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
First Houthi launch toward Israel since war began triggers alerts across the Negev - 2Track down Your Optimal Conservative Vehicle: Famous Brands to Consider
- 3Fake new headlights rule steer Australian drivers astray
- 4The Latest: Fueling begins as NASA aims to send 1st crew to the moon in 53 years
- 5Nick Reiner's defense attorney asks to be replaced, again delaying arraignment in connection with the stabbing deaths of his parents, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner
- The Leonid meteor shower is peaking early this week. Here’s what to know
- Picking Your Next SUV: 4 Brands Offering Execution, Solace, and Wellbeing
- Vial marked 'Polonium 210' sparks scare during German Easter egg hunt
- Magnetic fossils may reveal ancient creature's internal 'GPS system'
- Clovis Unified students spend spring break traveling through China
- Language Learning Applications for Voyagers
- It Shouldn’t Be Here: Rescuers Race to Save Whale Stranded in Rare Spot
- A Gastronomic Experience in Healthy Enjoyments: A Survey of \Nutritious and Tasty\ Solid Cooking Recipe Book
- Vote in favor of the subject that you see as generally captivating and intelligent!
