
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission.
SpaceX launched two more batches of Starlink satellites today (Dec. 17), in a pair of launches from both U.S. coasts.
First up was a Falcon 9 rocket carrying 29 of the broadband internet relay units (Group 6-99) into low Earth orbit from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The satellites were successfully deployed about an hour and five minutes after the 8:42 a.m. EST (1342 GMT) liftoff on Wednesday.
"Deployment of 29 Starlink satellites confirmed," SpaceX reported on social media.
The Florida flight's first stage booster (B1094) completed its sixth flight, landing on the "Just Read the Instructions" droneship stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.
Then came 27 more Starlink satellites (Group 15-13), riding atop a Falcon 9 rocket launched from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Lifting off at 10:27 a.m. EST (1527 GMT or 7:27 a.m. PST local time), the mission was on track to deploy its payload about an hour after leaving the ground.
The California flight's first stage booster (B1063) performed its 30th propulsive landing, touching down on the droneship "Of Course I Still Love You" in the Pacific Ocean.
The California flight's first stage booster (B1063) performed its 30th propulsive landing, touching down on the droneship "Of Course I Still Love You" in the Pacific Ocean.
The 56 (in total) Starlink satellites launched on Wednesday add to SpaceX's megaconstellation, which now numbers more than 9,400 units in orbit. The network provides access to the internet to areas around the globe where other options for connectivity is sparse, as well as enables in-flight wifi and cell-to-satellite service on select carries.
Wednesday's dual launches were SpaceX's 164th and 165th Falcon 9 flight of the year.
LATEST POSTS
- 1
Which Countries Would Suffer Most in a Global Energy Shutdown? This Study Has Answers - 2
Israeli lawmakers pass bill reviving death penalty for terrorists - 3
Home Mechanization Frameworks for Brilliant Residing - 4
The 1 question we have to ask ourselves about the Taylor Frankie Paul 'Bachelorette' scandal - 5
Figure out How to Get the Best Open Record Rewards
A red meat allergy from tick bites is spreading – and the lone star tick isn’t the only alpha-gal carrier to worry about
Triumph’s Gorgeous, Super-Affordable and Approachable New Street Motos Share a Heart But Not a Soul
Boeing's troubled capsule won't carry astronauts on next space station flight
Whale stranded off Germany for days free again
Journeys That could only be described as epic: Delightful Voyage Lines All over the Planet
Russia patents space station designed to generate artificial gravity
After harsh winter, Ukrainians find joy in releasing bats rescued from war
Iranian strikes on Israel injure 11 and set chemical plant ablaze
Vote In favor of Your Number one Sort Of Blossoms












