SpaceX successfully launched 20 Starlink satellites from Florida in the early hours of July 3rd, following a brief delay due to technical issues. The Falcon 9 rocket, carrying 20 Starlink spacecraft, including 13 with direct-to-cell capabilities, took off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 4:55 a.m. EDT.
The liftoff marked the 16th launch and landing for this particular booster, with ten of its previous missions being Starlink missions. The Falcon 9’s first stage returned to Earth about eight minutes after launch, landing on the droneship ‘A Shortfall of Gravitas’ in the Atlantic Ocean.
The upper stage of the Falcon 9 continued to deploy the 20 satellites into low Earth orbit approximately 61 minutes after liftoff. These satellites, including 13 with Direct to Cell capabilities, serve as cellphone towers in space, aiming to eliminate dead zones without requiring phone modifications or special apps.
Wednesday’s launch was the 67th Falcon 9 mission of 2024, with over 70% of the rocket’s launches this year dedicated to expanding the Starlink megaconstellation. Currently, the Starlink network comprises more than 6,150 operational satellites.
SpaceX’s continuous efforts to deploy Starlink satellites demonstrate the company’s commitment to enhancing global internet connectivity and expanding its presence in space technology. Stay tuned for more updates on SpaceX’s upcoming missions and achievements in the realm of space exploration.
