California Hosts Another Successful SpaceX Launch Satellites Into Orbit

In a midday launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base, SpaceX continued to develop a successful launch and recovery record at the landmark California Space Force base according to reporting in SpaceFlightNow.

The Falcon 9 booster rocket used marked its 20th flight and eight and a half minutes after launch also completed the 303rd post launch landing of a SpaceX booster.

The last time a first stage was expended during a Falcon 9 mission was 146 flights ago in November 2022. On most Falcon 9 missions, enough propellant remains in the first stage after stage separation to enable landing, recovery, and ultimately reuse on future missions
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) April 28, 2024

SpaceX has laid out that it is completing its plan to utilize booster rockets for 40+ flights and landings and having this Falcon9 successful complete the launch, delivery, and landing cycle is a key part of that effort.

We’re working toward qualifying our fleet of Falcon boosters and fairings to support 40 missions each. Increasing Falcon's flight count provides valuable information on repeated reuse, a critical element for making life multiplanetary with Starship
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) April 28, 2024

California’s continuing role as a leader in the related industries of space launch and aerospace are an important economic driver for the entire West and we are following the story closely. Check back often for more news.

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