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
NASA, in a rare move, cuts space station mission short after an astronaut's medical issue - 2Nigeria warns its citizens in South Africa to be cautious after march turns violent
- 3Watch India launch advanced military satellite on rocket's 1st flight since May 2025 failure
- 4The last penny was pressed by the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia today. Could the nickel and dime be next?
- 5Cheetos and Doritos to launch new versions without artificial dyes
- Stunning new James Webb Space Telescope images reveal 'hidden' stars being born
- Twelve injured near Beit Shemesh, reports of shrapnel impact in Eilat as Iran targets Israel
- 8 Espresso Bean Starting points All over the Planet
- Police investigate Lahav 433 officer accused of sexually harassing subordinate policewoman
- The most effective method to Use an Internet Showcasing Degree for Advanced Predominance
- Spain's Easter processions draw more tourists amid Iran war
- Tens of thousands protest as far-right AfD forms new youth group
- Apollo's impatient old-timers are rooting for NASA's return to the moon with Artemis II launch
- Taylor Frankie Paul's domestic violence case is fueling discussions about DARVO. Experts say terms like this shouldn't be used lightly.
