SpaceX's Milestone: 200th Orbital Launch from Vandenberg's SLC-4E
On February 1, 2025, SpaceX achieved a significant milestone by conducting its 200th orbital launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base's Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E). This mission, designated Starlink 11-4, successfully deployed 22 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit, further expanding the company's satellite internet constellation.
Launch Details and Booster Performance
The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at 3:02 p.m. PST (6:02 p.m. EST, 2302 UTC) from SLC-4E. The first stage booster, identified as B1075, was on its 17th flight, having previously supported missions such as Transporter-11, SDA-0A for the U.S. Space Force’s Space Development Agency, SARah-2, and 13 prior Starlink missions. Approximately eight minutes post-launch, B1075 successfully landed on the drone ship "Of Course I Still Love You" stationed in the Pacific Ocean, marking the 119th landing for this particular drone ship and the 403rd overall booster recovery for SpaceX.
Significance of the 200th Orbital Launch
This launch underscores SpaceX's commitment to rapid and reliable deployment capabilities. Achieving 200 orbital launches from a single site, SLC-4E, highlights the company's operational efficiency and the reliability of the Falcon 9 system. This milestone reflects SpaceX's dedication to advancing space access and its role in the evolving aerospace industry.
Starlink Constellation Expansion
The deployment of 22 additional Starlink satellites enhances the global coverage and capacity of SpaceX's satellite internet network. Starlink aims to provide high-speed internet access to underserved and remote regions worldwide. With each successful launch, the constellation moves closer to its goal of offering widespread, reliable internet connectivity.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, SpaceX plans to continue its frequent launch cadence, with upcoming missions including further Starlink deployments and collaborations with international partners. The company's focus remains on innovation, reusability, and expanding the frontiers of space exploration.
For a visual recap of the launch, you can watch the official SpaceX footage below:
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