SpaceX achieved a new milestone in reusable rocketry on Tuesday evening when a Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, carrying a batch of Starlink internet satellites into orbit. The mission marked the 35th flight for this particular booster, setting a company record for the most launches by a single first-stage rocket.
The Falcon 9 launched at 7:29 p.m. Eastern Time from Space Launch Complex 40, carrying 23 Starlink satellites. The first stage of the rocket, designated B1062, had previously flown on 34 missions, including crewed and cargo flights to the International Space Station, as well as numerous Starlink deployments. After stage separation, the booster successfully landed on the droneship «Just Read the Instructions» stationed in the Atlantic Ocean, completing its 35th landing.
This launch is part of SpaceX's ongoing effort to build a global broadband network through its Starlink constellation, which now comprises thousands of satellites in low Earth orbit. The company has been steadily increasing the frequency of its launches, with Falcon 9 rockets now flying multiple times per week. The reusability of the first stage is a key factor in reducing launch costs and enabling this rapid cadence.
The B1062 booster first flew in November 2020, carrying a GPS III satellite for the U.S. Space Force. Since then, it has flown a variety of missions, including the Crew-2 and Crew-3 astronaut missions to the ISS, as well as the Transporter-2 rideshare mission. Each flight has required refurbishment and inspection, but the core structure has proven durable enough to withstand repeated launches and landings.
SpaceX's achievement with the 35th launch of a single booster underscores the company's dominance in the commercial launch market. No other rocket in history has flown as many times as this Falcon 9 first stage. The previous record for a single booster was held by another Falcon 9, which flew 34 times before being retired. The company has stated that it aims to eventually reuse boosters up to 100 times with minimal refurbishment, though current operational limits are lower.
The Starlink satellites deployed in this mission are part of the second-generation constellation, known as Starlink V2 Mini, which are larger and more capable than earlier versions. They feature advanced phased-array antennas and laser inter-satellite links, enabling higher bandwidth and lower latency. The satellites are designed to operate at an altitude of approximately 550 kilometers, where they can provide internet coverage to remote and underserved areas around the world.
SpaceX has faced criticism from astronomers and environmental groups about the impact of Starlink satellites on night sky observations and orbital debris. The company has responded by equipping newer satellites with visors to reduce reflectivity and by implementing automated collision avoidance systems. However, the growing number of satellites in orbit continues to raise concerns about space traffic management and the risk of collisions.
Despite these challenges, SpaceX continues to expand the Starlink network, which now serves over 2 million subscribers globally. The service is available in more than 60 countries, with plans to extend coverage to additional regions. The company has also begun testing direct-to-cellphone connectivity, which could provide basic internet access to standard mobile phones without requiring specialized hardware.
The launch on Tuesday was the 35th Falcon 9 mission of 2024, maintaining SpaceX's aggressive launch pace. The company has set a goal of launching up to 144 missions per year across its Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets. This pace is supported by a fleet of reusable boosters and a streamlined launch processing system at Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
SpaceX's success with reusability has influenced the broader aerospace industry, with competitors such as Blue Origin and United Launch Alliance developing their own reusable rocket systems. The U.S. Space Force has also expressed interest in leveraging reusable rockets for national security missions, citing cost savings and increased launch flexibility.
The B1062 booster's 35th flight is a testament to the engineering advances that have made routine reusability possible. Each launch generates data that helps SpaceX refine its designs and procedures, pushing the boundaries of what is achievable in spaceflight. As the company looks toward future missions, including the Starship program, the lessons learned from Falcon 9 reusability will be critical to achieving even greater milestones.