SpaceX successfully launched 23 small satellites into orbit aboard its Falcon 9 rocket on Jan. 23, marking another milestone for the private company. The 23 satellites aboard the Falcon 9 belonged to various commercial and governmental projects, each with different purposes, including Earth observation, aiding with Starlink and scientific research—all packed into the belly of a sleek rocket like a collection of high-end briefcases.
When SpaceX was involved, things tended to go smoothly, as the company had a strong launch record, especially with the Falcon 9.
In an interview with “CBS News”, Bill Harwood, space consultant, discussed the Falcon 9 launch.
“What is shocking about it is how routine they made this look. In the space business, we always say no launch is routine. If it’s not routine, it is pretty darn close,” Harwood said.
Thirteen of the 23 satellites were meant to support SpaceX’s Starlink, a satellite internet system designed to provide high-speed internet to areas with limited or no internet access. While Starlink had significant potential, it also faced challenges.
A primary concern was space debris. With so many satellites buzzing around in low-Earth orbit, there was a real fear of collisions and the resulting mess they could create. SpaceX took steps to address this issue by implementing systems to avoid collisions and planning for the removal of older satellites. Still, as the number of satellites increased, so did the risk of accidents.
Ezra Venegas, freshman psychology major, shared his thoughts on Starlink’s impact.
“If most of the satellites can be used for Starlink projects, I don’t see any negative effects for us,” Venegas said.
This successful launch was part of SpaceX’s larger goal of performing up to 100 launches annually. These types of missions were crucial for achieving that goal. With SpaceX increasing the number of rockets it launched, the company’s expanding rocket fleet played a key role in this progress, with 13 of the satellites aiding Starlink.
When discussing the number of satellites launched into space, Kevin Walls, senior civil engineering major, shared his concerns and raised questions about the purpose of the other 10 satellites.
“I would say it’s concerning, launching that many satellites without explanation,” Walls said.
SpaceX’s continuous launches were driving significant progress in satellite technology and enhancing global internet access, particularly with its Starlink initiative. However, the growing number of satellites in orbit raised important concerns about space debris and the long-term sustainability of these missions.
