
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
Step by step instructions to Pick the Ideal Authorize Internet Advertising Degree Program - 2
Watch comet C/2026 A1 plunge toward the sun online this week - 3
The Artemis II launch is tonight. Here's how to watch it live. - 4
Bolsonaro discharged from hospital and placed under house arrest - 5
Ukraine's new defense minister just outlined how dire its troop shortage has become
Step by step instructions to Shield Your Wellbeing Around 5G Pinnacles\
The most effective method to Begin Your Excursion in Gold Venture
Exclusive-Drugmakers raise US prices on 350 medicines despite pressure from Trump
4 Family SUVs: Joining Solace and Style
Colleges say foreign students feel 'unwelcome' in the U.S. amid big drop in international enrollment, new survey finds
How on earth did 'Shark Tank' star Kevin O'Leary end up in 'Marty Supreme'? I'll let him explain.
Plans for ‘stop anywhere’ night buses recommended by government for women’s safety
I watched the buzzy new AI documentary — and left feeling both hopeful and terrified
Astronauts on the ISS watched NASA's historic Artemis 2 launch from space













