SpaceX has successfully launched its first expendable Falcon 9 rocket in nine months, marking a significant milestone in its launch history. This mission, which took off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, carried 22 Starlink satellites into orbit. The launch, designated as Starlink Group 6-64, not only represents the company’s 200th Falcon 9 launch but also underscores a strategic pivot towards non-reusable profiles for certain payloads. This shift occurs amidst a surge in global heavy-lift activities, with competitors like Blue Origin and Europe’s Ariane 6 making strides in their respective programs.
Launch Mission Breakdown
The expendable Falcon 9 configuration for this mission included the first-stage booster B1085, which was not recovered post-launch. This decision was confirmed by SpaceX’s official mission update, highlighting the company’s choice to forego recovery operations for this particular mission. The payload consisted of 22 Starlink v2 Mini satellites, each weighing approximately 800 kg, which were successfully deployed into a 530 km low-Earth orbit. This information is corroborated by the NASASpaceflight launch report, which provides detailed insights into the mission’s payload specifics. The launch timeline was precise, with liftoff occurring at 7:33 p.m. PDT on October 13, 2023, and successful orbital insertion verified by the FAA launch license documentation.
Return to Expendable Flights
The nine-month gap since SpaceX’s last expendable Falcon 9 launch, the Transporter-5 mission in May 2023, highlights a strategic decision to maximize payload capacity. According to SpaceX’s flight manifest, this interval was necessary to align with operational goals. SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell explained in a post-launch interview that the expendable mode was chosen to maximize payload mass, allowing the deployment of 22 satellites compared to the 20 possible with reusable flights. This approach not only optimizes payload capacity but also reduces per-mission expenses by eliminating recovery operations. Elon Musk’s tweet further clarifies the cost implications, noting that the base price for an expendable Falcon 9 is $67 million, compared to $90 million for a reusable one.
Global Heavy-Lift Landscape
In the broader context of global heavy-lift activities, SpaceX’s launch coincides with significant developments from its competitors. Blue Origin recently completed its first New Glenn first-stage static fire test on October 10, 2023, at Cape Canaveral, with plans for a maiden flight later this year. This progress is detailed in a Blue Origin press release, emphasizing the company’s commitment to advancing its heavy-lift capabilities. Meanwhile, Europe’s Ariane 6 is preparing for its inaugural launch in July 2024 from French Guiana, with a payload capacity of 21,650 kg to low-Earth orbit. This development follows a substantial $4.5 billion investment by ArianeGroup, as outlined in the ESA mission overview. Additionally, China’s Long March 10, designed for lunar missions with a 70-tonne lift capacity, is targeting its first flight in 2026, according to a CASC technical summary.
Implications for SpaceX Strategy
SpaceX’s decision to return to expendable launches reflects broader trends in its strategic planning. Of the 199 prior Falcon 9 launches, 180 involved booster recovery, underscoring the company’s commitment to reusability. However, expendable missions like this one enable SpaceX to undertake niche missions that require maximum payload capacity. The company’s roadmap, which targets 144 launches in 2024, indicates a balanced approach between reusability and expendability. Amidst the competitive pressures from rivals’ heavy-lift advancements, SpaceX’s expendable option strengthens its Starlink constellation buildout, aiming for 12,000 satellites. Elon Musk’s statement on Twitter highlights the strategic advantage of expendables in accelerating mass production.
Regulatory aspects also play a crucial role in SpaceX’s strategy. The FAA approved the expendable profile under License LOA-2023-0001, ensuring compliance with orbital debris mitigation. This regulatory approval, detailed in the FAA regulatory filing, underscores the importance of adhering to safety and environmental standards in the pursuit of ambitious space endeavors. As SpaceX continues to navigate the evolving landscape of space exploration, its strategic decisions will likely influence the broader industry dynamics and set benchmarks for future missions.