
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
3 astronauts settle into their new life in orbit | On the International Space Station this week Dec. 1-5, 2025 - 2
My skin feels drier, my lips thinner and my makeup heavier. How do I adjust my routine for aging skin? - 3
How will the universe end? - 4
Astronomers detect black hole blasting winds at incredible speeds - 5
Novo Nordisk justifies reasoning behind failed GLP-1 Alzheimer's trials
Vote In favor of Your Favored Language Interpretation Administration
Ukrainian foreign minister appeals for funds for drones
Find Wonderful Stream Voyage Objections On the planet
Germany's Merz under fire in Brazil for his comments on Amazon host city of COP30
Accomplishing Balance between fun and serious activities: Procedures for a Better Life
CDC vaccine panel delays vote to stop recommending hepatitis B shot at birth
Virtual Domains d: A Survey of \Inundation and Ongoing interaction Mechanics\ Computer game
Investigating Free Cell Phones: What You Really want to Be aware
The gay hockey show no one saw coming — and everyone is suddenly obsessed with













