SpaceX successfully launched a Falcon 9v1.2FT Block 5 rocket from Vandenberg, California, at 1929 GMT on 7 July. The launch vehicle was carrying Starlink Group 5-13, a total of 48 Starlink v1.5 satellites for the second-generation constellation. The B1063 reusable first stage – on its 12th flight – successfully landed on the drone barge Of Course I Still Love You located down range in the Pacific.
Long exposure photo showing Falcon 9v1.2FT Block 5 launchiing into the low cloud as it takes Starlink Group 5-13 into orbit. Courtesy: SpaceX
Reusing a rocket stage 12 times is an impressive feat but just days later SpaceX went a step further. A B1058 reusable first stage took a record-breaking 16th flight for the lift-off of a Falcon 9v1.2FT Block 5 rocket from Cape Canaveral at 0358 GMT on 10 July. It made a successful landing on the drone barge Just Read The Instructions located down range in the Atlantic Ocean. The official mission of the launch was to carry 22 v2 mini Starlink satellites on Starlink Group 6-5 for the second-generation constellation.
Ready for landing: reusable stage B1058 gets its control vanes out ahead of its 16th landing. Courtesy: SpaceX
