On November 25, 2024, SpaceX set a new record for the fastest turnaround of a Falcon 9 booster, launching the B1080 booster for the 13th time in just 13 days, 12 hours, 44 minutes, and 20 seconds. The record-breaking flight took place during the Starlink 12-1 mission at 5:02 a.m. EST from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The mission successfully deployed 23 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit, including 12 dedicated to SpaceX’s Direct to Cell initiative.

Record-Breaking Boosters

This latest mission saw Falcon 9 deliver its cargo into orbit and achieve another key milestone when the B1080 booster landed on SpaceX’s droneship ‘Just Read the Instructions’. The landing marked the 374th booster landing for SpaceX and the 99th on JRTI. With this launch, B1080 surpassed the company’s previous record for rapid booster reuse, which stood at a 21-day turnaround.

Direct to Cell Expansion

The launch also contributed to the expansion of the Direct to Cell component of Starlink, a service designed to provide reliable cellular connectivity to remote areas. SpaceX has been steadily adding DTC Starlink satellites since the announcement of the partnership with T-Mobile in August 2022. This particular mission helped further strengthen the constellation’s coverage for cellular data.

In a recent update, SpaceX’s Ben Longmier noted that just one more launch is needed to complete the DTC commercial orbital shell. However, this mission featured a 43-degree inclination orbit, a slight deviation from the usual 53-degree inclination for most DTC launches. While it remains uncertain whether this will finalize the shell’s coverage, Longmier emphasized that SpaceX will continue to improve and expand the DTC service post-completion.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As for what consumers can expect from the service, Longmier confirmed that texting would be available upon rollout, with data services expected to follow in 2025. SpaceX’s ability to rapidly reuse boosters and deliver a growing network of satellites reflects its growing capacity to improve global communications, especially in underserved regions.

Conclusion

SpaceX’s swift achievement of this turnaround time showcases its ongoing innovation and operational efficiency, pushing the boundaries of space launch and satellite service capabilities. With more DTC satellites on the way, SpaceX is poised to make significant advancements in connecting the world via its Starlink network.