SpaceX successfully launched its latest Falcon 9 mission from Cape Canaveral’s Space Launch Complex 40 early Wednesday, May 7, 202, at 1: UTC (May 6, 9: p.m. EDT). The mission, Starlink 6-9, deployed 28 Starlink V2 Mini satellites into low Earth orbit, boosting the company’s growing constellation to over 7,300 active satellites
The Falcon 9’s first stage booster, tail number B, completed its seventh flight and made a precise landing on the droneship “Just Read the Instructions” in the Atlantic Ocean. This marks the 119th landing for this particular droneship and the 442nd overall booster recovery for SpaceX, underscoring the company’s consistent progress in reusable rocket technology
Weather conditions were favorable, allowing the launch to proceed on schedule despite earlier concerns about cloud cover. This mission is part of SpaceX’s ambitious May schedule, which includes multiple Starlink deployments and a highly anticipated crewed mission to the International Space Station later in the month
SpaceX’s next major launch is scheduled for May 9, with the 250th Falcon 9 flight from SLC-40, further cementing the company’s leadership in commercial spaceflight
