SpaceX Lofts 22 More Starlink Satellites and Sets Turnaround Record

SpaceX Falcon 9 Booster 1078 Lifts Off on Aug. 6 2023. Photo by Charles Boyer for FMN

After a couple of short delays, SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 last night from Cape Canaveral, Florida, lofting Starlink 6-8 — twenty-two second-generation Starlink satellites to orbit. The launch was picture-perfect, with the rocket clearly visible for several minutes after liftoff and even well past staging. Thunderstorms well off to the north and east-southeast added to the light show, with dozens of lightning strokes clearly visible but far away enough not to violate any range safety rules.