
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
The most effective method to Help a Friend or family member Determined to have Cellular breakdown in the lungs - 2
Shipping: The Corridors of Trade and the Coming of Another Period - 3
Yasser Abu Shabab's killing raises questions about Israel's militia strategy in Gaza - 4
It's been 20 years since MTV's golden couple split. These producers saw it all unravel. - 5
Holiday season sees uptick in norovirus cases, according to CDC
The most effective method to Connect Successfully with Teachers in a Web based Setting
Vote in favor of your Number one kind of juice
Watch Chinese astronauts enjoy '1st ever space BBQ' from Tiangong's brand-new oven (video)
Share your pick for the miniature headphones that you generally suggest!
Dependable Savvy Locks to Update Your Home Security
Turkey, Egypt, Qatar discuss second phase of Gaza ceasefire deal
Massachusetts court hears arguments in lawsuit alleging Meta designed apps to be addictive to kids
New images reveal interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS approaching Earth
Everyday Seasonal Positions That Compensate Fairly in the US













