SpaceX successfully launched a Falcon 9v1.2FT Block 5 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida, USA at 0338 GMT on 24 September 2023. The vehicle was carrying Starlink Group 6-18, a total of 22 v2 Mini platform Starlink satellites as part of the second generation constellation. The B1060 reusable first stage, on its 17th flight, landed on the drone barge Just Read the Instructions located down range in the Atlantic. The B1060 stage matched the record number of flights (17) of the B1058.
A day later, another SpaceX Falcon 9v1.2FT Block 5 was launched, this time from the West Coast at Vandenberg, California USA at 0848 GMT on 25 September 2023. It was carrying Starlink Group 7-3 – a total of 21 v2 Mini satellties for the second-generation Starlink satellite constellation. The reusable B1075 first stage, on its sixth flight, landed on the drone barge Of Course I Still Love You located downrange in the Pacific.
Night launch of Falcon 9v1.2FT carrying Group 6-18 for second generation Starlink constellation. Courtesy: SpaceX
