SpaceX Launches Falcon 9 with 20 Starlink Satellites, Achieves Successful Landing

Jul 12, 2024, 02:33 AM

SpaceX successfully launched the Starlink 9-3 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at 7:35 p.m. PDT on July 11, 2024, carrying 20 Starlink satellites, including 13 with Direct to Cell capabilities. The weather conditions were 70% favorable for the launch, and sunset was at 8:06 p.m., potentially affecting visibility. This mission marked the 15th flight of the Falcon 9 B1076 booster, which previously supported the Türksat 6A launch and various other missions. The first stage of the Falcon 9 successfully landed on the Of Course I Still Love You droneship, completing SpaceX's 70th mission of the year. It was the 19th mission for the B1063 booster, which had noticeable ice on its second stage, though this did not affect performance.