SpaceX has achieved another remarkable milestone by completing its 100th launch of 2024 with the successful deployment of the Starlink 10-10 mission. Liftoff occurred in the early hours of October 15 at 2:10 a.m. EDT from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s Space Launch Complex 40, further solidifying SpaceX’s leadership in the commercial space industry.
The Falcon 9 rocket used for the mission featured a veteran booster, tail number B1080, which had flown 10 times before. Its previous missions include ferrying astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) and delivering Cargo Dragon missions to orbit. This seasoned booster has now added another impressive mission to its resume, delivering 23 Starlink V2 Mini satellites into orbit.
John Kraus comments the last 40 hours had been incredible for SpaceX:
In a feat that has become routine for SpaceX, the Falcon 9 first stage touched down successfully on the ‘A Shortfall of Gravitas’ droneship about eight minutes after launch. This marks the 81st landing on that particular droneship and an astounding 353rd booster landing overall, as reported by Spaceflight Now.
A Double Launch Day: Starlink Keeps Expanding
The Starlink 10-10 launch wasn’t the only mission for SpaceX that day. Just hours later, the company executed another launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. This mission, dubbed Starlink 9-7, placed 20 additional satellites into low Earth orbit, continuing SpaceX’s rapid expansion of its global satellite internet network.
With both missions, SpaceX is on track to push the limits of satellite deployment, creating what is already the largest satellite constellation in history. These launches play a key role in the company’s plan to provide high-speed internet to underserved areas worldwide.
Breaking Records: SpaceX’s Dominance in 2024
This year’s 100th launch marks yet another milestone in SpaceX’s meteoric rise. In 2023, SpaceX completed 96 launches, accounting for 43 percent of all launches globally, according to NASASpaceFlight data. The company used 91 Falcon 9 rockets and five Falcon Heavy rockets in its record-breaking 2023 campaign, far surpassing its previous high of 64 launches in a single year.
With 100 launches already in the books for 2024, SpaceX is showing no signs of slowing down. The cadence of launches is unparalleled, with the company regularly turning around boosters for multiple flights and perfecting its recovery techniques.
Starship: The Future of Space Travel
In addition to the busy schedule of Falcon 9 and Starlink launches, SpaceX achieved another monumental feat on Sunday with the fifth test flight of Starship from Texas. The test was notable not just for the successful launch but for what happened afterward—SpaceX caught the Super Heavy booster using its groundbreaking Mechazilla system. Starship itself splashed down safely in the Indian Ocean after several hours in flight, marking a critical step forward for the future of interplanetary travel.
With Starship’s progress and its ability to conduct large-scale missions, including potential crewed missions to Mars, SpaceX is paving the way for humanity’s next great leap into space.
Looking Forward: The Next Frontier
As SpaceX hits the 100-launch mark in 2024, the company is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in space exploration. With more Starlink deployments, advancements in reusable rocket technology, and Starship’s ongoing development, SpaceX is shaping the future of both commercial and deep-space travel.
Stay tuned as SpaceX continues to set records, break barriers, and launch humanity into the next era of space exploration.
