SpaceX Achieves 100th Launch of 2024

In a remarkable achievement, SpaceX has successfully completed its 100th launch of 2024, a monumental milestone for the aerospace giant. The record-setting liftoff occurred at 2:10 a.m. EDT from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, utilizing the well-known Space Launch Complex 40.

Starlink 10-10 Mission

The launch, designated as the Starlink 10-10 mission, deployed 23 Starlink V2 Mini satellites into orbit, further bolstering SpaceX's ever-expanding satellite constellation aimed at providing global internet coverage. The Falcon 9 rocket used for this mission featured the first stage booster B1080, which has an impressive track record of ten previous flights, including sending astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) and conducting multiple Cargo Dragon missions.

Successful Booster Landing

Approximately eight minutes post-launch, the Falcon 9 first stage made a successful landing on the droneship named "A Shortfall of Gravitas," marking the 81st successful booster landing on this particular platform and the 353rd for SpaceX overall, according to Spaceflight Now.

Follow-up Launch from Vandenberg

But the excitement didn’t end there! Shortly after the initial launch, another Starlink mission (Group 9-7) successfully lifted off from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, adding 20 more satellites to SpaceX's low Earth orbit fleet. This rapid succession of launches highlights the company’s relentless pursuit of expanding internet accessibility worldwide.

Performance Review of 2023

Reflecting on 2023, SpaceX's operational prowess was already evident as they completed 96 launches, accounting for a staggering 43% of all global launches. This remarkable feat consisted of 91 Falcon 9 and 5 Falcon Heavy rockets, setting the stage for this year's record-breaking performance.

Innovations and Future Plans

In addition to the milestone 100th launch, SpaceX has been quite busy. Just days before, they achieved a historic milestone with the fifth Starship test flight that successfully demonstrated the capabilities of the Super Heavy booster. Following the launch, SpaceX executed a flawless catch of the booster using their Mechazilla system, while the Starship culminated its test by splashing down safely in the Indian Ocean.

Looking Ahead

With ambitions set high for 2024 and beyond, SpaceX continues to reshape the future of space travel and satellite technology, paving the way for an era of renewed exploration and connectivity. Could this be the beginning of a new space race? Stay tuned for more updates as SpaceX pushes the boundaries of innovation!