SpaceX Launches 22 Starlink Satellites, Lands Rocket on Ship at Sea

SpaceX launched 22 Starlink satellites into orbit on Friday, August 11, and landed the returning rocket on a ship at sea. The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Florida's Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 1:17 a.m. EDT (0517 GMT). The first stage of the rocket landed on the SpaceX drone ship Just Read the Instructions about 8.5 minutes after launch.

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The 22 Starlink satellites were deployed into a low Earth orbit about 65 minutes after liftoff. The satellites will now spend several weeks in orbit testing their systems before they are activated and begin providing internet service.

This was the ninth launch and landing for the Falcon 9's first stage. SpaceX has now successfully reused this booster for nine missions, which is a record for any rocket in history.

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SpaceX is planning to launch thousands more Starlink satellites in the coming years. The company eventually hopes to have a constellation of over 42,000 Starlink satellites in orbit, providing internet service to people all over the world.

The launch of Starlink Group 6-9 is a significant milestone for SpaceX's ambitious plan to provide global internet access. The company is now one step closer to its goal of connecting everyone on Earth to the internet.