SpaceX successfully launches fourth batch of Starlink satellites
60 satellites launched atop a Falcon 9 rocket, the fourth batch for SpaceX’s Starlink broadband network. Mission designated Starlink3. Booster 1051.3 completes its third mission and now has launched from all SpaceX pads. Image Credit: Theresa Cross / SpaceFlight Insider
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – SpaceX launched their fourth batch of approximately 60 satellites for the Starlink broadband network at 9:06am EDT, January 29, after carefully “evaluating extreme weather in the recovery area,” according to SpaceX.
Prior to Starlink Mission 3, static fire occurred on January 20th at 2:00pm. Merlin engines briefly fired and generated more than a million pounds of thrust as the rocket remained grounded. Weather in the recovery area for the SpaceX fleet was the concern. No formal launch date was confirmed immediately following the test. Earlier this week, potential launch opportunities were identified but foul weather kept the team from proceeding; Monday’s attempt was scrubbed due to upper level winds with less than 30 minutes to launch, leaving eager crowds on the Space Coast beaches disappointed but understanding.
Crowds waited eagerly along the seaside of Cocoa Beach, Fla, on Monday, January 27, hoping to see a Falcon 9 take flight. The rocket successfully launched on January 29, at 9:06am EDT. Image Credit: Sean Costello / SpaceFlight Insider
This is the third mission of booster core 1051.3, which was successfully recovered to the deck of “Of Course I Still Love You”. Fairing catchers, GoMsChief and GoMsTree, assisted by GoQuest, were all docked at the Port of Morehead City, NC prior to the launch.
60 satellites launched atop a Falcon 9 rocket, the fourth batch for SpaceX’s Starlink broadband network. Mission designated Starlink3. Booster 1051.3 completes its third mission and now has launched from all SpaceX pads. Image Credit: Theresa Cross / SpaceFlight Insider
The maiden voyage of B1051.3 was on March 2, 2019, flown in support of the Crew Dragon mission (first non-piloted test flight to the ISS) and again on June 12, 2019 for the RADARSAT constellation mission. Operated by the Canadian Space Agency for the Canadian government and community, the RADARSAT constellation was designed for three main uses: maritime surveillance, disaster management and ecosystem monitoring. The booster’s launch from SLC 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station checks the final box for having launched a mission from each of the three current SpaceX launch pads.
“SpaceX Starlink project aims to build a massive constellation of broadband internet satellites, providing constant high-speed internet access to users around the world.” (SpaceX)
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.
