
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
Improving as a Cook: Culinary Experiences in the Kitchen - 2
Egypt's cafés and shops forced to close early due to Iran war - 3
The most effective method to Keep up with Proficient Handshakes in a Computerized World - 4
NASA funds new tech for upcoming 'Super Hubble' to search for alien life: 'We intend to move with urgency' - 5
New subclade K flu strain raises concerns: What families should know
Amy Poehler's podcast is a hit. It's also a Trojan horse for talking about women and aging.
5 VIP Voice Exhibitions in Energized Movies
Inside the alleged Russian operation to trigger anti-government protests in Angola
South Africa pushes for $200B investment
Vote in favor of your #1 Kind of Cap
Kidneys from Black donors are more likely to be thrown away − a bioethicist explains why
Relentless rise in carbon pollution from fossil fuels slightly dampens climate-fighting hopes
Instructions to Pick the Ideal Pre-assembled Home for Your Necessities
Teen drug use remains low, but survey finds small rise in heroin and cocaine use













