SpaceX launches communication satellites for Norway

On August 12, SpaceX successfully launched 23 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit using its Falcon 9 rocket, following a last-minute scrub of the mission the previous day. The rocket lifted off from Kennedy Space Center at 6:38 a.m. EDT, with the satellite payload confirmed to be deployed approximately one hour later. This launch marked the 17th flight for the first-stage booster, which safely returned to the drone ship A Shortfall of Gravitas in the Atlantic Ocean. The previous launch attempt on August 11 was halted just 46 seconds before liftoff due to unspecified reasons. SpaceX reassured that both the vehicle and payload were in good health, leading to the successful launch on Monday. In addition to the Starlink mission, SpaceX also launched a Falcon 9 rocket from California on August 11, carrying two communication satellites for Norway's Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission. The California launch took place at 7:02 p.m. PT from Vandenberg Space Force Base, with both satellites successfully deployed. Northrop Grumman, the satellite manufacturer, noted that the mission aims to enhance broadband coverage in the Arctic for the U.S. Space Force and Space Norway. This launch was significant as it included the first operational Department of Defense payload hosted on an international space vehicle. In related news, California officials have approved an increase in launch missions from Vandenberg Space Force Base, imposing conditions to mitigate environmental impacts, including wildlife monitoring and managing sonic booms.