
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
'Stranger Things' star debunks claims of 'unseen footage' from Season 5, Volume 2 as backlash intensifies ahead of the series finale - 2
Which Carrier Do You Suggest? Vote - 3
Inside the cockpit of RAF tanker during defensive mission against Iranian drones - 4
Vaccine committee votes to scrap universal hepatitis B shots for newborns despite outcry from children’s health experts - 5
Uzbekistan launches €9.46 billion green energy push, covering nation’s power needs
You finally got a doctor's appointment. Here's how to get the most out of it
How did I get my own unique set of fingerprints?
The German series proving subtitles can be sexy — and wildly addictive
Share your number one city visit transport that leaves a mark on the world wake up!
NASA astronauts take new moonsuit for a swim | Space photo of the day for Nov. 28, 2025
41 Young Men Die in South Africa After Circumcision Initiation
Newly Built Sichuan Hydropower Bridge Collapses Into River Months After Opening
Huge Iranian missile fragments, intercepted by air defenses, lay scattered across Israel, West Bank
Indian Health Service is digging out of decades-old construction backlog for medical buildings












