SpaceX launches Falcon 9 Rocket Carrying 23 Starlink Satellites

SpaceX Falcon 9 launches 23 Starlink satellites

SpaceX launched the Starlink 6-32 mission from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida and launched 23 Starlink satellites for broadband internet on its 19th mission. The launch set a new record for rocket reusability for SpaceX. 

The Falcon 9's first stage landed for the 19th time, showcasing successful reusability. The mission contributes to SpaceX's goal of reducing the cost of spaceflight and increasing its frequency. The liftoff occurred at 12:33 a.m. EST on Saturday, December 23, 2023. SpaceX has launched over 90 orbital missions in 2023, with a focus on expanding the Starlink broadband mega constellation. Starlink currently consists of nearly 5,200 operational satellites. 

SpaceX founder and CEO Elon Musk's vision for space exploration includes rocket reusability as a key component. SpaceX's rapid reuse records highlight the company's continuous efforts in advancing spaceflight technology. 

As planned, the Falcon 9's first stage came back to Earth for the 19th time, landing about 8.5 minutes after it launched on the drone ship, which was stationed in the Atlantic Ocean off the Florida coast. The Falcon 9's upper stage, meanwhile, continued hauling the 23 Starlink satellites to low Earth orbit (LEO). The spacecraft was set to be deployed there about 65.5 minutes after liftoff.

SpaceX's live launch webcast was available on X (formerly Twitter). The Space Force's 45th Weather Squadron warned of upper-level wind shear as a potential risk. Brevard County Emergency Management activated its launch operations support team. 

Isolated quick-hitting showers were reported in the Space Coast area. SpaceX's Starlink mission contributed to a milestone of 69 rocket launches on Florida's Space Coast in the year.