SpaceX breaks record for most satellites launched in single mission
SpaceX has set a new all-time record for the most satellites launched and deployed on a single mission on Sunday.
The launch of its Transporter-1 flight was the first dedicated to rideshare missions. These consist in splitting up the payload capacity of its rocket among multiple customers, resulting in a reduced cost for each but still providing SpaceX with a full launch.
The launch today included 143 satellites, 133 of which were from other companies who booked rides.
SpaceX also launched 10 of its own Starlink satellites, to add to the more than 1,000 orbiting around the Earth already that power the company’s own broadband communication network.
This SpaceX launch was also the first to deliver Starlink satellites to a polar orbit, a key part for the expansion of its broadband service.