SpaceX achieved another milestone on December 11, launching its Falcon 9 rocket for the 300th time this year, a noteworthy feat in the realm of orbital missions. The rocket, carrying 29 Starlink satellites, lifted off from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida at 5:01 p.m. EST (2201 GMT). Approximately eight and a half minutes after launch, the Starlink satellites entered Earth orbit, marking the deployment of Group 6-90 into SpaceX’s expansive megaconstellation.
This launch saw the Falcon 9’s first stage, designated Booster 1083, successfully complete its 16th flight, landing on the autonomous droneship “Just Read the Instructions,” which was stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.
With this latest deployment, SpaceX’s Starlink network now comprises over 10,000 satellites, with more than 9,100 currently operational. The Starlink service has been instrumental in providing internet access to underserved regions globally and has facilitated cell-to-satellite communications as well as in-flight WiFi for certain airline partners.
This launch represents not only SpaceX’s 161st Falcon 9 flight of the year but also the 606th mission overall for the company. Additionally, it stands as a significant achievement in the landscape of aerospace endeavors, highlighting the growing momentum in satellite launches worldwide, as noted by Next Spaceflight. The cumulative efforts reflect the ongoing advancements in providing global internet connectivity, showcasing a positive trajectory for technological innovation and outreach to areas traditionally lacking access.