SpaceX launched its 60th Falcon 9 rocket mission of 2022 early Wednesday morning, Dec. 28, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, launching 54 upgraded Gen2 Starlink satellites into orbit.
Space.com tells us that this launch marks the first flight of the upgraded version of the SpaceX constellation fleet and the 11th flight for the Falcon 9 first-stage booster, which has launched several satellites, five previous Starlink missions, and two private astronaut crews.
SpaceX's 60th Falcon 9 Launch for 2022
The launch of the Gen2 Starlink satellites follows the Dec. 1 approval by the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of SpaceX's deployment of 7,500 satellites in low Earth orbit.
The FCC's decision will enable SpaceX to provide next-generation satellite broadband to Americans across the country, including those who live in places that have traditionally been unserved or underserved by terrestrial systems. It will also enable international satellite broadband service to close the global digital divide.
A Visual Spectacle
A Falcon 9 rocket launch is breathtaking, with the rocket engines' tremendous thrust propelling the vehicle into the sky. For miles around, the dazzling flames of the engines and the clouds of smoke produced by the launch may be seen.
The Falcon 9 will leave a trail of exhaust behind it as it ascends, creating a spectacular visual display. Once in orbit, the Falcon 9 will release its payload of satellites, which can be seen tumbling out of the rocket one by one. These satellites will then deploy their solar panels and antennae to provide satellite internet or other services.
The Falcon 9 soared southeast from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on the first Starlink Gen2 network flight, reaching an inclination of 43 degrees. The Falcon 9's ascent was captured in a stunning fisheye streak photograph, showcasing the power and beauty of the rocket's launch.
Check out these images captured by SpaceX and other sources:
Falcon 9 launches 54 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit; completes SpaceX’s 60th mission of 2022! pic.twitter.com/MIstToPIyL
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) December 28, 2022
Fisheye Streak! #SpaceX Falcon9 B1062.11 streak to orbit 434AM ET Dec28 carrying 54 #Starlink internet satellites on 5-1 mission from CCSFS pad 40.60th SpaceX launch 2022!
— Ken Kremer🇺🇦🇩🇪🇺🇸🚀🧪 (@ken_kremer) December 28, 2022
Soared SE on 1st Starlink Gen2 network flight to 43deg inclination-in this 4min long duration fisheye streak pic.twitter.com/x0uRcK4ojB
Controversies and Challenges
However, the launch has been subject to controversy. Many astronomers have expressed concerns about the growing mega constellation of satellites, citing potential interference with optical and radio observations of the night sky and an increase in space debris.
"Our action will allow SpaceX to begin deployment of Gen2 Starlink, which will bring next-generation satellite broadband to Americans nationwide, including those living and working in areas traditionally unserved or underserved by terrestrial systems," FCC officials wrote in the decision order. "Our action will also enable worldwide satellite broadband service, helping to close the digital divide on a global scale."
Before Dec. 1, the FCC had already granted SpaceX permission to deploy 12,000 first-generation Starlink satellites. The Gen2 satellites are the first upgraded versions of the SpaceX constellation fleet.
Their deployment marks the 11th flight of the Falcon 9 first-stage booster, which has launched several satellites, five previous Starlink missions, and two private astronaut crews.
Stay posted here at Tech Times for more updates on the matter.
