
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
One spent $20 on candy. Another paid $700 for a custom costume. Here's how Halloween costs stacked up this year. - 2
Track down the Ideal Weight reduction Methodology for Your Way of life - 3
Woman charged in unprovoked stabbing of tourist changing baby's diaper in Macy’s Herald Square store - 4
Etymological Experiences on the Wireless transmissions: A Survey of \Learning in a hurry\ Language Web recording - 5
Solar storms can trigger auroras on Earth. This star’s explosion could destroy a planet’s atmosphere
Full SNAP benefits must be paid ‘promptly,’ USDA tells states as government reopens
Idris Elba is the king of the stress-watch
Agricultural drones are taking off globally, saving farmers time and money
Your guide to how to safely thaw and cook your Thanksgiving turkey this year, according to experts
4 Must-Visit bar-b-que Eateries This Year
Overseeing Individual budgets Successfully
A decade after Brazil’s deadly dam collapse, Indigenous peoples demand justice on the eve of COP30
'The Beast in Me' arrives on Netflix: Is it based on a true story? And what drew Claire Danes to it? What to know about the thriller series.
A company is trying to unlock a key to aging, in a long-overlooked body part












