SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches 28 Starlink satellites in record-tying flight from California

SpaceX has successfully launched another batch of Starlink satellites from the Central Coast on Tuesday, October 7.

A Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at 8:54 p.m. PDT (11:54 p.m. EDT/ 0354 UTC) lighting up the clear skies.

Under this mission, the Starlink 11-17 carried 28 Starlink V2 mini satellites to low Earth orbit on a south-easterly trajectory over the Pacific Ocean.

The mission was carried under SpaceX's rocket reusability program underlining its significance and continued reliability.

The first-stage booster, tail number B1070, successfully launched and landed for a record-tying 29th time.

The mission solidified the B1071 as being one of the most flight-proven rockets of all time.

Its long flight history includes the launch of NASA SWOT water-monitoring satellite, five National Reconnaissance Office missions, four rideshare missions, and 17 other predecessor Starlink missions.

The successful landing was the 156th of this particular droneship and 516th recovery of a booster to date for SpaceX.

Before the launch, the authorities had warned that sonic booms would be heard in the nearby area, although they stated that citizens in the areas of Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties would not hear them. 

The low rumble during takeoff was the main audible effect that was likely to be experienced by most neighboring residents.

This launch is part of the SpaceX's continuous projects to develop its Starlink megaconstellation which offers broadband internet all over the world. The launch, according to the base officials, facilitates the Department of Defense communications with the use of advanced low earth orbit technology.