In a remarkable feat of space technology, SpaceX Falcon 9 Booster 1058, which made history by launching NASA astronauts Bob and Doug to the International Space Station on its maiden flight in May 2020, has achieved yet another milestone. On Friday at 8:37 p.m. ET, the booster completed its 18th successful flight, carrying 23 Starlink satellites to low Earth orbit. This accomplishment sets a new record for the number of times a SpaceX Falcon 9 booster has been reused.
This achievement is significant not only because it showcases the reliability and reusability of SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket technology but also because it marks a substantial contribution to the ever-growing Starlink satellite constellation.
The Journey of Booster 1058
Since its historic debut, SpaceX Falcon 9 Booster 1058 has played a pivotal role in various space missions. It has been instrumental in launching 13 Starlink missions, two Transporter missions, one dedicated communication satellite mission, and even a resupply mission to the International Space Station. In total, this veteran booster has successfully delivered a staggering 844 satellites into orbit.
After its latest mission, B1058 returned to Earth, landing on the droneship named ‘A Shortfall of Gravitas.’ The booster will now undergo refurbishment and preparations for what might be its 19th flight. Notably, SpaceX’s swift turnaround time of just 45 days between flights 17 and 18 demonstrates their commitment to streamlining the refurbishment process for their veteran boosters, ensuring cost-effectiveness and quicker deployment for future missions.
Expanding Horizons
While maintaining a high cadence of launches, SpaceX continues to push the boundaries of space exploration. Simultaneously, the company is making strides towards the future. A new Crew tower is being constructed, allowing NASA and SpaceX to launch astronauts or resupply missions from either Launch Complex 39A or Space Launch Complex 40. The tower’s construction is progressing steadily, with sections moved from the build area next to Hangar X to SLC-40 in between launches.
SpaceX has ambitious plans for the tower, aiming to have it fully operational in 2024. Initially, it will be used for resupply missions to the International Space Station. However, given SpaceX’s rapid development and launch cadence, there is potential for crewed missions sooner than expected.
In the coming days, SpaceX has an eventful schedule, including another Starlink mission from Florida, a Transporter mission from California, and the CRS-29 resupply mission to the ISS. As the company continues to innovate and expand its presence in space, it is setting the stage for a promising future in space exploration and satellite technology.
