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SpaceX Launches 21 Satellites for OneWeb and Iridium, Lands Rocket at Sea: Video Inside!

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SpaceX Rocket Successfully Delivered Satellites into Orbit

On May 20th, 2023, a SpaceX rocket was launched from the Space Launch Complex 4 East Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The rocket was carrying 21 satellites for Iridium and OneWeb, and it soared into the California morning sky on a pillar of flame. It was a successful launch, after a last-minute abort on Thursday.

Smooth Launch Despite the Weather

The launch commentary from SpaceX’s operations engineer, Siva Bharadvaj, reported that the launch went smoothly aside from the foggy ground weather. It was able to punch through low clouds over Vandenberg and soar into the sky, broadcasting stunning video of its Earth departure and eventual return.

Successful Landing on Droneship

The Falcon 9’s first stage was able to return to earth about nine minutes after the liftoff. It landed on the SpaceX droneship, called Of Course I Still Love You, stationed in the Pacific Ocean. This booster had already been used for 11 launches and landings, and this landing marked the 193rd landing of a SpaceX orbital class rocket.

Satellites to Low Earth Orbit

The Falcon 9 rocket’s upper stage continued carrying the satellites. Five of these belonging to Iridium, and the other sixteen belonging to OneWeb. These were expected to deploy over a 30-minute period that was scheduled to begin about an hour after the liftoff.

Retrospective

This successful launch is just one of many for SpaceX, marking another milestone in the company’s efforts to transform spaceflight. The company has already launched three batches of OneWeb internet satellites and continues to advance its technologies.

FAQ

Q: When did the rocket launch?
A: The rocket launched on May 20th, 2023.

Q: What was the rocket carrying?
A: The rocket was carrying 21 satellites for Iridium and OneWeb.

Q: Was the launch successful?
A: Yes, the launch was successful.

Q: Where did the Falcon 9’s first stage land?
A: The first stage landed on a SpaceX droneship, called Of Course I Still Love You, stationed in the Pacific Ocean.

Q: What is the goal of the OneWeb satellites?
A: The OneWeb satellites aim to build out the company’s broadband constellation in low Earth orbit.

Q: How many satellites has SpaceX already launched for OneWeb?
A: SpaceX has already launched three batches of OneWeb internet satellites, sending 40 spacecraft skyward on each of those previous missions.

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