SpaceX launched 30 satellites on December 21st in its second dedicated Bandwagon mission to mid-inclination orbits. A Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The first stage, on its 21st flight, successfully landed back at the launch site.
While SpaceX didn't initially release deployment details, several customers quickly confirmed contact with their satellites post-deployment. The largest payload was the third “425 Project” reconnaissance satellite for the South Korean military, following previous launches in December 2023 and April 2024.
Other notable payloads included three radio-frequency intelligence satellites (Cluster 11) for HawkEye 360, boasting improved data collection and transmission capabilities. Iceye deployed two synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites, adding to their fleet of 40.
Additional companies participating included Sidus Space, Tomorrow.io, True Anomaly, and Think Orbital. Exolaunch managed 22 of the payloads. The Bandwagon series complements SpaceX's Transporter missions to sun-synchronous orbits, addressing the high demand for mid-inclination orbits.
This launch was SpaceX's 130th of 2024, significantly surpassing the 96 launches in 2023. However, it falls short of the initially ambitious goal of 148 launches. “This year we wanted to fly 148,” said Gwynne Shotwell, SpaceX president and chief operating officer, “I think we’ll get to 136.”
Shotwell explained that the ambitious goals, initially set at 144 launches, were increased to include four missed launches from 2023, aiming to combat internal conservatism. “It really keeps you on your toes,” she stated. For 2025, SpaceX plans to further increase its launch targets to 175 or 180. Faster turnaround times for droneships are a key factor in their increased launch rate.
“We just keep pushing the limits,” Shotwell concluded. “That’s how you stay in fighting weight.”