 and Cygnus NG-23.
SpaceX planned to recover the booster on the droneship Just Read The Instructions in the Atlantic, while Channel 9 monitored the launch and provided live updates.
SpaceX successfully launched a Falcon 9 rocket Wednesday morning from Florida’s Space Coast, lifting off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center at 8:42 a.m.
The mission delivered another batch of Starlink internet satellites to low-Earth orbit as part of SpaceX’s ongoing effort to expand global broadband coverage. Liftoff proceeded on schedule following early-morning preparations by SpaceX teams along the Space Coast.
This flight used a first-stage booster on its sixth mission. That booster previously supported missions including Crew-11 and Cygnus NG-23, underscoring SpaceX’s routine practice of reusing Falcon 9 hardware to lower costs and increase launch cadence.
After stage separation, SpaceX planned to recover the booster on the autonomous droneship Just Read The Instructions, stationed in the Atlantic Ocean. Successful recovery would mark another reuse milestone for the vehicle.
Local broadcaster Channel 9 said it would monitor the launch and provide updates on Eyewitness News, including live streaming via its apps. The mission continues SpaceX’s steady run of Starlink deployments, a key part of the company’s effort to maintain and grow its broadband satellite constellation in low-Earth orbit.
Why it matters: Repeated reuse of Falcon 9 boosters helps reduce launch costs and increases the pace at which SpaceX can replenish and expand the Starlink network.
