The launch vehicle carried 20 satellites for SpaceX’s Starlink network, which already operates via more than 6,000 satellites that have been deployed via dozens of launches.
“During tonight’s Falcon 9 launch of Starlink, the second stage engine did not complete its second burn.
As a result, the Starlink satellites were deployed into a lower than intended orbit,” according to a statement from SpaceX.
Musk added that the Starlink satellites were deployed into orbit, but they may be too near Earth to remain there for long.
It’s not clear what this mishap means for the future of SpaceX’s Falcon 9.
Persons:
CNN —, Elon Musk, ”, ” Musk, Jared Isaacman
Organizations:
CNN, Falcon, NASA, Vandenberg Space Force, SpaceX, International Space, Federal Aviation Administration
Locations:
California