SpaceX Launches New Batch of Starlink Satellites with Direct-to-Cell Capabilities
In the early hours of Wednesday morning (July 3), SpaceX successfully launched another batch of Starlink internet satellites from Florida after a two-hour delay.
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A Falcon 9 rocket carrying 20 Starlink satellites, including 13 equipped with direct-to-cell capabilities, lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 4:55 a.m. EDT (0855 UTC). Despite technical issues causing the delay, the three-hour launch window had opened at 2:57 a.m. EDT (0601 GMT).
Approximately eight minutes after liftoff, the Falcon 9’s first stage returned to Earth, landing on the droneship “A Shortfall of Gravitas” stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.
The Falcon 9’s upper stage continued its mission, delivering the 20 satellites to low Earth orbit, where they were deployed about 61 minutes after launch. These satellites will function as cellphone towers in space, eliminating dead zones without the need for phone modifications or special apps.
Highlights of the Launch:
- Booster’s 16th Mission: This was the 16th launch and landing for this particular Falcon 9 booster, with 10 of its 15 previous flights dedicated to Starlink missions.
- 67th Falcon 9 Mission of 2024: This launch marked the 67th Falcon 9 mission of the year. Over 70% of these launches have been focused on expanding the Starlink megaconstellation, which now includes more than 6,150 operational satellites.
Related SpaceX Activities:
- Falcon Heavy Launches: In addition to Falcon 9 missions, SpaceX has launched its powerful Falcon Heavy rocket once this year.
- Starship Test Flights: The company has also conducted two test flights of Starship, a next-gen vehicle designed to aid humanity in establishing a presence on the moon and Mars.
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