When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission.
The launch of a new batch of SpaceX Starlink satellites lit up the predawn sky in southern California today (Dec. 10) as the company marked its 160th flight of a Falcon 9 rocket this year.
Lifting off at 6:40 a.m. EST (1140 GMT or 3:40 a.m. PST local time) Wednesday from Vandenberg Space Force Base's Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E), the 27 broadband internet satellites (Group 15-11) were deployed into low Earth orbit just over an hour into the flight.
"Deployment of 27 Starlink satellites confirmed," SpaceX officials posted to social media.
Previous Booster 1082 missions
USSF-62 | OneWeb Launch 20 | NROL-145 | 14 Starlink missions
The first stage of the Falcon 9 rocket completed its 18th flight, landing back on the autonomous droneship "Of Course I Still Love You" positioned in the Pacific Ocean.
The Starlink megaconstellation now numbers more than 9,000 operational satellites, including the more than 3,000 launched just this year. The network provides access to the internet to areas around the world where there was no or sparse coverage, as well as enables WiFi access on commercial airliners and cell-to-satellite service on select providers.
Wednesday's launch was SpaceX's 165th overall launch of 2025 (including Starship test flights) and the 605th mission in the company's history.
LATEST POSTS
- 1
A 'rampaging lion' nebula roars to life in a stunning deep-space photo - 2At UN climate conference, some activists and scientists want more talk on reforming agriculture
- 35 Family SUVs for 2024: Which One Accommodates Your Family's Needs\uff1f
- 4Step by step instructions to Remain Spurred While Chasing after a Web-based Degree
- 5Most loved Web-based feature: Which Stage Do You Like
- There was a bit of toilet trouble on NASA's Artemis 2 mission to the moon
- ‘We are the alternative’: Anti-Hamas Gaza militia tells BBC group is receiving international support
- WHO suspends medical evacuations from Gaza following death of contractor in 'security incident'
- The Solution to Flexibility: Developing Internal Fortitude Notwithstanding Misfortune
- Forget 'Outer Banks.' These Gen Z-ers just want to watch 'M*A*S*H*' and 'Gilmore Girls.'
- IAF intercepts over 90% of drones launched by Iran, Hezbollah during Operation Roaring Lion
- Find the Specialty of Public Speaking: Drawing in and Convincing Crowds with Certainty
- Figure out How to Explore Land Close to 5G Pinnacles
- Find the Force of The ability to understand anyone on a deeper level: Improving Mindfulness and Connections
