
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
Figure out How to Clean and Really focus on Your Lab Jewel - 2
Kissing is an ‘evolutionary conundrum.’ Scientists just mapped its unexpected origins - 3
Want to make America healthy again? Stop fueling climate change - 4
Fact Check: Some Bridge Photos Circulating Do NOT Show The Hongqi Bridge That Collapsed In Southwest China Nov. 11, 2025 - 5
Highlight Correlation of Microsoft Surface Book and Surface Genius Workstations for Determination
Party Urban areas of the World
Find the Captivating Professional flowerbeds of the US
Kidneys from Black donors are more likely to be thrown away − a bioethicist explains why
Thousands of Walgreens nasal spray bottles recalled. See which ones.
The Best Business visionaries Under 30
How did Ariana Grande get her Glinda voice? I’m the man behind the magic.
This Tiny Neon Frog Dwells in the Clouds
Poll: 62% of Americans would oppose U.S. military action in Greenland
Geminid shooting stars: One of 2025's most exciting meteor showers begins tonight













