More and more public and private space companies are launching into space. Most are commercial, often satellite-related. There are so many events of this type that launch platforms are beginning to become saturated and many companies are beginning to look for alternatives, such as launches from the sea. Despite this situation, SpaceX has just launched two Starlink satellites on the same day.
19 hours difference. Last Tuesday, April 14, Elon Musk’s space company carried out two launches of rockets loaded with Starlink satellites: one at 5:23 am EDT and another at 00:29 EDT. With the first launch, 29 Starlink satellites were put into orbit and with the second 25.
Favor treatment? In 2025, the Donald Trump Government announced its intention to relax space regulationsthus streamlining licenses for releases. A year earlier, when Elon Musk showed himself as one of the main supporters of the now president during his electoral campaign, this topic was already mentioned on several occasions.
The CEO of SpaceX had expressed interest in which the Federal Aviation Administration accelerated the processing of licenses for its launches. Therefore, despite the fact that Musk and Trump’s relations are not the best currently, it could be thought that he has had this possibility due to favored treatment. Although it doesn’t seem like the case.
The strategy. In reality, the easing of space regulations does not fall solely on SpaceX. Many licenses can be obtained more quickly. But this requires a good strategy. To begin with, when a launch is made it is necessary to stop maritime and air traffic for a time to avoid accidents.
This should be done for an optimal amount of time.without putting anyone in danger, but in a way that does not slow down transport too much. Therefore, it is not viable to make two launches in a row in the same place, even if they are licensed. To avoid this problem, Elon Musk made his two launches on Tuesday from two different points: Florida and California. Thus, problems are avoided.
The more the better (at least for Musk). Repeat, repeat and repeat. That is Elon Musk’s maxim. With Starshipfor example, has carried out many test launches until its operation is optimized. There have been explosions, but also achievements. The key is to rehearse over and over again.
With Starlink, SpaceX aims to send tens of thousands of satellites into space. Therefore, launches cannot be spaced out over time, especially now that they have other companies on their heels. Elon Musk needs these strategies, which for him are plausible, but which give a lot to think about about the possible lack of ethics and the inequality that exists between some space companies and others.
Image | US Space Force photo, Gwendolyn Kurze
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