SpaceX launched its SXM-11 mission from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on March 15, 2024, deploying 52 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit. The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at 9:23 a.m. from Launch Complex 39A, a site historically used for Apollo and Space Shuttle missions. The mission marked the 11th Starlink launch of the year and the 217th overall for the program.
The satellites are part of SpaceX's effort to expand global broadband coverage, with a focus on underserved regions. The flight used a previously flown first-stage booster, B1062-11, which successfully landed at Landing Zone 4 near the launch site. This was the 12th landing for that particular booster, demonstrating SpaceX's reusable rocket technology.
Local officials confirmed no disruptions to nearby communities during the launch. The flight window was chosen to minimize visibility from residential areas, though residents within a 10-mile radius reported seeing the rocket's ascent. The mission followed a similar Starlink launch on March 10, which also launched from the same location.
SpaceX has conducted 14 launches from Brevard County in 2024 alone, with plans for additional missions in the coming months. The company's presence in the area continues to shape the local economy, with over 1,200 jobs directly tied to SpaceX operations in the region. The SXM-11 mission is expected to contribute to Starlink's goal of achieving global broadband coverage by 2025.