During a live broadcast of the launch from Cape Canaveral on Florida's east coast, a SpaceX official praised the company's workforce and Starlink programme, expressing enthusiasm for future space exploration and the long-term goal of establishing a human presence on Mars.

The rocket was carrying 29 Starlink internet satellites, destined to join an existing network of more than 10,000 satellites.

The Falcon 9 has now completed more than 600 flights, making it the workhorse of the commercial and military satellite launch industry.

The rocket and tech company is set for an initial public offering raising $75 billion on a total valuation of $1.77 trillion.

The company will put more than 555 million shares up for sale at a price of $135 each, according to US Securities and Exchange Commission filings.