SpaceX executes successful Starlink mission after being cleared to launch again

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – SpaceX successfully launched another one of its Falcon 9 rockets from Florida early Saturday after the company’s grounding was lifted.

The launch carried 21 Starlink satellites — 13 of which have Direct-to-Cell capabilities — into orbit from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, according to SpaceX.

Liftoff happened at 3:43 a.m. Watch it again in the video player below or by clicking here.

The 45th Weather Squadron forecasted a 15% chance of weather interfering with Saturday’s launch attempt.

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This is now the 18th flight for the first-stage booster used in this mission, which was previously used to launch CRS-24, OneWeb 1, SES 18 & 19, Eutelsat HOTBIRD-F1, and 13 other Starlink missions.

Last week, SpaceX launched another batch of Starlink satellites into orbit, though the first-stage booster fell over in a fireball moments after landing on the ocean platform — the first such accident in years.

Afterward, the Federal Aviation Administration grounded the company’s Falcon 9 rockets and ordered an investigation following the predawn accident. No injuries or public damage were reported.

However, Florida Today reported on Friday that the FAA cleared the company’s hold on launches, paving the way for the weekend’s launch attempt.

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