
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
UK can legally stop shadow fleet tankers, ministers believe - 2
Home Plan Tips for Seniors - 3
German Winemakers Rewrite The Rules Of Riesling In A Warming World - 4
Ukraine's new defense minister just outlined how dire its troop shortage has become - 5
10 Work Valuable chances to Assist with supporting Your Advanced degree
Safeguarding Your Senior Protection Against Extortion and Tricks.
Picking Childcare Administrations for Your Loved ones
Don't plan to cook on Thanksgiving? Here are the restaurants and fast food places that are scheduled to be open
Warnings rise for U.S. as severe flu strain causes outbreaks in Canada, U.K.
From White Elephant to Favorite Things parties, here are all the rules you need to know every kind of gift exchange
China's Normal Ponders: A Visual Excursion
Herzog, German Chancellor Merz discuss final Gaza hostage, Arrow 3 exchange in Jerusalem
Why this Tennessee special election has the 'whole world' watching
Book excerpt: "Eat Your Ice Cream" by Ezekiel J. Emanuel, M.D.











