
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
Why the chemtrail conspiracy theory lingers and grows – and why Tucker Carlson is talking about it - 2
Opening Potential: Self-awareness and Long lasting Learning - 3
The cheap health insurance promoted by Trump officials has this catch - 4
The Way to Recuperation: Defeating Dependence - 5
FDA official discusses potential link between COVID-19 vaccines and pediatric deaths
Wizz CEO: We’re going to invest $1 b. in Israeli market
When will the Epstein files be released — and will they reveal anything new?
Pentagon advances Golden Dome missile defense with new Space Force contracts
Kona SUV: Exploring the Future with Hyundai's Visionary Hybrid
Promising Speculation Bearings for Portfolio Development in 2024
German-Polish man charged with calling for attacks on top politicians
She was moments away from giving birth. The hospital discharged her
Best Amusement Park Bite: What Do You Very much want to Crunch On?
Kids get diseases like lupus, too. As researchers hunt better treatments, this camp brings joy












