
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
Artemis 2 captures historic 'Earthset' photo | Space photo of the day for April 7, 2026 - 2
Women take pride in Holy Week roles after a Spanish Catholic brotherhood's procession excluded them - 3
Robert Irwin on winning 'Dancing With the Stars' 10 years after sister Bindi: 'This was everything I dreamed it would be and so much more' - 4
Go With The Breeze: Grand Paragliding Spots On the planet - 5
Doctor's orders? ‘Belly laugh at least two to five days a week'
Takeda's AI-crafted psoriasis pill succeeds in late-stage studies
The most effective method to Redesign the Sound Framework in Your Smash 1500.
Flu cases spiking this holiday season, CDC data shows
Share your number one city visit transport that leaves a mark on the world wake up!
Cruising Solo All over the Planet: An Excursion of Self-Disclosure
Europe: 4 Urban communities for a Paramount Social Experience
From record warming to rusting rivers, 2025 Arctic Report Card shows a region transforming faster than expected
Astronauts welcome arrival of new crewmates | On the International Space Station this week Nov. 24-28, 2025
The Best Cell phone Brands for Tech Aficionados












