Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, FL, USA - May 18, 2024

SpaceX achieved a milestone on Friday with the successful launch of its Falcon 9 rocket, marking its 21st flight and setting a new reusability record. The launch, which took place from Florida’s Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, saw the deployment of 23 Starlink internet satellites into orbit, as reported by Florida Today.

Following liftoff, the Falcon 9's first stage made a safe return to Earth, landing on the SpaceX drone ship in the Atlantic Ocean. "Falcon 9 completes the first 21st launch and landing of a booster and delivers 23 @Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Florida," SpaceX announced in a post on X.

This successful mission marked the 21st launch and landing for this specific booster. The Falcon 9's upper stage proceeded to deploy the satellites into low Earth orbit as planned. The launch is part of SpaceX's ambitious goal to conduct approximately 150 launches in 2024.

With this latest launch, SpaceX has completed its 51st orbital mission of the year, with a significant focus on expanding the Starlink broadband megaconstellation. Currently comprising over 5,900 operational satellites, the Starlink constellation has seen 36 of the 51 orbital launches dedicated to its expansion.