SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket is approaching a record for the most flights by a single booster, with the B1062 rocket having already completed 15 missions since its 2015 debut. The vehicle, which launched its final Starlink payload from Cape Canaveral on March 10, is expected to surpass the 16-flight mark in its next mission, according to SpaceX tracking data. This would exceed the previous record held by the same booster after its 15th flight in December 2022.
The conclusion of Starlink operations at Cape Canaveral comes as SpaceX shifts its focus to the Kennedy Space Center for future Starlink launches. The company announced in February that it would move its Starlink missions to Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy, citing infrastructure upgrades and increased launch cadence needs. Cape Canaveral's Space Launch Complex 40, where Starlink missions were conducted for years, will now host commercial launches by other companies.
Local aerospace officials note the change reflects broader trends in the industry. "Cape Canaveral has always been a hub for innovation, but the shift in launch infrastructure is a natural evolution," said Brevard County Commissioner Wayne Simpson. The move is expected to create new opportunities for local contractors working on Kennedy Space Center projects, though some worry about the economic impact on Cape Canaveral-based businesses that supported Starlink operations.
SpaceX's reuse of the Falcon 9 booster has become a key part of its cost-reduction strategy. The B1062 rocket, which has launched satellites for NASA, the Department of Defense, and private companies, is now preparing for its 16th flight from Florida. The company aims to fly the same booster up to 25 times before retiring it, a target that would make Falcon 9 the most frequently reused orbital rocket in history.