SpaceX marks its 100th success

SpaceX marks its 100th successful launch. Image via Adobe Stock

SpaceX marks its 100th successful launch with a Starlink mission

A Falcon 9 rocket carried a batch of 60 satellites to add to the growing Starlink constellation satellite network.

SpaceX marks its 100th success

SpaceX marks its 100th successful launch. Image via Adobe Stock

SpaceX has deployed its fifteenth batch of Starlink satellites. The launch took place on 24 October from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

100TH SUCCESSFUL LAUNCH FOR SPACEX

A Falcon 9 rocket carried a batch of 60 satellites to add to the growing Starlink constellation satellite network which will eventually provide global broadband internet access.

The first stage booster of the Falcon 9 was caught by the drone ship “Just read the instructions” stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.

This marks SpaceX’s 100th successful launch since the company launched its first Falcon 1 to orbit in 2008. This includes 95 Falcon 9 launches, three Falcon Heavy launches and two Falcon 1 launches.

SPACEX HAS MADE IMPRESSIVE STRIDES

SpaceX has made impressive strides over the 100 launches.

These strides include improving the reusability of its rockets, getting better at catching first stage rocket boosters for reuse and even starting to sometimes catch and reuse other parts as well such as payload fairings.

The company has caught the first stage booster 63 times out of 100 successful launches, allowing boosters to be reused 45 times.

PIVOTAL BREAKTHROUGH NEEDED

A spokesperson from SpaceX said, “SpaceX believes that fully and rapidly reusable rockets are the pivotal breakthrough needed to dramatically reduce the cost of access to space to enable people to travel to and live on other planets.

“While most rockets are expendable after launch akin to throwing away an airplane after a one way trip from Los Angeles to New York. SpaceX is working toward a future in which reusable rockets are the norm.”

DEVELOPMENT OF STARSHIP ROCKET

SpaceX said that it’s Falcon 9 rocket is now the most flown operational rocket in the United States and that the company is also forging ahead with the development of its Starship rocket for super heavy lift.

The idea is to use the Starship for missions to the moon and eventually to Mars.

The development of the latest prototype, the SN8 is continuing with a recent static fire test. The company plans to attempt another static fire test before attempting a hop test in which the rocket rises from the ground.

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has said he aims for Starship to reach orbit next year, potentially sending a Starship to Mars as early as 2024.