
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
Cheetos and Doritos to launch new versions without artificial dyes - 2
Ukrainian troops showed 'greater tactical imagination' than Western trainers, British officer says, pointing to their ambush tactics - 3
The most effective method to Really Adjust Hypothesis and Practice in Your Brain science Studies - 4
A photographer's journey to capture a blood moon rising over the South China Sea. 'It was an incredible moment' - 5
Change Your Physical make-up: Compelling Activities for Muscle Building
The Ascent of the Kona SUV: How Hyundai's Reduced Hybrid Is Vanquishing the Streets
5 Pizza Fixings That Characterize Your Character
Fossils from China show complex life evolved millions of years earlier than once thought
This Huge Ocean Beast Shifts Sharks’ Evolutionary Timeline
One month of war on Iran cost Arab countries up to $194bn: UNDP
Heavenly Pastry Confrontation: Pick Your #1 Sweet Treat!
People Are Sharing The One Picture They Can't See Without Laughing, And It's The Comedy Spiral You Need Today
True to life Authenticity d: A Survey of \Certifiable Stories\ Narrative
2 ways you can conserve the water used to make your food













