SpaceX launched 24 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on Tuesday, marking another step in the company's effort to build a global broadband internet network. The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Space Launch Complex 4 East at 7:07 p.m. Pacific time, carrying the satellites to an orbit approximately 550 kilometers above Earth.
The first stage of the Falcon 9, designated B1100, successfully separated and landed on the droneship «Of Course I Still Love You» stationed in the Pacific Ocean. This was the 17th flight for this particular booster, according to SpaceX, which has been reusing first-stage boosters to reduce launch costs and increase launch frequency. The landing marked another milestone in the company's reusable rocket program, which has become a cornerstone of its operations.
The 24 Starlink satellites are part of the Starlink Group 17-46 mission, which aims to add capacity to the constellation that now numbers more than 6,000 operational satellites. SpaceX has been launching batches of Starlink satellites regularly, with the goal of providing high-speed internet access to underserved and remote areas around the world. The company has also begun offering direct-to-cell service for mobile phones, though the latest batch is designed for standard broadband coverage.
SpaceX's Starlink network has grown rapidly since its first launch in 2019, with the company receiving approval from the Federal Communications Commission to deploy up to 12,000 satellites, and has filed for permission to launch up to 30,000 more. The constellation already serves customers in over 70 countries, including residential, business, maritime, and aviation users. The service has been particularly valuable in regions with limited terrestrial internet infrastructure, such as rural areas in the United States, Canada, and parts of Africa and South America.
Tuesday's launch was the 46th Starlink mission of 2024, reflecting SpaceX's aggressive launch cadence. The company has launched more than 100 Falcon 9 missions this year, with the majority dedicated to Starlink. This high frequency has raised concerns among astronomers about light pollution and interference with scientific observations, though SpaceX has taken steps to reduce satellite brightness, including adding visors and adjusting orientation during orbit.
The Falcon 9 second stage deployed the satellites approximately 62 minutes after liftoff, placing them into a circular orbit. The satellites will use their ion thrusters to raise their orbits to the operational altitude over the coming weeks. SpaceX typically launches Starlink missions every few days, with the next launch expected from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida later this week.
The launch was originally scheduled for Monday but was delayed due to weather conditions at the recovery zone. SpaceX teams monitored the weather and determined that Tuesday provided better conditions for the landing attempt. The company has become adept at managing launch schedules, with backup opportunities often available within 24 to 48 hours.
SpaceX's Starlink division has become a significant revenue source for the company, with the service generating billions of dollars annually. The network has also been used by the U.S. military and other government agencies, including providing connectivity to Ukraine during the war with Russia. The company continues to refine the satellite design, with the latest version featuring improved bandwidth and reduced manufacturing costs.
The successful launch and landing underscore SpaceX's dominance in the commercial launch market, with the Falcon 9 being the most frequently launched rocket in the world. The company is also developing the Starship vehicle, which could eventually launch larger batches of Starlink satellites and support missions to the Moon and Mars. For now, the Falcon 9 remains the workhorse of the Starlink deployment, with each mission adding capacity to the growing network.