SpaceX began its busy year early today, launching another batch of Starlink internet satellites from Florida’s Kennedy Space Center. A Falcon 9 rocket carrying 29 Starlink spacecraft blasted off at 3:10 a.m. EST (0810 GMT) from historic Pad 39A, marking the company’s 103rd dedicated Starlink mission of 2023 alone.
This launch underscores SpaceX’s relentless pace in expanding its ambitious Starlink network. This latest group of satellites will eventually join over 8,800 already operational in low Earth orbit, forming the world’s largest constellation of spacecraft to date.
The Falcon 9 rocket employed for this mission is a veteran of spaceflight. Designated booster 1069, its first stage completed a successful landing on SpaceX’s drone ship “A Shortfall of Gravitas” in the Atlantic Ocean roughly eight and a half minutes after liftoff. This launch marked the 28th flight for booster 1069, bringing it closer to the record of 31 consecutive missions set last month by another Falcon 9 booster.
Less than an hour after departure, approximately 64 minutes into its trajectory, the rocket’s upper stage deployed the 29 Starlink satellites into their designated orbits.
This continuous stream of launches has raised ongoing discussions about the sheer scale and potential environmental impact of megaconstellations like Starlink. SpaceX maintains that these vast networks are vital for expanding global internet access, particularly to underserved areas. However, astronomers and some space agencies have expressed concerns regarding the increasing light pollution these constellations create in our night skies. This ongoing debate highlights the complex balance between technological advancement and its broader implications for scientific research and environmental preservation.
