UNITED STATES: In the early hours of Saturday morning, the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is set to embark on its 75th orbital mission of 2023, carrying a payload of 21 Starlink internet satellites.
The launch is scheduled to take place from California’s Vandenberg Space Force Base at 3:47 a.m. EDT, offering a spectacle for space enthusiasts and technology enthusiasts alike.
SpaceX enthusiasts can tune in to the webcast of the launch on X (formerly known as Twitter), where coverage will begin just five minutes before liftoff. If any delays occur, there are three backup opportunities available between 4:23 a.m. EDT and 6:00 a.m. EDT.
This mission holds additional significance, as it marks the 16th flight for the Falcon 9’s first stage, just one short of the company’s current reuse record, which was achieved last month.
After liftoff, the first stage is expected to return safely to Earth, touching down on the drone ship “Of Course I Still Love You” approximately 8.5 minutes after launch.
The 21 Starlink satellites aboard the Falcon 9 are slated to deploy from the rocket’s upper stage about 62.5 minutes after liftoff.
This addition will contribute to the expansion of the Starlink mega constellation, which currently boasts nearly 4,900 operational satellites and continues to grow rapidly, bringing global internet connectivity closer to reality.
SpaceX has been dedicated to expanding its Starlink network, with approximately 60% of its flights in 2023 devoted to this ambitious project.
The company has set ambitious goals for the near future, aiming for 100 flights by the end of this year and an even more impressive target of 144 in 2024.
As SpaceX continues to push the boundaries of space technology, this mission underscores its commitment to delivering high-speed internet access to underserved and remote areas around the world, making the internet more accessible to everyone, regardless of their geographic location.
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