SpaceX launches two back-to-back Falcon 9 Starlink missions to orbit

SpaceX on Sunday, January 28, launched two back-to-back Starlink missions to the low-Earth orbit. At 8:10 p.m. ET, a Falcon 9 rocket carrying 23 Starlink satellites soared into the sky from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

Following stage separation, Falcon 9’s first stage landed on the A Shortfall of Gravitas droneship. This was the 18th flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched GPS III Space Vehicle 04, GPS III Space Vehicle 05, Inspiration4, Ax-1, Nilesat 301, OneWeb Launch 17, ARABSAT BADR-8, and now 11 Starlink missions.

Another Falcon 9 rocket carrying 22 Starlink satellites lifted off at 9:57 p.m. PT from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

Following stage separation, the Falcon 9 rocket's first stage landed on the Of Course I Still Love You droneship, completing its ninth mission. The first stage booster previously launched SDA-0A, SARah-2, and six Starlink missions. Following stage separation, the first stage will land on the Of Course I Still Love You droneship, which will be stationed in the Pacific Ocean.

The doubleheader underscores SpaceX's commitment to enhance global connectivity through its Starlink constellation. Starlink aims to provide high-speed, low-latency internet access to underserved and remote areas worldwide.

Watch part two of tonight's doubleheader with Falcon 9 launching 22 @Starlink satellites to orbit https://t.co/H6rLRyxg2t

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) January 29, 2024