
SpaceX has achieved a remarkable milestone with the recent launch of the Falcon 9 rocket, which successfully deployed another group of Starlink satellites into orbit.
On Tuesday, in a historic event, SpaceX accomplished its first-ever mission involving a launch and landing across two different countries during the Starlink 10-12 mission. This unprecedented feat took place within just eight-and-a-half minutes, marking a significant advancement in their operational capabilities.
The Falcon 9 rocket, designated B1080, lifted off at approximately 6:21 p.m. EST this past Tuesday, marking its 16th flight. This particular first-stage booster has an impressive history, having previously completed four Dragon missions to the International Space Station, contributed to the European Space Agency’s Euclid observatory mission, and successfully launched the Astra 1P satellite alongside nine other Starlink missions, as highlighted by SpaceflightNow.
Just eight-and-a-half minutes following liftoff, the Falcon 9 booster made a successful touchdown on the ‘Just Read the Instructions’ droneship, which was stationed off the coast of The Bahamas near Exhuma Island.
This achievement is groundbreaking, as it marks the first occurrence of a launch from one country followed by a landing in another.
🚨 SpaceX has achieved a significant milestone just a few days ago!
Falcon 9 lifted off from Cape Canaveral, FL and landed on the ‘Just Read the Instructions’ droneship off the coast of the Bahamas. It was the first orbital flight that featured a launch in one nation and a touchdown in another. https://t.co/rKMBjHsfT1
— TESLARATI (@Teslarati) February 20, 2025
As for the Starlink initiative, the 10-12 mission expanded its constellation in low-Earth orbit, thereby enhancing the reach of its high-speed internet services worldwide.
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