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
What's your biological age? Experts explain the benefits and risks of at-home tests - 2The Best Traditional Music Arrangers in History
- 3Sean 'Diddy' Combs faces new sexual assault allegations, currently under investigation by Los Angeles Sheriff's Department
- 4I binged all 24 Hallmark Christmas movies in less than 30 days. I emerged a changed man.
- 5In a scientific first, biologists recorded a wild wolf potentially using tools
- Moon rush: These private spacecraft will attempt lunar landings in 2026
- Tuesday, April 7. Russia’s War On Ukraine: News And Information From Ukraine
- Cuba says 33 have died of mosquito-borne illnesses as epidemic rages
- Scientists may be overestimating the amount of microplastics in the environment – and the culprit is lab gloves
- British Columbia's Secret Lakeside Town With Hot Springs Is 'An Oasis Of Arts, Culture And Relaxation'
- The Most Notable Design Brands of the 21st Hundred years
- FDA official discusses potential link between COVID-19 vaccines and pediatric deaths
- Artemis II astronauts arrive at Florida launch site for first moon trip in 53 years
- Which Instax Camera Would it be a good idea for you to Purchase?
