On Monday, March 25, 2024, at 7:42 p.m. ET, SpaceX launched a new Falcon 9 mission carrying 23 Starlink communication satellites to low-Earth orbit.
Earlier today, SpaceX also conducted a full-duration static fire on the Starship spacecraft by firing all six Raptor engines. This test comes as the company prepares for Starship’s fourth test flight.
The 23 Starlink launch vehicle lifted off from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
Ahead of the launch, SpaceX shared a weather update on social media site X and confirmed that the flight was up for go followed by propellant load in the Falcon 9. The company also shared a live feed on X.
First stage ignition and liftoff of Falcon 9! pic.twitter.com/TAWsyxvbcC
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) March 25, 2024
After completing hot-staging the first stage returned to “A shortfall of Gravitas” droneship over its landing legs.
Falcon 9’s first stage has landed on the A Shortfall of Gravitas droneship pic.twitter.com/9uAW5uxDBU
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) March 25, 2024
The first stage completed its eighth flight with this mission. It previously supported important flights including Crew-6, SES 03b mPOWER, USSF-124, and four previous Starlink missions.