CAPE CANAVERAL: SpaceX launched 20 Starlink internet satellites from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, marking another step in the company’s ambitious plan to expand its global satellite internet network. The launch took place at 7:31 p.m. EDT and included 13 satellites equipped with direct-to-cell capability.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the Falcon 9 rocket’s first stage returned to Earth about 8.5 minutes after liftoff, successfully landing on the SpaceX drone ship “Just Read the Instructions” stationed in the Atlantic Ocean. This marks the 17th launch and landing for this particular booster, underscoring SpaceX’s commitment to reusability and sustainability in space missions.

The Falcon 9’s upper stage continued its trajectory to low Earth orbit, where it is scheduled to deploy the Starlink satellites approximately 64 minutes after liftoff. These satellites will join the current Starlink megaconstellation, which consists of more than 6,400 active spacecraft. Of these, about 230
are direct-to-cell satellites, further enhancing SpaceX’s internet service capabilities.

SpaceX has completed 96 Falcon 9 missions in 2024, with two-thirds dedicated to expanding the Starlink network. Additionally, the company has conducted two Falcon Heavy missions and three test flights of its Starship megarocket this year, demonstrating its robust presence in the aerospace industry.