
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
White House responds to Sabrina Carpenter after pop star slams 'evil' ICE video using her song - 2
Millions in JDM Exports and Exotic Supercars Are Currently Trapped at Sea - 3
'Backward and upward and tilted': Spaceflight causes astronauts' brains to shift inside their skulls - 4
The most effective method to Safeguard Your Teeth from Acidic Food varieties and Beverages - 5
Kennedy approves adding two rare disorders to newborn screenings
Israel kidnaps PIJ terrorist in covert op. in Hamas-controlled Gaza in pursuit of Ran Gvili
Research institutions tout the value of scholarship that crosses disciplines – but academia pushes interdisciplinary researchers out
Scientists may be overestimating the amount of microplastics in the environment – and the culprit is lab gloves
CDC's upcoming vote on hepatitis B vaccine could impact childhood immunization
'Euphoria' Season 3 trailer includes Eric Dane's final appearance, Jacob Elordi and Sydney Sweeney at the altar and Rue's 'Breaking Bad' era
One perk to marrying Richard Marx later in life? 'We don't have time' for stupid arguments, says Daisy Fuentes.
Which Store is Your Decision ?
Manual for 10 Scrumptious Specialty Mixed drinks
Trump declares Christmas Eve and Dec. 26 federal holidays: What does that mean?










