In a thrilling display of technological prowess, SpaceX has kicked off its countdown to the New Year with the launch of the first of its three final rockets planned for 2024.

On Saturday, December 28, a Falcon 9 rocket soared into the sky from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, carrying a payload of 22 Starlink satellites.

The mission lifted off at 8:48 p.m. EST (5:48 p.m. PST) or 01:48 GMT on December 29, marking a significant milestone in SpaceX’s ambitious satellite deployment program.

Approximately 65 minutes post-launch, the satellites were expected to be successfully deployed into low Earth orbit, aligning perfectly with SpaceX's mission objectives.

This particular mission was notable as it represented the 132nd Falcon launch of the year, with two more launches planned within the next two days — one for commercial communication satellites and another batch of Starlink satellites.

Kiko Dontchev, SpaceX’s vice president of launch, expressed enthusiasm for the closing days of the year in a post on the social media platform X: “We’re now targeting 134 launches — two shy of our last goal — to finish 2024 strong. Here’s to an awesome last couple of days in 2024 and an even better 2025!”

After an impressive ascent, the Falcon 9's first stage reentered the atmosphere and smoothly returned to Earth, landing on the droneship named "Of Course I Still Love You" in the Pacific Ocean approximately eight minutes post-liftoff.

This landing marked the 16th successful touchdown for this specific booster, with an impressive track record of twelve of its missions being dedicated to Starlink.

Throughout 2024, SpaceX has achieved 88 successful launches of Starlink satellites, a remarkable feat that underscores the growing importance and demand for reliable broadband internet services worldwide.

Only one of these launches has faced a setback, attributed to an upper stage liquid oxygen leak, underscoring the company's commitment to safety.

“Ultimately, there is only one number that truly matters. ZERO failures. Our priority is – and will remain – safety and reliability above all else,” emphasized Dontchev, reflecting SpaceX’s dedication to ensuring the highest standards of operational integrity.

As the countdown to 2025 continues, all eyes are on SpaceX, eagerly anticipating the innovative advancements that lie ahead in the realm of satellite technology and connectivity.

Stay tuned for more updates on upcoming launches!