SpaceX completes 99th mission of 2024, launching 20 Starlink satellites into orbit

SpaceX successfully carried out its 99th operational mission of the year, launching 20 Starlink satellites into orbit from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on Friday night.

The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at 7:31 pm ET from Space Launch Complex 40, marking the 17th flight for this specific booster, which was successfully recovered on the "Just Read the Instructions" droneship in the Atlantic Ocean.

This mission marks a significant milestone for SpaceX, as it approaches a new annual record for launches.

With 71 missions from Florida alone, SpaceX is just one launch shy of matching its 2023 record of 72 launches from the Space Coast.

The company has conducted the majority of these launches, with only five handled by the United Launch Alliance.

Friday's mission also added to SpaceX's rapidly expanding Starlink constellation, bringing the total number of satellites launched for its satellite internet network to over 7,100 since 2019.

Notably, 13 of the satellites launched in this mission include direct-to-cell capabilities, part of SpaceX's continued efforts to enhance global internet coverage.

In total, SpaceX has launched 97 Falcon 9 missions in 2024, including this one, along with two Falcon Heavy missions.

In addition, the company has flown three test missions of its in-development Starship rocket from the Starbase test site in Texas. The most recent Starship mission took place on October 13, when SpaceX achieved a landmark feat—successfully capturing the Super Heavy booster mid-air using mechanical arms, known as "Mechazilla," for the first time.

This marked a significant step toward SpaceX's goal of rapid rocket reusability, which is central to the company’s vision for reducing space travel costs and enabling missions to Mars.

The Starship program has faced several regulatory challenges throughout the year. In early October, SpaceX secured Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval for its fifth uncrewed Starship test flight after overcoming delays tied to environmental concerns and safety regulations.

Elon Musk, SpaceX’s CEO, had previously criticized the FAA for the delays, citing regulatory overreach.

The FAA, however, highlighted issues such as sonic boom reports and compliance with Texas water usage regulations.

Despite these hurdles, SpaceX’s launch cadence in 2024 has remained impressive.

While company officials had projected up to 144 launches this year, weather and technical issues led to several delays, bringing the current total to 99 operational missions.

SpaceX has flown six launches in October so far, with previous months seeing varying numbers, such as 13 launches in May and 11 in August.

The bulk of these launches have been dedicated to Starlink, SpaceX’s ambitious satellite network aimed at providing global internet coverage. SpaceX's 67 Starlink-specific missions in 2024 alone reflect the company's aggressive push to expand its satellite constellation, which now includes more than 6,400 active satellites, according to satellite tracker Jonathan McDowell. These efforts have cemented SpaceX’s dominant role in the satellite launch industry and set the stage for continued growth in both commercial and experimental space missions.

As SpaceX approaches its 100th mission of 2024, it continues to break new ground in rocket reusability and satellite deployment, while pushing the boundaries of space exploration technology. The next Falcon 9 launch is expected soon, keeping the company on track for a record-breaking year in spaceflight.