SpaceX Launches European Union Navigation Satellite Constellation

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
18/09/2024 23h59

SpaceX achieved another successful launch this morning as they sent a European Union navigation satellite constellation into space from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The Galileo L-13 mission took off at 6:50 p.m. EDT last night, with the Falcon 9 first-stage booster (B1067) supporting the mission.

This Falcon 9 booster has an impressive track record, with the Galileo L-13 mission marking its 22nd flight. Previously, it has been utilized for 12 Starlink missions and two cargo missions to the International Space Station.

The Galileo missions, managed and operated by the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA), serve as the foundation for what the EUSPA calls "the world's most accurate positioning system." Rodrigo da Costa, the Executive Director of EUSPA, expressed the significance of this collaboration, stating, "With the European Commission, EUSPA, and ESA collaborating closely, Galileo goes beyond just satellites; it stands as proof of our united dedication to innovation, security, and progress."

SpaceX confirmed the successful deployment of the Galileo L-13 satellite at 10:26 p.m. EDT, around three-and-a-half hours after liftoff. Impressively, the first stage booster of the Falcon 9 made a precise landing on the 'Just Read the Instructions' droneship just after 7 p.m., further showcasing the reliability and reusability of SpaceX's technology.

This marks SpaceX's 90th launch of the year, highlighting their uninterrupted commitment to space exploration and satellite deployments. Furthermore, the momentum continues as SpaceX's upcoming Starlink 9-17 launch is scheduled for tomorrow at 7:12 a.m. PDT from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. This mission will add another batch of Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit.

Looking further ahead, SpaceX plans to launch another Falcon 9 mission on September 26 to transport a crew of four to the International Space Station aboard the Dragon spacecraft. However, this launch is subject to weather conditions and may be subject to change.

SpaceX's successful launch of the European Union navigation satellite constellation not only enhances the accuracy and robustness of global navigation, benefiting over 4 billion users worldwide, but also opens new market opportunities for European businesses, SMEs, and entrepreneurs. As the year progresses, SpaceX continues to push boundaries and spearhead groundbreaking advancements in the realm of space exploration.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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