SpaceX successfully deployed another batch of 25 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit on Monday, February 2nd, in a launch timed with the annual Groundhog Day tradition. The mission, executed from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, marks the company’s 14th launch this year and brings the total number of active Starlink satellites to 9,628.
Falcon 9 Launch and Deployment
The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at 7:47 a.m. PDT, ascending into clear skies. Roughly nine minutes after liftoff, the upper stage reached its initial orbit and began the process of deploying the Starlink Group 17-32 satellites approximately one hour into the flight. The deployment was completed as scheduled, extending SpaceX’s rapidly growing satellite internet network.
Upper Stage Issue and Recovery
However, the mission wasn’t without its challenges. SpaceX reported an “off-nominal condition” during preparations for the upper stage’s deorbit burn, which is designed to ensure the stage re-enters Earth’s atmosphere safely. Despite this issue, the stage “performed as designed to successfully passivate,” meaning it was secured to prevent uncontrolled re-entry. SpaceX is currently analyzing the data to identify the cause and prevent recurrence.
The first stage of the Falcon 9, designated B1071, successfully landed on the droneship Of Course I Still Love You in the Pacific Ocean. This was the booster’s 31st flight, putting it just one launch behind SpaceX’s current reuse record holder.
Starlink’s Growing Impact
SpaceX’s Starlink network provides broadband internet access to underserved areas globally, improving connectivity in regions where traditional infrastructure is lacking. The service is increasingly used for a variety of applications, from weather updates to mobile communication on select carriers.
This launch underscores SpaceX’s continued expansion of Starlink, despite occasional technical hurdles. The company’s rapid deployment of satellites is reshaping global internet access, and while incidents like the upper stage anomaly require attention, they haven’t halted progress.
