SpaceX launches batch of second-generation Starlink compact satellites
SpaceX sent a constellation of Starlink V2 Mini satellites into space ahead of Starship's first orbital launch. The 21 spacecraft were put into orbit by a Falcon 9 rocket.
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The rocket launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida. About 8 minutes later, the first stage landed on A Shortfall of Gravitas in the Atlantic Ocean.
The US company has successfully launched a total of 25 launches since the beginning of 2023. The Falcon 9 rocket's first stage was used for the eighth time.
SpaceX will use the Falcon 9 to orbit the Starlink V2 Mini compact telecommunications satellite. The company will use the Starship rocket system to launch larger Starlink Gen 2 satellites.
There are now more than 4,000 Starlink satellites in orbit. SpaceX has received permission to launch 12,000 vehicles. In addition, Elon Musk's company hopes to launch another 30,000 satellites.
Source: SpaceX