SpaceX Falcon 9 successfully launches Bandwagon-5 mission with 32 payloads

SpaceX has successfully launched a Bandwagon-5 mission through Falcon 9 rocket carrying 32 payload into orbit from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

Packed with 32 diverse payloads ranging from CubeSats to re-entry vehicles, this mission aims for an ocean recovery: after separation, the first-stage booster will target a precision landing on the droneship A Shortfall of Gravitas in the Atlantic.

A recent SpaceX update has confirmed the landing of Falcon 9’s first stage on the A Shortfall of Gravitas droneship approximately nine minutes post-launch. This was the booster's 19th mission.

All 32 payloads were scheduled for deployment over nearly two hours, beginning around 57 minutes post-launch, with Starfall being the final payload to separate at 2 hours and 48 minutes.

Starfall made its debut flight on a dedicated demonstration mission on June 23 as it was designed to survive controlled atmospheric re-entry.

It also provides affordable and routine access to microgravity for scientific research and in-space manufacturing, providing unique opportunities for on-orbit manufacturing, scientific research, and testing.

Bandwagon is one of two SpaceX rideshare programs; its sister program, Transporter, has flown 18 missions and holds the record for most payloads delivered on a single launch.