On March 13, 2024, SpaceX successfully launched their Falcon 9 rocket carrying 23 Starlink satellites from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on their third attempt. After standing down from a previous launch attempt due to issues with the transporter erector’s cradle arms, SpaceX engineers were able to resolve the problem and proceed with the launch.
The launch was initially targeted for March 12, but was postponed due to the technical issue with the transporter erector’s cradle arms. After working to address the problem, SpaceX then targeted March 13 for the launch. The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center at 10:41 a.m. EST, successfully deploying the 23 Starlink satellites into orbit.
This was the third Starlink mission of the year for SpaceX, as the company continues to rapidly expand its global satellite internet network. The Starlink program aims to provide high-speed, low-latency internet access to users around the world, particularly in remote and underserved areas.