SpaceX Reaches 500 Former Rocket Flights Through Sentinel-6B Satellite Launch

SpaceX achieved a new milestone (photo: dock. NASA)

JAKARTA SpaceX reached a new milestone after achieving its 500th orbital mission on a used or recycled rocket. The mission was achieved on Monday, November 17 through the launch of the Sentinel-6B satellite.

During the launch, the Sentinel-6B satellite took off aboard the Falcon 9 rocket. The launch was successfully carried out from the Vandenberg Space Force Base, California at 12:21 a.m. EDT or around 12.21 p.m. local time.

This satellite is important in global climate monitoring. While in orbit, Sentinel-6B will accurately record sea surface information. The satellite will continue recordings that have lasted for nearly four decades.

"Sentilel-6B is increasing, extending nearly four decades of accurate sea surface records from space," NASA spokesman Derrol Nail said during the launch web broadcast, quoted by Space.

SpaceX's President and Chief of Operations, Gwynne Shotwell, also highlighted this historic achievement. In a post, Shotwell said, "Congratulations to the SpaceX team for completing 500 missions with test-flying rocket boosters."

Shotwell added that reusable rocket use has realized impossible. This paved the way for large cargo launches and human presence on the Moon and Mars using Starship.

Sentinel-6B is part of the European Union's Copernicus Earth observation program. The satellite will continue the work of its predecessor launched in 2020, Sentinel 6 Michael Frelich, by measuring sea level around the world.

While the Sentinel-6B satellite was successfully launched into its orbit, the first phase of Falcon 9 returned to Vandenberg. This booster landed about nine minutes after taking off, completing his third flight.