
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
Pleasant Cycle Courses All over the Planet - 2
The Manual for Decent European Urban communities in 2024 - 3
AfD faction in western Germany ousts councilman for firebrand speech - 4
Mysterious bright blue cosmic blasts triggered by black holes shredding stars, scientists say. 'It's definitely not just an exploding star.' - 5
Understanding Successful Compromise Standards to Cultivate Agreeable Connections
UB professor shares his experience on almost becoming an astronaut
December's overlooked meteor shower peaks next week — will the Ursids surprise us?
Moon-bound Artemis II astronauts enjoy a relaxed day in space
Dominating the Remote Work Way of life: Individual Systems
'The best gift ever': Baby is born after the rarest of pregnancies, defying all odds
What to watch for as NASA’s historic Artemis II crew prepares to lift off toward the moon
Spanish woman, 25, dies by legal euthanasia in case that drew national spotlight
I served on the expert committee that advised the government on new dietary guidelines – most of our recommendations were ignored
5 VIP Voice Exhibitions in Energized Movies












