SpaceX launched its second mission in three days from the West Coast on Friday night, sending a payload of cremated human remains, research technology for the National Reconnaissance Office’s spy satellite agency, and spacecraft to perform various other missions into orbit. The Transporter-13 mission successfully delivered 74 payloads, all of which deployed within three hours of launch.
The Falcon 9 rocket’s first-stage booster landed nearby after a return flight, with sonic booms marking its re-entry. The National Reconnaissance Office used the mission to demonstrate experimental technology in orbit, while NASA scientists launched three small satellites on board to study space weather and auroral electrojets.
A payload from Italy-based D-Orbit carried an ION Satellite Carrier, which can transport and release satellites into distinct orbital slots. A unique aspect of this launch was the inclusion of a symbolic portion of cremated human remains on an “orbital journey” before re-entering Earth’s atmosphere in a final celestial tribute.
The SpaceX team overcame rainy and windy weather to complete the mission without delays, marking the second successful launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in three days.
Source: https://www.noozhawk.com/spacex-delivers-transporter-13-in-weeks-2nd-west-coast-launch