SpaceX Conducts Back-to-Back Starlink Launches After FAA Lifts Ban

SpaceX has successfully conducted back-to-back launches of Falcon 9 rockets carrying Starlink satellites into orbit. These launches took place shortly after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) lifted a temporary ban on the rocket fleet. The ban was imposed due to an investigation into a crash involving one of SpaceX's first-stage boosters. The FAA approved SpaceX's return to flight on August 29.

The first launch occurred from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, while the second took place at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. In total, 42 Starlink satellites were deployed into low Earth orbit, with 26 featuring Direct to Cell capabilities. The Falcon 9 rockets used in both launches successfully landed on their respective drone ships, 'Just Read the Instructions' and 'Of Course I Still Love You'. These missions contribute to SpaceX's growing Starlink constellation, which now comprises approximately 6,300 active satellites.