In a remarkable display of engineering prowess, SpaceX has successfully launched its 400th Falcon 9 rocket, marking another significant milestone in the push for global internet coverage via its Starlink constellation. The launch took place under the typical foggy conditions at Vandenberg Space Force Base, showcasing SpaceX's ability to execute complex missions under challenging weather climates.

Liftoff occurred at 9:25 PM PST (12:25 AM EST) on the Starlink 9-13 mission, which also celebrated SpaceX's 100th launch from the West Coast. Although the company did not announce the exact launch time beforehand, the information was gathered from tracking sources, demonstrating the high levels of anticipation surrounding this event.

In a surprising twist, SpaceX did not initially plan to stream the launch or its booster landing live. This was unlike previous recent missions where live updates were routine. However, just minutes after liftoff, the company began sharing onboard camera views from the Falcon 9 rocket, ensuring that fans and observers could witness the monumental event unfold in real-time. Even Elon Musk joined the excitement, sharing the livestream link shortly after it went live.

This mission successfully delivered 20 Starlink V2 Mini satellites into orbit, 13 of which are equipped with innovative Direct to Cell capabilities—an advancement that promises to enhance connectivity for mobile devices even in remote locations. The satellites were confirmed deployed just about an hour after liftoff, further underscoring SpaceX's efficiency and reliability.

The Falcon 9 first stage booster, designated as B1075, achieved its remarkable 15th flight, having previously supported various missions including Transporter-11 and the deployment of SARah-2 satellites. The booster made a textbook landing on the SpaceX droneship, ‘Of Course I Still Love You,’ about eight minutes post-launch. This landing marked the 110th successful booster recovery for this particular ship, and the 373rd landing overall, demonstrating the reusability potential that SpaceX has pioneered in the aerospace industry.

As SpaceX pushes forward, the implications of this launch extend far beyond achieving company milestones; they are revolutionizing global internet access and changing the way we connect with technology everywhere. Stay tuned for more groundbreaking updates from SpaceX as they continue to reach for the stars!