
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
Vote in favor of your Number one method for commending a birthday - 2
Your kid wants it now. What saying yes, no or not yet teaches kids about money and instant gratification. - 3
I read 115 books this year. 'Wuthering Heights,' 'Heart the Lover' and 'The House of My Mother' were among my 10 favorites. - 4
NASA to bring astronauts home from space station early due to a medical issue - 5
Manual for 10 Scrumptious Specialty Mixed drinks
Israel and Iran continue tit-for-tat attacks
The many ways that baking is winter therapy. With a delicious ending
COGAT discovers motor oil hidden inside UN's humanitarian aid to Gaza in smuggling attempt
Rescuers attempt to dig free whale stranded on Germany's Baltic coast
Flu cases spiking this holiday season, CDC data shows
Best Quest for new employment Site for You to Track down Amazing open doors
What is Fusarium graminearum, the fungus a Chinese scientist pleaded guilty to smuggling into the US?
Russia’s New KVS Drone May Be Designed To Restore Reach In The FPV War
2025 among world's three hottest years on record, WMO says













