
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
Director Emerald Fennell explains why "Wuthering Heights" has quotation marks around the title - 2
This ‘CSI: Miami’ star spent years solving crimes on TV. Then she became the target of one herself. - 3
They died 'doing what they loved': The stories of workers in their 80s who died on the job - 4
European nations criticise Israel’s death penalty plans - 5
Scientists reveal earliest evidence for shifting of Earth’s crust
Moving Pool Highlights for 2024
Taylor Swift just released the 'Elizabeth Taylor' music video — but she's not the star of it
Concern for couple jailed in Tehran as British embassy closes
Extraordinary Guinness World Records That Will Astound You
From invasive species tracking to water security – what’s lost with federal funding cuts at US Climate Adaptation Science Centers
Brazil approves law strengthening protective measures for female victims of gender-based violence
A few Exemplary Chinese Dishes, Which Are Famous Around the world
Winter virus season so far is not too bad, but doctors worry about suffering to come
Involved Vehicles for Seniors: Track down the Best Picks for Solace and Unwavering quality












