SpaceX launched another batch of its broadband satellites from Florida early Sunday morning (Dec. 8). The Falcon 9 rocket successfully deployed 23 Starlink spacecraft, including 13 with direct-to-cell capabilities, into low Earth orbit (LEO).
The rocket’s first stage landed on the SpaceX droneship “A Shortfall of Gravitas” eight minutes after launch, as planned. This was the second liftoff and touchdown for this particular booster. The upper stage also successfully deployed the 23 satellites in LEO.
This launch marks the 123rd Falcon 9 liftoff of the year, with nearly 70% of these missions focused on building out the Starlink megaconstellation, the largest network of satellites ever assembled. The Starlink constellation currently houses over 6,800 operational spacecraft, including 350 capable of providing direct-to-cellphone service.
The launch is part of SpaceX’s efforts to expand its broadband internet services globally. With this recent addition, more people around the world can enjoy high-speed internet access from space.
Source: https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/spacex-launches-23-starlink-internet-satellites-from-florida