SpaceX experienced an anomaly during a Falcon 9 launch of Starlink satellites from California. The second stage engine did not complete its second burn, resulting in the Starlink satellites being deployed into a lower-than-intended orbit.
SpaceX is attempting to raise the orbit of the satellites using their ion thrusters but has indicated that the chances of success are not great. This could potentially lead to the loss of 20 satellites, including 13 equipped with Direct-to-Cell capabilities.s
Despite the anomaly, the Falcon 9 booster landed successfully on a drone ship in the Pacific.
