SpaceX had a busy week with multiple launches, breaking new records in the process. On April 15, China launched a Chang Zheng 2D rocket carrying the SuperView Neo 3-01 Earth observation satellite into Sun-synchronous orbit from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. Meanwhile, SpaceX celebrated a significant milestone with the first 20th launch and landing of a booster during the Starlink 6-49 mission at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on April 17. The Falcon 9 rocket carried 23 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit, marking the company's third launch within three days. The first stage booster supporting this mission had previously been used for twelve launches and landings.
SpaceX's rapid pace continued with another launch planned for April 17 from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, but it was postponed. This would have been the fourth launch within a week. The company has already surpassed the 30-launch mark for the year and continues to expand its Starlink network.
China's space program also made progress with its Chang Zheng 2D launch, which marked the country's first orbital launch from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center since February. The SuperView Neo 3-01 satellite is expected to provide high-resolution Earth observation data for various applications, including urban planning and disaster response.
SpaceX launched Falcon 9 rocket carrying 23 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit on April 17, 2023 from Launch Complex 39 at Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The first stage booster supporting this mission had previously been used for twelve launches and landings.
