
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
The Best Games Crossroads in History - 2
‘Ukrainian housewives’ and Skyranger delays – German defense poster child Rheinmetall is in hot water - 3
What happened to Eleven after the ambiguous 'Stranger Things' series finale? Millie Bobby Brown knows — but 'swore herself to secrecy' - 4
Bismuth’s haredi draft bill won’t change enlistment, IDI expert tells 'Post' - 5
James Webb Space telescope spots 'big red dot' in the ancient universe: A ravenous supermassive black hole named 'BiRD'
The Best Computer games Ever
Unsold Rams May Be Less expensive Than You Suspect
Presenting Nintendo's New Pastel Bliss Con Tones for Switch Gamers: 3 Smart Choices
U.K. blocks Kanye West from entering Britain to headline now canceled festival: What led to the ban
German Winemakers Rewrite The Rules Of Riesling In A Warming World
Kuwait is softening stance on Israel, dissident tells ‘Post’ after viral UN speech
My prescription costs what?! Pharmacists offer tips that could reduce your out-of-pocket drug costs
Where You Could Sleep With Snorlax in Japan, From MIMARU’s Pokémon Rooms to Grand Hyatt Tokyo’s Limited Pokémon Suite
Jillian Michaels put me at the center of a body positivity debate. She's not entirely wrong about obesity.













