SpaceX Successfully Launches 20 Starlink Internet Satellites

SpaceX successfully launched another batch of its Starlink internet satellites into orbit on the evening of October 18, 2024. A Falcon 9 rocket, topped with 20 satellites, including 13 with direct-to-cell capability, lifted off from Florida at 7:31 p.m. EDT (2331 GMT). The launch marks yet another step in SpaceX’s efforts to expand its global broadband service.

The Falcon 9’s first stage returned to Earth approximately 8.5 minutes after liftoff, landing on the drone ship “Just Read the Instructions” stationed in the Atlantic Ocean. This was the 17th launch and landing for this booster, showcasing SpaceX’s commitment to reusability. The Falcon 9’s upper stage continued its mission, carrying the Starlink satellites to their intended orbit where they are scheduled to be deployed about 64 minutes post-launch.

According to astrophysicist and satellite tracker Jonathan McDowell, this new batch will join the expansive Starlink megaconstellation, which already comprises more than 4,500 satellites. Approximately 230 of these satellites are equipped with direct-to-cell capabilities, highlighting SpaceX’s ongoing development in satellite technology.

SpaceX has launched 96 Falcon 9 missions thus far in 2024, with around two-thirds of them focused on building the Starlink network. Including recent launches, the company has reached a total of 98 launches for the year and reports foretell even more scheduled attempts before the year concludes. This ambitious push reflects the company’s targeted plans set earlier this year for 144 Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy launches in 2024.

In additional developments, SpaceX is also slated to deliver the final batch of OneWeb‘s first-generation broadband satellites later this month. Meanwhile, its Starship program continues to progress with tests such as the Integrated Flight Test-5 conducting mid-air returns using mechanical arms mounted on the gantry.

Outside of SpaceX, industry updates indicate that Blue Origin is aiming towards the debut of its New Glenn system by the year’s end, although there has been little communication following a successful hot-fire test on September 23, 2024.

Notably, weather conditions have delayed the return of the SpaceX Crew-8 astronauts from the International Space Station, as rough seas off the Florida coast prevent splashdown operations.