The booster in question took off from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral, Fla., on its 23rd launch. It was delivering a payload of 21 Starlink satellites, 13 of which were of the newer, larger model with direct-to-cell capabilities. The mission was a success up until the booster tipped over, when it landed back on Earth.
When was the last time SpaceX missed a booster landing?
Answer: More than three years ago.
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Since early 2021, SpaceX has successfully landed 267 boosters after launching an array of space-bound missions. Unfortunately, that streak ended early Wednesday morning when a Falcon 9 booster missed its landing.
The booster in question took off from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral, Fla., on its 23rd launch. It was delivering a payload of 21 Starlink satellites, 13 of which were of the newer, larger model with direct-to-cell capabilities. The mission was a success up until the booster tipped over, when it landed back on Earth.
It appears the booster lost its stability just before touchdown, although the exact cause is currently unclear. SpaceX scrubbed a subsequent Starlink launch that was planned for the same morning at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, while the company investigates what went wrong.
The booster in question took off from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral, Fla., on its 23rd launch. It was delivering a payload of 21 Starlink satellites, 13 of which were of the newer, larger model with direct-to-cell capabilities. The mission was a success up until the booster tipped over, when it landed back on Earth.
