Starlink Group 4-23

54 v1.5 Starlinks - one more than the recent norm - set a new Falcon 9 payload mass record at 16.7 metric tons to the 53.2° shell. The extra satellite reflected a small improvement in the vehicle's payload capacity. The launch was reassigned from LC-39A to SLC-40 to keep Artemis I's pad clear; the moon rocket stood ready 5 miles north on pad 39B.

Booster B1069 flew only its second mission after a dramatic recovery from CRS-24 in December 2021: rough seas prevented the drone ship from securing the booster, which slid across the deck and slammed into the safety railing, damaging all nine engine bells. SpaceX replaced the engines and landing legs before returning the booster to flight here.