SpaceX Launches Record Number of Satellites on Transporter-1 “Rideshare” Mission

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — After more than a month of delays, SpaceX finally got the Transporter-1 mission off the ground this morning, marking another first for the company.

Last seen on Earth perched in pad 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, the 143 satellites on board this Falcon 9 rocket were a record number of payloads for a single launch, according to Spaceflight Now.

The small satellites on board were launched on behalf of government and commercial operators from the U.S. and internationally, according to Spaceflight Now.

Mobile users, see launch here.

This morning’s mission also marks the fifth time that its particular Falcon 9 first stage booster --- B1058 --- has flown and successfully returned:

Mobile users, see booster recovery here.

The Transporter-1 mission will climb 326 miles above the Earth’s surface and will finish deploying its payload before noon.

Cox Media Group