SpaceX successfully launched a Falcon 9v1.2FT Block 5 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida, USA at 1431 GMT on 19 April 2023. The launch vehicle was carrying 21 of the larger Starlink V2 Mini spacecraft as part of Starlink Group 6-2 to orbit. Each spacecraft weighs in at circa 800 kg. The reusable B1073 first stage (on its eight flight) landed on the drone barge A Shortfall of Gravitas located 637 km down range in the Atlantic.
The launch will be the first launch of Starlink V2 satellites since the previous launch of this type had many of its number fail due to an undisclosed reason. The eventual orbit that the satellites will be operated once they have raised themselves from an initial 373 x 365 km initial orbit, will be 530 km circular orbit at 43.00 degrees inclination.
Falcon 9 first stage burn during launch of Starlink Group 6-2. Courtesy: SpaceX
