
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
British Columbia's Secret Lakeside Town With Hot Springs Is 'An Oasis Of Arts, Culture And Relaxation' - 2
The Ascent of the Kona SUV: How Hyundai's Reduced Hybrid Is Vanquishing the Streets - 3
Instructions to Explore the Therapy Choices for Cellular breakdown in the lungs - 4
The Following Huge Thing: 5 Progressive Tech New businesses - 5
Iran, Hezbollah fire rockets at Israel during Passover celebrations
Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS to pass closest to Earth on Friday
Astronomers discover never-before-seen celestial object: "Cloud 9"
The gay hockey show no one saw coming — and everyone is suddenly obsessed with
Most loved Amusement Park for Small children: Which One Do You Suggest?
At least 11 killed in South Africa mass shooting
The Best 10 Innovation Developments of the Year
Can a mammogram help identify heart disease?
Nordic people know how to beat the winter blues. Here's how to find light in the darkest months
Flat Earth, spirits and conspiracy theories – experience can shape even extraordinary beliefs













