(Reuters) – A veteran SpaceX aerospace rocket, billionaire businessman Elon Musk, launched 143 spacecraft into space on Sunday, a new record for most spacecraft deployed on a single mission, according to the company.
The Falcon 9 rocket was launched at 10 a.m. EST from Space Launch Complex 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. It flew south along the east coast of Florida on its way into space, the company said.
The reusable rocket carried into space 133 commercial and government spacecraft and 10 Starlink satellites, which are part of the company’s SmallSat Rideshare program, which provides access to space for small satellite operators that looking for a reliable and affordable trip into orbit.
SpaceX delayed launch one day due to unfavorable weather. On January 22, Musk, also CEO of Tesla Inc., wrote on Twitter: “Tomorrow we will launch many small satellites for a wide range of customers. Excited to offer access to low-cost orbit to small businesses ! ”
SpaceX has previously launched more than 800 satellites of the several thousand needed to provide broadband internet worldwide, a $ 10 billion investment it would estimate could generate $ 30 billion annually to help fund the program. of Musk’s interplanetary rockets, called Starship.
Helen Coster Reports; Edited by Daniel Wallis