SpaceX launches 22 next-generation Starlink V2 mini satellites into orbit
A Falcon 9 rocket launched a new batch of Starlink V2 mini telecommunications satellites into orbit. All of them have been successfully deployed.
Here's What We Know
The rocket launched on 19 May from the US Space Force complex at Cape Canaveral, Florida. As usual, the first stage returned to Earth after 8.5 minutes. It landed on the A Shortfall of Gravitas platform off the coast of Florida in the Atlantic Ocean. For her, it was her fifth launch.
Liftoff! pic.twitter.com/c8hzT8pqnf
- SpaceX (@SpaceX) May 19, 2023
Falcon 9's first stage has landed on the A Shortfall of Gravitas droneship pic.twitter.com/yBjjF8J52x
- SpaceX (@SpaceX) May 19, 2023
At the same time, the second stage delivered a group of 22 next-generation telecommunications satellites into orbit. Just over an hour after the mission's launch, SpaceX reported a successful deployment of all spacecraft.
Deployment of 22 @Starlink satellites confirmed
- SpaceX (@SpaceX) May 19, 2023
The aerospace company was able to build a constellation of more than 4,400 satellites in orbit. However, this number could increase almost 10-fold if SpaceX obtains all the necessary approvals to do so.
Source: SpaceX