SpaceX launches 23 Starlink satellites into orbit from Florida in late-night liftoff (video) (2024)

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Did SpaceX launch 23 more Starlink Internet satellites into space? ›

SpaceX launches 23 Starlink satellites, lands Falcon 9 rocket on record 22nd flight (video) The flight marked the first time a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket has launched and landed 22 times. SpaceX launched 23 of its Starlink internet satellites to orbit today, marking a new milestone in the company's reusability mission.

How many Starlink satellites are in orbit? As of July 2024, there are 6,281 Starlink satellites in orbit, of which 6,206 are working, according to Astronomer Jonathan McDowell who tracks the constellation on his website.

A Falcon 9 rocket carrying the Starlink spacecraft lifted off tonight from California's Vandenberg Space Force Base at 10:35 p.m. EDT (7:35 p.m. local California time; 0235 GMT on July 12).

In Volusia County, immediately north of Brevard County — home to Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station — you can get a great view of a SpaceX, NASA or United Launch Alliance rocket launch. The best views to watch a rocket launch from here is along the beach.

The company has previously been launching 21-23 Starlink satellites per flight. Elon Musk confirmed the vehicle enhancement, writing, “Due to continued design improvements, this Falcon 9 carried its highest ever payload of 17.5 tons of useful load to a useful orbit.”

As per the reports of 'Yahoo News', astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell confirmed on July 12 that all 20 of the satellites had burned up during re-entry in the upper atmosphere.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Starlink satellites are designed to have a five-year lifespan before they are no longer in service. When Starlink satellites are no longer serviceable and begin to deorbit, they are destroyed as they re-enter our atmosphere.

While the first generation V1 satellites were produced for around $200,000 each, the latest V2 mini version carries a heftier price tag of $800,000, but that reflects its increased size and capabilities (from 260 kilograms to 730 kilograms).

The Starlink satellite train is usually visible shortly after the satellites have been deployed when they are at their lowest orbit. Starlink satellites travel very fast and complete one orbit of Earth every 90 minutes which means you can sometimes see them within just two hours of a previous sighting.

Starlink is a satellite internet constellation operated by Starlink Services, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of American aerospace company SpaceX, providing coverage to 102 countries. It also aims to provide global mobile broadband. SpaceX started launching Starlink satellites in 2019.

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Starlink is the world's first and largest satellite constellation using a low Earth orbit to deliver broadband internet capable of supporting streaming, online gaming, video calls and more.

Alternatively you can stick with Port Canaveral (Rt. 528), and be 8.3 miles from landing and have a clear view of both launch pads even though they are 10-13 miles away.

String of SpaceX StarLink satellites provides awesome sight

The most recent "VisorSat" Starlinks deploy a panel to prevent sunlight from reflecting back to Earth. Orbits of the satellites have also been adjusted to reduce the amount of time they move through the dawn and dusk hours that make them so visible.

The SpaceX Starship will have more powerful Raptor engines and could launch 200 tons at a time. This could be enough for 100 Gen 3 Starlink satellites. The International Space Station weighs about 420 tons. SpaceX with Starship will launch a Space Station worth of payload in two launches.

The Gen 2 router in the Standard Kit can cover an area of up to 610 sq. m. The new Standard comes with the Starlink Gen 3 router. The Gen 3 router uses Wifi 6 technology, providing faster Wi-Fi and a larger coverage range compared to the previous version.

To date, the company has launched more than 6,500 Starlink satellites to LEO, and about 6,000 of them are currently operational.

The second generation of Starlink satellites are significantly larger and more capable compared to those of the first generation. Reportedly these satellites will have a length of 7 m and width of 3.5 m and a mass of about 1200 kg. This makes Starship the only launch vehicle for the second generation satellites.