SpaceX wraps up EUTELSAT 36D and 23 Starlink satellite launch from Florida

SpaceX on Saturday, launched two missions from Florida including the EUTELSAT 36D and 23 Starlink satellites in their orbit.

The first launch of the EUTELSAT 36D mission launched at 5:52 p.m. ET using the Falcon 9 rocket. The flight lifted off from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

EUTELSAT 36D is a video and connectivity satellite. It is manufactured by Airbus, a European multinational aerospace company. Satellite operates at 36-degree East orbital position. EUTELSAT previously deployed 36B for this orbit.

This orbital spot is key to broadcast 1100 TV channels in Russia, the CIS, and Sub-Saharan Africa. Other than broadcast, the satellite also provides data services for these locations.

SpaceX Falcon 9 Vehicle lifting off from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida with the EUTELSAT 36D satellite (Image Credit: SpaceX)

The 36D is an electric satellite and carries 36B’s legacy mission with increased performance. That includes improved coverage and fast transmission. The satellite has 70 physical Ku-band transponders, which operate at a radio-frequency spectrum that covers around 12GHz to 18GHz.

The satellite is based on the Airbus Eurostar Neo platform. Airbus detailed that the platform provides optimized payload capacity, it has a scalable power system to cover a 7 to 24 kW payload power. This platform has full electric propulsion and it is compatible with all launches.

After deploying the mission, the first stage of the Falcon 9 launch vehicle landed on a droneship. SpaceX confirmed the payload separation at 34 minutes in the mission time.

30 on the 30th! Falcon 9 lands on the Just Read the Instructions droneship, completing our 30th launch and landing of the year and 325th successful Falcon launch overall pic.twitter.com/gEidCsrv2w

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) March 30, 2024

Starlink satellites

On the same day, SpaceX launched 23 Starlink satellites to Earth’s orbit from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. This mission marks 260 reflights of the Falcon since the first mission seven years ago.

Liftoff of Falcon 9, marking 260 reflights of Falcon boosters since our first one seven years ago today! pic.twitter.com/A12OqppvaU

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) March 31, 2024

This was the 18th flight of the first stage booster which also landed on a droneship after stage separation using its landing legs. Other than that, the company has marked its 290th Falcon landing overall.