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SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket Sets Reusability Record
A historic moment is on the horizon as a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket prepares for its 21st launch, marking a new milestone in reusability for the aerospace company. The Falcon 9 is scheduled to take off from Florida’s Cape Canaveral Space Force Station within a three-hour window starting at 8:32 p.m. EDT (0032 GMT on May 18). The primary objective of this mission is to deploy 23 Starlink internet satellites into orbit.
Viewers can witness this groundbreaking event live via SpaceX’s streaming platform, X account, commencing approximately five minutes prior to the launch window opening. The highlight of the mission will be the return of the Falcon 9’s first stage to Earth approximately 8.5 minutes after liftoff. The booster is expected to land on the drone ship, A Shortfall of Gravitas, stationed in the Atlantic Ocean. This achievement will mark the 21st successful launch and landing for this specific booster.
According to a detailed description of the mission provided by SpaceX, this accomplishment will establish a new record within the company. Nevertheless, this record may soon be equaled by two other Falcon 9 first stages, each boasting 20 successful flights. Meanwhile, the rocket’s upper stage will continue its journey by deploying the 23 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit around 65 minutes after liftoff.
Space Exploration Progress
Tonight’s launch signifies SpaceX’s 51st orbital mission of 2024, reflecting the company’s ambitious goal of achieving approximately 150 launches by the year’s end. Notably, 70% of SpaceX’s orbital missions this year have been dedicated to expanding the Starlink broadband network, which currently includes more than 5,900 operational satellites, as reported by Planet 4589.
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