SpaceX launch cadence sees two Falcon 9 boosters in port for first time

The brisk launch cadence of 2021 led to Port Canaveral SpaceX logistics staff having two Falcon 9 boosters dockside at the same time, on March 17, 2021 – a first in their re-flight processing program. Photo: Theresa Cross

SpaceX reached another significant ‘high cadence capability’ milestone this week, when two of their Falcon 9 first stage boosters were seen to be present and in the initial steps of post-flight processing at the Port Canaveral dock. This is the first time that two recovered boosters have been dockside at the same time.

The Falcon 9 first stage B1058, seen here following its inaugural flight in support of Demo-2 mission, sports a bright red NASA “Worm” style logo. At time of writing, it has completed 6 launch/landing cycles. Photo: Theresa Cross

Since May 2018, when the current variant of Falcon 9 Full Thrust (Block 5)began flying, Elon Musk has said that the rocket booster should theoretically be able to fly up to 100 times. Although not widely known by the public, many aspects of these life-leader veteran boosters’ wear patterns and operational component fatigue are still being discovered, with refurbishment and replacement of certain parts of the rocket being considered following in-flight incidents or loss of vehicle (RUD, or rapid unplanned disassembly) events.

SpaceX has also recently begun limiting the amount of pre-launch static fire testing, which will further reduce wear and tear on the first stage Merlin motors and related components.

By continuing to analyze and modify the required and best practice maintenance and refurbishment processes associated with refurbishment, it is almost certain that one of the most flown Falcon 9 rocket boosters hit the record setting tenth flight during the year.

Contenders for the honor include B1049 (8 launches/landings, last flown March 4, 2021 in support of Starlink L17), B1051 (9 launches/landings, last flown March 14, 2021 in support of Starlink L21), and B1058 – featuring the famous NASA “Worm” logo, first flown for the NASA Demo-2 mission (6 launches/landings, last flown March 11, 2021 in support of Starlink L20).

Tagged: B1049 B1051 B1058 booster recovery Falcon 9 The Range

Theresa Cross

Theresa Cross grew up on the Space Coast. It’s only natural that she would develop a passion for anything “Space” and its exploration. During these formative years, she also discovered that she possessed a talent and love for defining the unique quirks and intricacies that exist in mankind, nature, and machines. Hailing from a family of photographers—including her father and her son, Theresa herself started documenting her world through pictures at a very early age. As an adult, she now exhibits an innate photographic ability to combine what appeals to her heart and her love of technology to deliver a diversified approach to her work and artistic presentations. Theresa has a background in water chemistry, fluid dynamics, and industrial utility.