
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
Hostile to Maturing Skincare Items to Rejuvenate Your Skin - 2
‘The White Lotus’ sparked online interest in risky anxiety pills, study says - 3
Closets for Your Room: Plan and Utility Features - 4
When fake data is a good thing – how synthetic data trains AI to solve real problems - 5
Your big brain makes you human – count your neurons when you count your blessings
Astrophotographer captures rare footage of the Hubble Telescope crossing the sun (video)
Dear Santa: I want Botox. Why cosmetic procedures are topping holiday wish lists.
Instructions to Pick the Best Album Rates for Your Investment funds
My prescription costs what?! Pharmacists offer tips that could reduce your out-of-pocket drug costs
New dinosaur tracks in Italy illustrate herds moving in unison
Relentless rise in carbon pollution from fossil fuels slightly dampens climate-fighting hopes
Unfathomable and Entertaining Legal disputes That Surprise everyone
Avoid Slam: Exploring the Pickup Truck Transformation
True to life Authenticity d: A Survey of \Certifiable Stories\ Narrative













