SpaceX Launches More Starlink Satellites to Orbit

On February 17, SpaceX launched 51 Starlink internet satellites to orbit on a Falcon 9 rocket from California's Vandenberg Space Force Base. This successful launch was the first of two orbital missions SpaceX had planned for that day. The Falcon 9 rocket's first stage landed safely on SpaceX's droneship in the Pacific Ocean off the California coast. The Falcon 9's upper stage deployed all 51 Starlink satellites to low Earth orbit 15.5 minutes after liftoff. SpaceX confirmed the success of the launch via Twitter.

Starlink Satellites by SpaceX

SpaceX's Starlink is a mega constellation of nearly 4,000 satellites that provide internet service to people around the world. The company has permission to launch 12,000 Starlink craft and has applied for approval to deploy 30,000 more satellites on top of that.

Friday's launch marked SpaceX's 11th orbital mission of the year, and the 12th occurred just hours later. A Falcon 9 rocket launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station carrying Inmarsat's I-6 F2 communications satellite to orbit.

SpaceX's Latest Launch

Thursday's mission, known as Starlink 5-3, was the 71st launch with the primary purpose of placing Starlink internet satellites into orbit. SpaceX has already deployed 3,875 Starlink satellites, with plans to add thousands more in the coming years.

The 53 Starlink internet satellites launched on Thursday headed into an orbital plane that is part of SpaceX's second-generation Starlink network, called Gen2. SpaceX plans to eventually launch second-generation Starlink satellites on the company's new Starship mega-rocket. These satellites will be larger and more capable than SpaceX's current fleet of Starlink spacecraft and will be capable of transmitting signals directly to cell phones. However, SpaceX officials have signalled that they will start launching the Gen2 satellites on Falcon 9 rockets while preparations for the first orbital test flight of the Starship rocket are still ongoing.

Conclusion

SpaceX's continuous efforts to launch more Starlink satellites into orbit reflect the company's commitment to providing internet services to people worldwide. With the successful launches of 51 and 53 Starlink satellites in just two days, SpaceX continues to make progress in expanding its mega constellation. The company's plan to launch larger and more capable second-generation Starlink satellites on its new Starship mega-rocket is also a significant development in the field of satellite internet services. It remains to be seen what new developments SpaceX will bring in the future as it continues to work towards its goal of global internet connectivity.