SpaceX sends 24 Starlink satellites into space for a successful launch in Florida
A Falcon 9 rocket carrying 24 Starlink satellites was launched by SpaceX from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on November 30, 2024 at 12:00 AM EST (10:30 AM IST). According to a report, this was the latest addition to the company’s growing Starlink constellation, designed to provide global internet coverage.
Deployment of satellites and expansion of the Earth’s orbit
As confirmed by SpaceX’s official updates, the rocket’s first stage completed its return to Earth about eight minutes after liftoff and landed safely on the Just Read the Instructions drone ship stationed in the Atlantic Ocean. The booster, identified as B1083, had previously completed five missions, including Crew-8 and Polaris Dawn. The last mission brought the number of Starlink launches for this particular booster to three.
The Falcon 9 upper stage continued its mission by placing the 24 satellites into their designated orbits about 65 minutes after launch, sources said. Reports indicate that this deployment contributed to the Starlink mega-constellation, which has become the largest satellite network currently in use. The system aims to improve global internet connectivity, with thousands of satellites already operating in low Earth orbit.
This mission is reportedly part of SpaceX’s back-to-back launches, with a second Falcon 9 rocket set to lift off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California just hours later. The follow-up launch will include a payload for the US National Reconnaissance Office, as well as additional Starlink satellites, according to several reports.
Weather and technical precision
Weather conditions for the midnight launch were favorable, as noted by the 45th Weather Squadron in a statement. Sources said key concerns included cloud cover and wind, which were being closely monitored ahead of the launch window. Despite these factors, the mission went as planned and all major milestones were successfully achieved.
This operation highlights SpaceX’s continued pace of satellite deployment, with Starlink missions making up a significant portion of the 2024 launch schedule.
