The company has re-equipped the orbital constellation of the global Internet coverage network with a new batch of devices.
The Falcon 9 launch vehicle has successfully launched another batch of Starlink Internet system mini-satellites into orbit. It was announced on January 26 by SpaceX.
“Takeout of 56 Starlink satellites confirmed,” said the post on Twitter.
The launch took place on Thursday at 04:32 US East Coast time (11:32 Kyiv time) from the launch complex at Cape Canaveral in Florida.
19 minutes after launch, the Starlink satellites separated from the rocket’s second stage and entered regular orbit.
lift off! pic.twitter.com/nLJdSIiPZZ
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) January 26, 2023
The first reusable stage of the launch vehicle, used for the ninth time, nine minutes later made a vertical controlled landing on an offshore platform in the Atlantic.
In addition, a special SpaceX rescue vehicle had to lift two flaps of the rocket head fairing from the water, which, after separation, descended by parachute.
Fairing reuse saves SpaceX up to $6 million on launches.
Falcon 9 first stage lands on Just Read the Instructions droneship pic.twitter.com/Es18PGOMsm
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) January 26, 2023
Remember that SpaceX is currently the world’s largest satellite operator. Internet from Starlink is available to users in 44 countries around the world.
Considering the current launch, the company has already put into orbit about 3.8 thousand Starlink satellites. Some of them failed or went out of orbit. About 3.5 thousand devices remain in working condition.
In the future, SpaceX plans to deploy an orbital constellation of 12,000 spacecraft (and later – of 30,000) to create a full-scale network.
Recall that by the end of December 2022, the company launched 54 second-generation Starlink satellites into orbit.
SpaceX launches Ukrainian nanosatellite into orbit
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Source: korrespondent
I am Ben Stock, a passionate and experienced digital journalist working in the news industry. At the Buna Times, I write articles covering technology developments and related topics. I strive to provide reliable information that my readers can trust. My research skills are top-notch, as well as my ability to craft engaging stories on timely topics with clarity and accuracy.