Falcon 9 Rocket Lifts Off for Record Sixth Time

Nov, 2020 - By SMI

The record-setting flight was loaded with 58 Starlink satellites of SpaceX, along with three other satellites for Planet Labs.

SpaceX's (aerospace manufacturer and space transportation services company) rocket landings have become so routine that the company sent and welcomed back the same refurbished Falcon 9 rocket for a record 6th time. Falcon 9 is a partially reusable launch vehicle designed and manufactured by SpaceX in the United States. Falcon 9 has also been certified for the National Security Space Launch program and NASA Launch Services Program, which can launch the most important, priciest, and most complex missions. Moreover, it is considered the world's most advanced launch vehicle by various sources.

The record-setting flight was loaded with 58 Starlink satellites of SpaceX, along with three other satellites for Planet Labs (imaging company). The launch took place without interruption, as the first stage of Falcon 9 came down to land safely at sea, before deploying all 61 satellites into orbit. The latest mission offers another look rocket recovery techniques at SpaceX's another rocket, including splitting it in half and capturing two pieces of the protective fair after returning to Earth. In July 2020, SpaceX succeeded in assembling both pieces after satellite launch using vessels equipped with giant nets.

On May 30, NASA and SpaceX launched the Demo-2 atop of Falcon 9 rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Demo-2 carried NASA astronauts Douglas Hurley and Robert Behnken to the International Space Station, where they remained for 62 days before returning to Earth safely. Moreover, NASA and SpaceX are targeting October 2020 for the first operational flight with astronauts to the ISS. SpaceX Crew-1 will be the first routine mission to the International Space Station. SpaceX Crew-1 will also be launched on a Falcon 9 from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It will mark the start of routine flights to and from the International Space Station for the Crew Dragon spacecraft.