SpaceX Launches 52 Starlink Satellites - Latest Update

SpaceX Continues Starlink Satellite Deployment

SpaceX achieved another successful launch on Saturday, deploying 52 Starlink internet broadband satellites into orbit. This launch occurred within a week of their previous satellite deployment mission.

In addition to the Starlink satellites, the launch also carried a small satellite belonging to Capella Space, a startup company, and an observation satellite developed by Tyvak. The launch originated from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Saturday evening.

Falcon 9 Booster's Performance

A previously flown Falcon 9 booster was utilized for this mission, having already completed seven prior launches and landings. This included participation in three previous Starlink deployments.

The booster departed the launch pad at 6:56 PM ET (3:56 PM PT) and successfully returned to Earth approximately nine minutes afterward. It executed a precise vertical landing on SpaceX’s autonomous drone ship, “Of Course I Still Love You,” positioned in the Atlantic Ocean.

Reusability and Launch Acceleration

Since March, SpaceX has launched over 530 Starlink satellites, and notably, all of these launches have employed reusable rockets. Rocket reusability is a crucial element in minimizing launch costs.

This cost-effectiveness is particularly significant as SpaceX serves as both the provider of the launch services and the customer for the Starlink service itself. Consequently, the company has been able to significantly accelerate its Starlink launch schedule, having completed 28 launches to date.

Plans are underway for at least one further launch later this month.

Starlink Service and Future Expansion

SpaceX recently reported receiving over half a million pre-order reservations for its Starlink broadband service. Currently, Starlink is available in beta testing to customers in six nations.

• Australia
• New Zealand
• The U.S.
• The United Kingdom
• Mexico
• Canada

Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, has stated the company’s objective is to have its low Earth orbit broadband internet network fully operational across almost the entire world by the end of 2021.