SpaceX
will attempt to break a rocket reusability record with a launch this week
SpaceX is preparing for yet another launch of Starlink satellites on Tuesday --
its tenth launch of production versions of the satellites to date. In addition
to 58 Starlink satellites, the Falcon 9 flying the mission will also carry
three Planet satellites -- and it'll be the sixth time this particular rocket
booster has made the trip, marking a record-breaking achievement for SpaceX.
The first-stage booster used on Tuesday's mission has flown on three previous
SpaceX Starlink missions, as well as two other launches to carry satellites for
SpaceX customers Telstar and Iridium . SpaceX will also be attempting to land
the booster in order to recover it again, which would be another record-breaking
achievement for the company.
SpaceX's flurry of Starlink launches has provided it with a great opportunity
to extend its work on reusable rocketry, which is likely helping drive down its
launch costs as well. Starlink is the company's own project, which means it's
particularly important that it be able to reduce operating costs on each launch
to build the constellation -- the broadband internet service that Starlink will
provide is only just approaching the beta stage, and won't be returning revenue
to the company for quite a while yet.
Another way SpaceX is pushing the envelope with its reusability on these
launches is with its fairing recovery program. The company has been seeking to
catch both halves of the fairing it uses to protect the rocket's cargo during
launch, using ships with nets extending from their decks. It managed, for the
first time, to catch both halves successfully during a Starlink launch in July.
This has the potential to reduce launch costs by as much as $6 million per
flight where a reused fairing is flown again.
This mission also includes a payload rideshare arrangement with client Planet,
which is another way that SpaceX can further defray the capital expenditure
that goes into these launches of its own satellites. The companies haven't
revealed the split in terms of how much Planet or any other clients are paying
to host a few satellites on these Starlink launches, but it's likely enough to
help take a decent chunk out of the overall cost of launching.
Besides bringing SpaceX one step closer to its goal of beginning to offer
Starlink internet service, and continuing to break new ground in its
reusability program, it's also the 100th launch for the company (and 92nd
Falcon 9 flight). That's a big milestone in itself, and one that continues a
year of monumental firsts for SpaceX.
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