Tech Desk 
Mar 06, 2025
SpaceX launched the Falcon 9 rocket carrying 21 Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on March 2. Liftoff occurred at 9:24pm ET on March 3, along with the mission carrying 13 satellites with direct-to-cell capabilities.
The rocket's first stage successfully touched down on the drone ship stationed approximately 400 km off Florida’s coast. However, the Falcon 9 booster was lost shortly ahead of landing due to damage sustained by one of its landing legs.
Booster loss ahead of launch
A fire occurred at the aft end of the boost, causing structural damage and leading to severe collapse. The incident happened after the rocket had completed its return to Earth, according to SpaceX.
Starlink expansion
Falcon 9 rocket carrying 21 Starlink satellites occurred up to 65 minutes ahead of launch, marking another significant step in the expansion of SpaceX’s Starlink constellation.
Notably, more than 7,000 Starlink satellites are currently operating in orbit, contributing to global broadband coverage.
