SpaceX set a new world record Sunday for carrying the most satellites into orbit.
The Transporter-1 mission delivered 143 satellites from several different contractors. The Falcon 9 used for the mission was making its fifth flight for the company.
The mission marked SpaceX’s first dedicated SmallSat Rideshare Program flight. “Smallsats” are satellites that can be as small as a cell phone. Obviously, the smaller footprint allows for more to be packed onto a rocket. The previous record for the most satellites in one mission was held by PSLV, an Indian rocket, that carried 104 satellites in a 2017 launch.
SpaceX carried 10 of its own Starlink satellites and 130 for various companies launching satellites for work such as imaging and weather radar.
The mission was SpaceX’s third mission this year. The company is planning another Starlink mission as early as next week. SpaceX is also planning two more Transporter missions in 2021.