SpaceX successfully launched a Falcon 9 rocket carrying 28 Starlink internet satellites from Florida's Space Coast on Sunday morning. The mission, designated Starlink 10-27, lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 6:53 a.m., adding to the company's growing satellite constellation. The pre-dawn launch created a spectacular visual effect in the sky, often referred to as a "space jellyfish," as the rocket's exhaust plume was illuminated by the rising sun.
Following the launch, the rocket's first stage booster completed its 11th mission by successfully landing on the 'A Shortfall of Gravitas' droneship stationed in the Atlantic Ocean. This successful recovery underscores SpaceX's continued leadership in rocket reusability.
Key Takeaways
- Mission Success: SpaceX launched 28 Starlink satellites into orbit on September 21 at 6:53 a.m. from Cape Canaveral, Florida.
- Booster Reusability: The Falcon 9 first stage booster completed its 11th successful flight and landing.
- Visual Phenomenon: The launch created a "space jellyfish" effect, visible across Brevard County as sunlight hit the rocket's exhaust plume.
- Constellation Growth: The mission continues the expansion of SpaceX's Starlink network, designed to provide global high-speed internet access.
Details of the Starlink 10-27 Mission
The mission began precisely on schedule, lifting off from Launch Complex 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The Falcon 9 rocket ascended on a northeasterly trajectory over the Atlantic Ocean. Weather conditions were highly favorable for the launch, with the 45th Weather Squadron forecasting a 90% chance of acceptable weather.
SpaceX had a launch window extending until 9:20 a.m. to accommodate any potential delays, but the countdown proceeded without issue. Fueling of the Falcon 9 with rocket-grade kerosene and liquid oxygen began approximately 35 minutes before liftoff, locking the mission into its planned departure time.
What is the Starlink Project?
Starlink is a satellite internet constellation operated by SpaceX. It aims to provide high-speed, low-latency broadband internet service to locations where access has been unreliable, expensive, or completely unavailable. The project involves launching thousands of small satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO).
A Veteran Booster Completes its 11th Flight
A key element of this mission was the reuse of the Falcon 9's first stage booster. This particular booster has a notable flight history, having now completed 11 missions. Its reusability is central to SpaceX's strategy of reducing the cost of access to space.
Previous missions for this booster include:
- Four other Starlink missions
- NASA Crew-9
- RRT-1
- Firefly Blue Ghost Mission 1
- Fram2
- SXM-10
- MTG-S1
Approximately eight minutes after liftoff, the first stage separated and performed a series of engine burns to guide itself back to Earth. It landed precisely on the 'A Shortfall of Gravitas' droneship positioned in the Atlantic. Because the landing occurred at sea, no sonic booms were heard over Brevard County.
Booster Recovery and Public Viewing
Following its successful landing, the droneship carrying the Falcon 9 booster will sail back to Port Canaveral. In a few days, the public will be able to see the 15-story booster docked at the port, where it will be prepared for future missions.
Sunrise Launch Creates "Jellyfish" in the Sky
Residents and early risers along Florida's Space Coast were treated to a stunning visual display shortly after the rocket's ascent. The timing of the launch, just before sunrise, created what is commonly known as a "space jellyfish" phenomenon.
This effect occurs when the rocket reaches a high altitude where the sun is already visible, while it is still dark on the ground. The sunlight illuminates the expanding exhaust gases from the rocket's engines, creating a bright, translucent, jellyfish-like shape against the twilight sky. This brief but beautiful spectacle is a favorite among launch photographers and spectators.
Countdown and Launch Operations
The launch followed SpaceX's standard and highly refined countdown procedure. The process is a carefully orchestrated sequence of events managed by the launch director.
Key milestones in the final minutes include:
- T-38 minutes: Launch director gives the "go" for propellant loading.
- T-35 minutes: Loading of rocket-grade kerosene and liquid oxygen begins.
- T-7 minutes: The Falcon 9's nine Merlin engines begin to chill to prepare for ignition.
- T-1 minute: The flight computer runs final checks and propellant tanks are pressurized.
- T-3 seconds: The engine ignition sequence starts.
- T-0 seconds: Liftoff occurs.
Brevard County Emergency Management officials activated their launch operations support team to monitor the event, a standard procedure for all launches from the Space Coast to ensure public safety and manage local logistics.
"Each successful launch and landing reinforces the reliability and cost-effectiveness of reusable rocket technology, a field where SpaceX continues to set industry standards."
This launch marks another step in the aggressive build-out of the Starlink network. With each mission, SpaceX moves closer to its goal of providing continuous global internet coverage, particularly for underserved and rural communities around the world. The company maintains a high launch cadence, often launching multiple missions per month from its facilities in Florida and California.