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Falcon 9 (Launch vehicle)

SpaceX Successfully Launches 20 Starlink Satellites on 17th Falcon 9 Mission

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

SpaceX has further expanded its Starlink constellation with the successful launch of a Falcon 9 rocket carrying 20 new satellites on October 19. The mission marked the 17th flight of this particular Falcon 9 first-stage booster, which has supported numerous other Starlink deployment missions, as well as several other high-profile launches. The satellites will join the existing "megaconstellation" of over 6,400 active Starlink satellites, and will begin supporting direct-to-cell capabilities, including voice and data communications, in 2025.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Falcon 9 rocket carried 20 new Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit on its 17th flight.
  • Thirteen of the satellites will support the Starlink system's direct-to-cell capabilities, including voice and data communications, in 2025.
  • The Starlink satellites will join the existing "megaconstellation" of over 6,400 active satellites.
  • The direct-to-cell system is intended to work anywhere in the world, using the Starlink ground network through partner operators and unmodified cell phones.
  • SpaceX has launched multiple high-profile missions with this Falcon 9 first-stage booster, including the Eutelsat 36X, Ovzon-3, and CRS-26 deployment missions.
  • The booster has previously launched eight other Starlink deployment missions and the mPOWER-C, OneWeb 2, Intelsat 40e, Digital Globe 2, Turksat-6A, and Eutelsat 36X missions.
  • SpaceX has another Falcon 9 launch scheduled for Saturday, October 20, to deploy the EutelsatGroup OneWeb.

Statistics:

  • 20 Starlink satellites launched on the Falcon 9 mission.
  • 13 satellites will support the Starlink system's direct-to-cell capabilities.
  • 6,400+ active Starlink satellites in the megaconstellation.
  • 8.5 minutes: time it took for the Falcon 9's first stage to return to Earth after liftoff.
  • 7:31 p.m. EDT: time of liftoff.
  • 8:35 p.m.: time the Falcon 9's upper stage deployed the Starlink satellites.

Sources:

  • MIKE HEUER, "SpaceX Successfully Launches 20 Starlink Satellites on 17th Falcon 9 Mission", UPI, October 19 (no date mentioned).

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