SpaceX launches Starlink satellites after FAA lifts Falcon ban
- SpaceX launched two Falcon 9 rockets carrying Starlink satellites into orbit on August 31, 2023.
- The FAA lifted a temporary ban on the Falcon 9 fleet just hours before the launches, allowing SpaceX to proceed.
- The successful launches and landings of the rockets highlight SpaceX's commitment to expanding its satellite constellation and enhancing global internet connectivity.
On August 31, SpaceX successfully executed two back-to-back launches of Falcon 9 rockets, deploying Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit. The first launch occurred at 3:43 a.m. EDT from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, followed by a second launch just an hour later from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. In total, 42 Starlink satellites were delivered, including 26 equipped with Direct to Cell capabilities. These launches were made possible after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) lifted a temporary ban on the Falcon 9 fleet. The ban had been imposed while the FAA investigated a recent incident involving a first-stage booster that crashed onto a landing barge in the Atlantic Ocean. The FAA's decision to rescind the grounding order came late Friday, allowing SpaceX to resume its launch schedule. The Falcon 9 rocket used in the California launch successfully landed on the Of Course I Still Love You droneship, while the Florida launch's rocket landed on the Just Read the Instructions droneship. This successful recovery of both rockets demonstrates SpaceX's ongoing commitment to reusability and cost efficiency in space operations. The resumption of launches signifies a critical moment for SpaceX, as the company continues to expand its Starlink satellite constellation, which aims to provide global internet coverage. The successful deployment of these satellites is a step forward in enhancing connectivity, particularly in underserved areas, and reinforces SpaceX's position as a leader in the commercial space industry.