SpaceX successfully launched its fourth batch of Starlink satellites into orbit and achieved a rocket landing on January 29 following several delays due to bad weather.
A Falcon 9 rocket was launched roared to life at 6:06 pm local time, lifting off from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.
The rocket carried 60 Starlink satellites for SpaceX’s growing constellation, the second such launch by the company this month. The satellites all successfully deployed about an hour after liftoff.
Each satellite is identical, weighing in at roughly 220 kg, and is part of a larger network that aims to provide global internet coverage.
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has said the company will need at least 400 satellites in orbit to provide minimal coverage, and at least 800 to provide moderate internet coverage.
Following the launch, the rocket’s first stage touched down on a SpaceX’s drone ship landing platform Of Course I Still Love You in the Atlantic Ocean, marking the company’s 49th booster recovery.
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