SpaceX Successfully Launches 29 More Starlink Satellites Into Orbit

SpaceX, the aerospace company, completed another successful Falcon 9 rocket launch, delivering 29 more new Starlink internet satellites into orbit. The mission further improved the company’s overall results for the current year and helped strengthen its leadership in the global space industry. Ixbt.com reports .

According to ixbt.com, the launch took place from the Space Force station at Cape Canaveral in Florida, USA. Under the initial plan, the rocket was scheduled to lift off on August 20, but specialists were forced to abort the process just seconds before launch. However, after additional checks, the second attempt on August 21 was successful.

A milestone flight for the first stage

The first stage of the Falcon 9 rocket used in this successful launch achieved a historic milestone. The booster, designated B1078, successfully completed its 30th flight and made a soft landing on the special drone ship “A Shortfall of Gravitas” in the Atlantic Ocean.

According to the data, this reusable vehicle had previously carried out a number of important and demanding missions. In particular, it participated in the crewed Crew-6 mission that carried people into space, launched O3b mPOWER satellites, and took part in the classified USSF-124 mission for the US military. Of its 30 flights, 23 were dedicated specifically to expanding the Starlink orbital network.

The orbital network and overall statistics

According to calculations by independent space researcher and astronomer Jonathan McDowell, the Starlink global internet network currently includes nearly 11,000 active satellites. SpaceX continues to regularly increase this figure with each successful launch.

The company is demonstrating unprecedented momentum this year. The total number of space launches carried out so far has reached 101. Of these, 98 involved Falcon 9 rockets, with 75 directly focused on expanding the Starlink constellation. The remaining launches consisted of one heavy Falcon Heavy rocket and two test flights of the super-heavy Starship system.