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.
Previous Booster 1082 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 whether 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 (including Starship test flights) and 605th mission in the company’s history.
