SpaceX successfully launched its Falcon 9 rocket into space today, carrying 23 Starlink satellites to low Earth orbit. The rocket took off from Florida’s Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 6:22 p.m. EST (2322 GMT) and landed back on the droneship Just Read the Instructions in the Atlantic Ocean.
The successful launch marks a significant milestone for SpaceX, as it has partnered with The Bahamas to enable new orbital trajectories for its Falcon 9 rocket. Deputy Prime Minister of The Bahamas Isaac Chester Cooper described the collaboration as “huge” and noted that it puts the country at the cutting edge of innovation.
This is not the first time SpaceX has used its droneships in the Atlantic Ocean, but this partnership opens up new opportunities for the company. Today’s flight was the 16th for this Falcon 9 booster, which has previously been used for nine Starlink missions.
The launch follows previous launches by SpaceX, including a test flight of its Starship megarocket and a mission that set a new reusability record with its first stage rocket.
Source: https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/spacex-starlink-launch-first-rocket-landing-bahamas