SpaceX launches two rockets from two coasts

SpaceX executed doubleheader liftoffs from both U.S. coasts, launching two additional sets of Starlink internet satellites overnight (Jan. 28-29).

The initial launch involved a Falcon 9 rocket carrying 23 Starlink spacecraft, taking off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida on Sunday (Jan. 28) at 6:15 p.m. EST (2315 GMT).

Subsequently, another Falcon 9 lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, carrying 22 additional Starlinks on Monday at 12:57 a.m. EST (9:57 p.m. local time, and 0557 GMT).

As anticipated, both Falcon 9 first stages completed successful returns to Earth approximately 8.5 minutes after liftoff, landing on a SpaceX drone ship stationed at sea, Space.com reported.

This marked the 18th launch and landing for the booster departing from KSC and the ninth for the one departing from Vandenberg, according to SpaceX.

The company’s reuse record stands at 19 launches, established by a Falcon 9 just last month.

Written by B.C. Begley