SpaceX has launched a batch of its Starlink internet satellites into orbit from Vandenberg Space Force Base in coastal California. A Falcon 9 rocket carrying 24 Starlink craft lifted off at 1:04 p.m. EDT, successfully landed the first stage on the “Of Course I Still Love You” drone ship about 8 minutes later. This was the 17th launch and landing for booster B1081.
The upper stage of the Falcon 9 is currently deploying the Starlink satellites towards low Earth orbit, where they will join more than 8,100 operational craft in the constellation. SpaceX has launched 102 Falcon 9 missions this year, with over 70% being Starlink flights. The company is also gearing up for another test flight of its Starship rocket on August 24.
The Starlink network is growing rapidly, and SpaceX plans to deploy even more satellites in the future. This launch brings the total number of Starlink launches to 102 Falcon 9 missions this year alone.
Source: https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/spacex-launches-24-starlink-satellites-to-orbit-from-california-group-17-6