Launch Details and Records
's rocket successfully launched the 's satellites from 's , marking the 20th and final flight for this first stage booster .
This mission tied SpaceX's record for rocket reuse, previously set by another Falcon 9 booster earlier in the month, and marked the first time Galileo satellites were launched on an American-made rocket from U.S. soil .
Strategic Shifts and Future Plans
The launch signifies a strategic shift for 's space missions, necessitated by the retirement of the Ariane 5 rocket and cessation of space ties with , leading to SpaceX's selection for launching Galileo satellites .
SpaceX has a busy launch schedule for 2024, with 41 orbital missions already completed, including this Galileo launch and an upcoming mission, showcasing its significant role in global space activities .