SpaceX Resumes Launch Activities After Two-Week Pause With Three Back-to-Back Starlink Missions
Elon Musk’s SpaceX has returned to its busy launch schedule, sending three back-to-back Starlink missions into orbit over the weekend. This follows a two-week pause prompted by a malfunction in a previous Starlink launch. SpaceX launched a total of 67 Starlink satellites, two from Florida and one from California.
Key Takeaways
- SpaceX launched three Starlink missions over the weekend, resuming launch activities after a two-week pause.
- The launches come after an investigation into a previous mission which saw 20 Starlink satellites deployed into a lower-than-intended orbit.
- SpaceX is on track to complete 144 launches in 2024, averaging twelve launches per month.
- Starlink is SpaceX’s satellite internet service, which achieved breakeven cash flow in November.
A Brief History of the Pause
On July 11, SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket carrying 20 Starlink satellites from California. However, the satellites were deployed in a lower-than-intended orbit due to an issue with the rocket’s second-stage engine. This led to SpaceX suspending all launch operations while they investigated the root cause of the malfunction.
"SpaceX has implemented necessary design changes to prevent a recurrence of the issue," the company said last week, following their investigation. This involved oversight from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Back in the Saddle
With the issue resolved, SpaceX wasted no time getting back to business, sending a total of 67 Starlink satellites into orbit over the weekend. The company launched 22 satellites on Saturday and 45 on Sunday, with CEO Elon Musk expressing his excitement on social media.
"Back in the saddle!" Musk tweeted after Saturday’s launch, followed by a congratulatory message to the SpaceX team on Sunday for the successful three consecutive launches.
"Congrats to the @SpaceX Falcon team on completing 3 successful launches this weekend!" Musk tweeted.
Significance of the Launches
SpaceX is aiming to complete 144 launches in 2024, and the three successful launches over the weekend put them on track to reach this ambitious goal. The company is already on pace to launch twelve times a month, highlighting their commitment to delivering on their goals.
These launches also highlight the importance of SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service. Starlink achieved breakeven cash flow in November 2023, showcasing the potential of the service.
The return of SpaceX to its regular launch schedule signifies not only its commitment to the ambitious goals of its Starlink program, but also its impressive resilience in overcoming technical challenges. The quick resolution of the issue demonstrates SpaceX’s dedication to safety and its continuous strive towards innovation in space exploration.
