SpaceX Falcon 9 today… 21 Starlink satellites launched for low Earth orbit, to provide global broadband internet, and direct-to-cell capabilities with 13 of these satellites.
January 13, 2025, Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
Starlink 12-4, Falcon 9 Specifications
• Height: 70 meters (229.6 feet)
• Diameter: 3.7 meters (12 feet)
• Mass: 549,054 kg (1,207,920 lb)
Thrust Statistics
• First Stage:
• Thrust at sea level: 7,607 kN (1,710,000 lbf)
• Thrust in vacuum: 8,227 kN (1,849,500 lbf)
• Second Stage:
• Thrust in vacuum: 981 kN (220,500 lbf)
The first stage booster, designated B1080, is on its 15th flight and landing. After stage separation, 2 minutes and 30 seconds into the flight, the booster is expected to land on the drone ship “A Shortfall of Gravitas” stationed in the Atlantic Ocean. The landing attempt should take place approximately 8 minutes after liftoff.
This mission is the 5th Falcon 9 launch of 2025, the 94th booster landing for SpaceX.
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• Lost spacecraft: SpaceX said Thursday that its Starship spacecraft — which was meant to lap Earth and splash down in the Indian Ocean — exploded not long after its 7th test flight took off from South Texas. The disintegration delayed some commercial flights in Florida.
• “Chopsticks” catch: Despite the mishap, SpaceX did successfully guide the Super Heavy booster back to a landing at the launch site — making a pinpoint, mid-air touchdown between two extended arms, or “chopsticks,” attached to the Mechazilla tower.
