SpaceX successfully launched 21 Starlink satellites, including 13 with direct-to-cell capabilities, aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral on Thursday. The launch, which had faced multiple weather delays, took place just before noon. This mission marked the 15th flight of the first-stage booster, which had previously supported eight Starlink missions.

Following the separation of stages, the booster is scheduled to attempt a landing on a drone ship stationed in the Atlantic Ocean. However, the weather conditions in the area were unfavorable. The live stream of the launch can be watched below.

This Starlink mission focused solely on deploying satellites but serves as a prelude to SpaceX's upcoming crewed Polaris Dawn mission. Set to take place in a few days, the Polaris Dawn mission will see four civilian astronauts lifting off from Central Florida and embarking on a journey to extreme orbital altitudes. It will include various scientific experiments and the completion of the first-ever private spacewalk.

Notably, this Starlink launch comes on the heels of a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) investigation that grounded SpaceX's Falcon 9 rockets. The investigation was initiated after a previous launch where the first-stage booster experienced difficulties during landing. The booster had tipped over and caught fire upon landing on the drone ship, leading to a comprehensive investigation and subsequent temporary grounding.

While the FAA is still looking into the incident, Falcon 9 rockets were cleared for flight just a few days later. In fact, SpaceX successfully launched a Starlink mission on Saturday without experiencing any technical difficulties or mishaps.

These ongoing missions are part of SpaceX's ambitious efforts to expand its Starlink satellite constellation, providing global internet coverage. The deployment of these satellites, with enhanced direct-to-cell capabilities, will play a crucial role in achieving reliable and high-speed connectivity for users around the world.

As SpaceX continues to demonstrate its launch capabilities and overcome challenges, technological advancements in the space industry pave the way for new possibilities and opportunities for exploration and communication.