https://www.space.com/spacex-starlin...s-january-2022
SpaceX lofts 49 Starlink internet satellites to orbit in 1st launch of 2022
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — SpaceX successfully launched its first Falcon 9 rocket of the year Thursday (Jan. 6), sending a new stack of Starlink satellites into orbit from Florida, before nailing a landing at sea.
The previously flown
Falcon 9 rocket blasted off at 4:49 p.m. EST (2149 GMT) from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station here in Florida, carrying a stack of 49
Starlink satellites.
Approximately nine minutes after liftoff, the rocket's first stage returned to Earth and touched down on the deck of SpaceX's newest drone ship, "A Shortfall of Gravitas," marking the company's first successful launch and landing of the new year….
Thursday's liftoff kicks off another action-packed year for the California-based aerospace company. In 2021,
SpaceX set a new record for most launches in a single year at 31. The company also launched a total of 12 astronauts on three Crew Dragon missions, including four private citizens who flew as part of the Inspiration4 mission.
SpaceX will try to keep up its rapid launch cadence this year as the company continues to expand its ever-growing internet constellation. Also on deck this month is the company's third dedicated rideshare mission, which is devoted to launching a multitude of small satellites in orbit.
Following that launch on Jan. 13, the company will also send a radar reconnaissance satellite into space for the Italian space agency. Called COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation (CSG 2), the satellite is scheduled to launch on Jan. 24….